Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 31 May 2022
13. Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development when successful projects in County Clare will be announced under the rural regeneration and development fund; the total value of applications received under the latest round; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27843/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraWhen will successful projects in County Clare under the rural regeneration and development fund be announced? What is the total value of applications received under the latest round?
The rural regeneration and development fund provides funding for the development and construction of capital projects in towns, villages and rural areas across Ireland. To date, 191 projects have been approved for funding of €278 million for projects costing €377 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.
The fourth call for category 1 applications to the rural regeneration and development fund closed on 29 April 2022. My Department received 42 applications to this call, together seeking funding of more than €149 million. I understand that three applications were received for projects located in County Clare.
The application process for the fund is competitive in nature. Applications are currently being processed by my Department under the oversight of the project advisory board, comprising representatives from key Government Departments and independent experts. Once the assessment process is complete, my Department will prepare a report setting out recommended projects. My role as Minister will be to consider that report and make final decisions in relation to the allocation of funding. I expect to be in a position to announce the successful projects later this year.
I have visited the Deputy's county twice when I had the pleasure of coming down and visiting many group projects. Clare has a good record when it comes to putting in applications, but I must be impartial in these matters. They are being assessed. Some really good projects have come out of Clare. I had a great trip that day to Clare. The Vandeleur Walled Garden is one project I went to see. That was just one and there are many others. I believe I will be going down again shortly. There is a big SeaWorld project that will be coming on stream that is being funded through this Department. I am looking forward to seeing them. We should celebrate success and there has been a lot of success in County Clare.
