Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 13 July 2022
591. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the status of the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund 1 funding application submitted by Clare County Council to her Department for the Inis Cealtra Holy Island visitor experience; when a decision will be made on the application; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38422/22]
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 April 2022. My Department received 42 applications to this call, together seeking funding of over €149 million. I understand that an application was received from Clare County Council for the project referred to by the Deputy.
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 be in a position to announce the successful projects in the coming months.
