Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 9 October 2025
364. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht if he will grant aid a category 2 application in respect of Kenmare town, County Kerry (details supplied). [54272/25]
View answer365. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht to provide RRDF funding for a very important project (details supplied) for Dingle, County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54281/25]
View answer366. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht to provide RRDF funding in respect of Milltown, County Kerry (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54293/25]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 364, 365 and 366 together.
The RRDF fund is a major capital investment programme which seeks to support large-scale, ambitious projects which can achieve sustainable economic and social development in rural areas.
To date, RRDF funding of €593 million has been allocated for 243 projects across Ireland, of which, over €17 million has been allocated to 11 projects across County Kerry.
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.
Calls for Proposals under the Fund 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.
The 4th Call for Proposals under Category 2 was launched in October 2024 and typically provides funding of up to €1 million per project. The closing date for applications under this Call was the 14 March 2025.
I can confirm that an application in respect each of the projects referenced in the Deputy's questions has been received. The assessment process for the RRDF applications received under this fourth Call, which is undertaken on a competitive basis, is ongoing. Following the assessment of applications, it is anticipated an announcement of successful projects will be made shortly.
