Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 17 December 2020
32. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development when it is envisaged that the successful projects under the latest round of the rural regeneration and development fund will be announced; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43611/20]
View answerThe Rural Regeneration and Development Fund established under the National Development Plan and managed by my Department supports large-scale investment in projects which can deliver sustainable economic and social development in rural areas.
The third call for Category 1 applications closed on 1st December and 66 applications were received.
The application process for the Fund is competitive in nature. Applications will now be assessed by my Department under the oversight of a Project Advisory Board. This independent Board is comprised of representatives from key Government Departments as well as independent experts.
On completion of this process, my Department will prepare a report setting out recommended projects and my role as Minister will be to consider that report and make final decisions in relation to the allocation of funding. It is hoped that the call could be concluded by the end of Q1 2021.
