Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 19 January 2022
2048. Deputy Martin Browne asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the process involved in identifying successful applications under the Rural Regeneration Development Fund category 2 as announced on 2 January 2022; the way successful applications are identified and decided upon; the reason three projects identified for Tipperary town were not deemed suitable; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1322/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra2058. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the reason Tipperary town was unsuccessful in its application under the recently announced rural regeneration development fund; if her Department will meet with Tipperary town officials to discuss the project; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1850/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra2061. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the full details of the process of the way the Rural Regeneration Development Fund applications are assessed, scored and funding awarded. [2021/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 2048, 2058 and 2061 together.
The Rural Regeneration and Development Fund provides funding for the development and construction of capital projects in towns and villages and rural areas across Ireland. The Fund has, to date, through a series of calls allocated funding of €277 million for 191 projects across the country worth a total of €374 million.
The application process for the Fund is competitive in nature. 53 applications were received under the Category 2 call for applications which concluded in January 2022 and, of these, 27 emerged as successful.
All applications to the Fund are subjected to a comprehensive assessment process in line with published guidance. In the first instance, the applications are assessed by my Department in accordance with the appraisal scheme set out in the guidance issued with the call for applications. These assessments are then submitted to the independent Project Advisory Board, made up of representatives from other Government Departments and sectoral experts, which reviews the applications and the Department's assessments. Taking into account the observations and advice of the Board in relation to the applications, my Department then prepares a report setting out recommended projects and my role as Minister is to consider that report and make final decisions in relation to the allocation of funding.
While calls for applications are open, it is noteworthy that my Department also liaises with prospective applicants to provide further guidance to them through information sessions on the focus of the call for funding and an FAQ section is updated our website in advance of the closing date.
My Department has well-established procedures for the dissemination of information relating to the Fund and for the provision of feedback to unsuccessful applicants. In that regard, we will meet with applicants to the recently concluded Category 2 call to offer individual feedback on applications and to discuss the current Category 1 call for applications with prospective applicants. I understand that a number of organisations have already sought feedback from my Department, including Tipperary County Council, and these requests will be facilitated over the coming weeks.
