Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 17 February 2022
21. Deputy Martin Browne asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the engagements she has had with the organisations from County Tipperary that have requested feedback regarding unsuccessful applications for Tipperary town under the Rural Regeneration Development Fund category 2 as announced on 2 January 2022; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8765/22]
View answerThe Rural Regeneration and Development Fund provides funding for the development and construction of capital projects in towns and villages and rural areas across Ireland. The Fund has, to date, allocated funding of €277 million for 191 projects across the country worth a total of €375 million.
The third call for Category 2 applications to the Fund closed on 30th July 2021. 53 applications were received.
The application process for the Fund is competitive in nature. The assessment of applications is undertaken by my Department under the oversight of the Project Advisory Board, which includes representatives from other Government Departments as well as independent experts. Once that process is complete, my Department prepares a report setting out recommended projects and my role as Minister is to consider that report and make final decisions in relation to the allocation of funding. On 6th January 2022, I announced that 27 projects had been successful under this call and approved €21.5m in development funding for the projects. Feedback from my officials to those who submitted applications is ongoing.
Amongst the unsuccessful applications was the Tipperary Town Revitalisation Phase I project submitted by Tipperary County Council. I understand an official from my Department has engaged with officials from the council, and met with the council and Tipperary Town Task Force representatives to provide feedback on the aforementioned application.
I announced the fourth call for Category 1 applications in December 2021. An application form and guidance document is available on my Department’s website for those seeking further information. It is important that prospective applicants carefully consider the guidance issued as part of the call for applications to ensure that their proposal is in alignment with the stated focus of the call and the objectives of the Fund. My Department will also liaise with prospective applicants to provide further guidance as necessary.
