Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 27 March 2025
97. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development when another round of funding for the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund will be announced; if projects which were previously unsuccessful will be allowed re-submit, such as the Dunshaughlin courthouse and town centre project in County Meath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14099/25]
View answer110. Deputy Donna McGettigan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development to confirm that the funds for the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund are fully allocated; when funding will be available again since the fund is part of the Project Ireland 2040 programme; if an alternative funding stream will be provided to replace the fund; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12130/25]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 97 and 110 together.
Administered by my Department, the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund (RRDF) is a major programme which seeks to support large-scale, ambitious projects which can achieve sustainable economic and social development in rural areas.
To date, the RRDF has allocated €588 million for 243 projects across Ireland. The Programme for Government recognises the importance of investing in our rural towns and villages through schemes such as the RRDF, and contains a commitment to increase the fund.
RRDF applications are assessed on a competitive basis, and calls for applications under are sought under two categories, Category 1 and Category 2.
Category 1 relates to larger 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.
There is no scheme condition in place that precludes the submission of an application that was previously deemed unsuccessful under a previous call.
The 4th Call for Category 2 applications was launched in October 2024 and typically provides funding of up to €1m per project. The closing date for applications under this Call was the 14 March.
Following a review of applications, I anticipate an announcement of successful applications will be made in Quarter 3 this year.
In relation to Category 1 RRDF funding, it is my intention that a Call for Proposals would be opened towards the end of this year.
I am committed to ensuring that the RRDF can continue to support high quality and transformational projects across rural Ireland in line with the objectives of Our Rural Future.
