Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 31 May 2022
842. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development when successful projects will be announced under the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund; the total value of applications received under the latest round; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27510/22]
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. To date, 191 projects have been approved for funding of €278 million for projects costing €377 million.
Calls for applications to the Fund are sought under two categories – Category 1 and Category 2. Category 1 relates to large scale ambitious capital projects with all necessary planning and other consents in place and which are ready to proceed. Category 2 provides smaller grant funding to enable the development of project proposals suitable for future calls for Category 1 applications.
The fourth call for Category 1 applications to the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund closed on the 29th of April 2022. My Department received 42 applications to this call seeking funding of over €149 million.
The application process for the Fund is competitive in nature. Applications are currently being assessed by my Department under the oversight of the Project Advisory Board, comprised of representatives from key Government Departments and independent experts. Once the assessment process is complete, my Department will prepare a report setting out recommended projects. My role as Minister will be to consider that report and make final decisions in relation to the allocation of funding.
I expect to in a position to announce the successful projects later in the year.
