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Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 21 June 2022

Tuesday, 21 June 2022

Ceisteanna (944)

Duncan Smith

Ceist:

944. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the up-to-date position with the provision of a food and training hub (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32788/22]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

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, allocated funding of €278 million for 191 projects across the country worth a total of €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 funding to enable the development of project proposals suitable for future calls for Category 1 applications.

The hub referred to by the Deputy 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 party for this project is Kildare County Council.  Based on progress reports submitted to my Department by the council, I understand that development work on the project has been proceeding well.

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 over €149 million. I understand an application for further funding for the hub referred to by the Deputy was submitted by Kildare County Council to this call.

The application process for the Fund is competitive in nature. Applications are currently being assessed by my Department under the oversight of the Project Advisory Board, comprised of 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 in the coming months.

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