Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 13 June 2023
1398. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if she will seek an update on the long-awaited and now much-delayed Ardee Castle redevelopment, funded through the rural regeneration and redevelopment fund; the reason for the delays; if a projected timeline can be provided; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28035/23]
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.
The Fund is central to achieving the objectives and key deliverables of "Our Rural Future" – the Government's five year policy for Rural Ireland. The projects supported by the Fund assist in the regeneration of rural towns and villages including by addressing vacancy and dereliction and positioning them for further growth through regeneration and town centre renewal. The Fund also invests in strategic projects that contribute to further economic development in rural areas.
The Ardee Castle project was approved for funding of €2,147,000 from the first call for Category 1 (i.e. shovel-ready) applications in 2019. The project will refurbish the historic Ardee Castle building located in the centre of the town to develop a visitor attraction and a central information, interpretation and orientation hub. The lead party for this project is Louth County Council.
I have been informed by my officials that the progress of the project has been delayed due to the national monument status of the building. However the detailed design for the project is completed and Louth County Council are in the process of finalising the tender documentation. The tender is expected to be advertised in July and the contractor appointed by the end of 2023. It is estimated that the project will have a 12 month construction period.
