Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 6 April 2022
264. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the up-to-date position in relation to the development of a facility (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18548/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 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, allocated funding of €278 million for 191 projects across the country worth a total of €376 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 funding to enable the development of project proposals suitable for future calls for Category 1 applications.
The Athy Food Hub project was approved for funding of €311,159 under the second call for Category 2 applications to the Fund, which was completed in August 2020. The lead for this project is Kildare County Council. Based on progress reports submitted to my Department by the council, development work on the project has been proceeding well.
In December 2021, I announced the opening of the fourth call for Category 1 applications under the Fund. The closing date for applications is 29th April 2022. A guidance document and application form relating to the call can be accessed on my Department's website.
