Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 7 February 2024
596. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if there are funding applications with her Department specifically relating to a building in Castleblayney (details supplied); if her Department has had any discussions on this derelict structure; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5210/24]
View answerThe 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 €414 million for projects costing €570 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.
My Department has not received an application for funding in respect of Hope Castle itself under previous rounds of the RRDF. However, I was delighted to officially open the new Castleblayney Library on the 10th of November. This project was funded by my Department under the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund and has seen the complete transformation of the previously derelict Hope Castle Gate Lodge Building. I also announced a new call for applications under the RRDF on the day and the closing date for applications is the 8th of February 2024.
The application process under the RRDF is competitive in nature and applications can be made by State-funded bodies i.e. local authorities, local development companies, State agencies, other Government Departments etc. Lead parties to applications are encouraged to partner with other organisations, including communities, to put forward proposals. An application form and guidance document are available on my Department’s website for those seeking further information.
