I propose to take Questions Nos. 810 and 811 together.
Arising from the first and second calls under this scheme, 63 Category 1 projects have been approved for funding of €131 million and 76 Category 2 projects have been approved for funding of €35 million. Category 1 relates to major projects that can drive sustainable rural regeneration and development, while Category 2 supports projects that require development funding to bring projects to a stage where they are ready to apply under Category 1 calls.
To date, €38 million has been drawn down for approved Category 1 and Category projects.
The yearly allocations for Category 1 and Category 2 projects is set out below:
Year
|
Allocation
|
2019
|
€52m
|
2020
|
€53m
|
The allocation for 2021 will be confirmed as part of the annual budgetary process.
As signalled in the National Development Plan 2018-2027, the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund has since integrated the Town and Village Renewal Scheme and the Outdoor Recreational Infrastructure Scheme as part of its overall funding allocation, though these schemes continue to be delivered on a standalone basis, with separate application and appraisal processes.