Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 30 May 2023
812. Deputy James O'Connor asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the position regarding the €4 million regeneration funding for Youghal town; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26107/23]
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, 215 projects have been approved for funding of €398 million for projects costing €545 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 Regeneration of Youghal Town Centre project was awarded Category 2 funding of €281,250 in 2020. This project will develop plans for the regeneration of the Town Centre and the development of a future vision for the disused former courthouse. The project is at an advanced stage and is estimated to be completed by quarter 4 of 2023.
The Youghal Public Library project was awarded funding of €4,048,511 under the third Call for Category 1 proposals to the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund in 2021. The total cost of the project is €4,498,346. This project will deliver a modern and fully-resourced library for the town through the complete renovation and extension of a collection of derelict buildings on Youghal's North Main Street.
The detailed design for the project is currently being developed and the estimated completion date is quarter 1 of 2026.
