Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 18 January 2024
359. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if she will provide an update on the RRDF project associated with (see details supplied) its current status, the next project steps and estimated project completion timeline; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2168/24]
View answer360. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if she will provide an update on the RRDF project associated with ( details supplied) its current status, the next project steps and estimated project completion timeline; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2169/24]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 359 and 360 together.
The Rural Regeneration and Development Fund (RRDF) provides funding for the development and construction of capital projects in towns, villages and rural areas across Ireland.
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 fifth call for Category 1 applications is now open. The closing date is 8 February 2024.
The Ballintubber Abbey Culture and Heritage Visitor Centre project was allocated RRDF funding of €2,677,352 from the second call for Category 1 applications in 2019. Since the project was approved for funding in principle, the cost has increased significantly and a shortfall in the match funding required for the project has arisen.
My officials have engaged extensively with Mayo County Council in relation to this project. Our shared objective is to ensure the delivery of a high quality and value for money project for the local community. With this in mind, and given the fundamental and substantial changes to the costing of this project, my officials have advised Mayo County Council that consideration should be given to reapplying for funding for the revised scope of the project under the Category 1 call for RRDF applications that is currently open.
The Ballyhaunis Community Vision project was allocated funding of €105,850.75 from the second call for Category 2 applications in 2020. The funding was to develop plans to regenerate the town, including the redevelopment of a former convent school to provide a new community hub and the creation of a new public plaza adjoining the hub. The project is now complete and an application for the capital project may be submitted to the fifth call for Category 1 applications.
