Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 7 November 2023
1458. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development what plans are in place for derelict building (details supplied); if he will outline the monies allocated to same; to provide a timeline for works; what stage the authority is at presently; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47932/23]
View answer1459. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development what plans are in place for derelict building (details supplied); if she will outline monies allocated to same and a timeline for works; what stage they are presently at; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47933/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 1458 and 1459 together.
The Rural Regeneration and Development Fund (RRDF) 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 €410 million for projects costing €561 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 Castleblayney Market Square Regeneration project was awarded funding of €3.5 million from the second call for Category 1 projects to the RRDF in 2019. The project includes the refurbishment and extension of the Hope Castle Gate Lodge in the centre of the town to provide a modern public library, gallery space and cultural and creative space. I am happy to confirm that I will be officially opening the completed project later this week.
The Castleblayney Market Square Regeneration Phase 2 project was awarded funding of €295,000 from the second call for Category 2 applications to the RRDF in 2020. This project will develop plans for the refurbishment of the Market House building for use as a multi-purpose community facility, as well as public realm works of the Market Square. Part 8 planning approval was granted in November 2022 and it is expected that the detailed designs for the project will be finalised by the end of 2023.
