I propose to take Questions Nos. 80, 93, 100 and 101 together.
The first call for applications for the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund closed at the end of September.
There were 280 applications received. 126 applications were Category 1 “shovel ready” projects while 154 related to Category 2 projects - those which needed development funding to become potential Category 1 applications in future calls for applications.
In November 2018, I announced the first set of 18 successful Category 1 projects, providing €24.4m in funding for projects with an overall value of €34.6m. Last month in Castleblayney, I announced another 20 successful Category 1 projects and 46 Category 2 projects which will benefit from support from the Fund of €62m, with a total project value of €83m. Overall, this first call from the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund will provide €86m in support for projects worth €117m.
My Department is currently finalising milestones and schedules with the successful lead applicants as part of due diligence and contractual arrangements. Payment dates are also being agreed as part of this process.
In terms of the second call for applications under the Fund, I can confirm that I expect to be in a position to make an announcement in that regard shortly. Before making this announcement I am reflecting on the first call, any lessons which can learned from it and the feedback my Department and I have received from applicants on their experience to date.