The third call for Category 1 applications under the Rural Regeneration and Development scheme - relating to large-scale capital projects at an advanced stage of readiness - is currently open. The closing date for applications is the 1st December 2020 and no applications have yet been submitted.
The application process for the Fund is competitive in nature and applications under this call will undergo a comprehensive assessment by my Department under the oversight of a Project Advisory Board, comprised of representatives from key Government Departments as well as independent experts.
Recommendations for successful projects will then be submitted to me, as Minister, based on the outcome of the internal assessment process, the observations and advice of the Project Advisory Board, the extent to which projects align with the overall objectives of the Fund and the requirement to achieve balanced regional development.