Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 22 January 2025
1750. Deputy Noel McCarthy asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the total funding made available to a project (details supplied); the amount of funding drawn down to date; the current status of the project; the works conducted to date; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1345/25]
View answerThe Rural Regeneration and Development Fund (RRDF) is a strategic capital investment fund that is key to the delivery of Ireland's rural development policy, Our Rural Future 2021-2025. RRDF provides funding for the development and construction of capital projects in towns and villages and rural areas across Ireland. Funding is allocated to Local Authorities and other State-funded bodies, who take the lead role in individual projects.
Cork County Council is the lead partner for the Youghal Public Library project. It was awarded funding of c. €4.05m under the third Call for Category 1 proposals to the RRDF in 2021. The amount of RRDF funding drawn down to date is c. €250,000. Works will see the renovation and extension of derelict buildings and a site on Youghal's North Main Street to provide a new library and revitalised streetscape.
As was highlighted in a previous response (July 2024) Cork County Council has advised my Department that, since the funding was approved in 2021, the condition of the building has deteriorated further and some fundamental structural issues relating to internal floors have emerged. Most recently, the Council has confirmed that demolition and other works commenced in Q3 2024 with an approximate 20 week schedule. These works were originally due to be completed by end of January 2025 but delays due to recent adverse weather will push this completion date until the end of February 2025.
The Council has indicated that the substantive tender to deliver the project will be advertised following completion of these works and that the project is estimated to be completed in Q4 2026.
Given the benefits that this project can deliver to the community in Youghal, I have instructed my officials to remain in ongoing contact with Cork County to support the delivery of this important project.
