Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 14 April 2026
3518. Deputy Johnny Guirke asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht when his Department plans to send confirmation of the RRDF funding from 2025 in order that local authorities can begin negotiations on premises they plan to buy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26142/26]
View answerThe Rural Regeneration and Development Fund (RRDF) is a major programme that seeks to support large-scale, ambitious projects that can achieve sustainable economic and social development in rural areas.
In October 2025, I was delighted to announce approval in principle of over €20.5 million in funding for 30 Category 2 RRDF projects located around the country. Details of all allocations made under the RRDF, together with project information, can be found on my department’s website.
Category 2 projects allow Lead Bodies to undertake and complete the initial planning, design and technical works required of any large-scale project. In some instances, funding can also be used to acquire land or buildings as part of the project’s delivery. This sees Category 2 projects developed to a stage which provides greater certainty regarding scope, cost and delivery timelines for a potential RRDF Category 1 project application.
Following any announcement of funding, due diligence is conducted on the successful projects as part of the procedures to deliver on the requirements of the Infrastructure Guidelines. Upon completion of due diligence, the Letter of Approval in Principle and Funding Agreement is issued to the Lead Body for the project.
I can confirm that the majority of Funding Agreements have now been issued in respect of those RRDF Category 2 projects announced in October 2025. This includes a Letter of Approval in Principle and Funding Agreement issued to Meath County Council, the lead body for the ‘Clonkeehan House’ project in Slane. This will see c.€620k in RRDF funding made available to the Council to develop its plans.
A Category 2 project will typically take in the region of 18 months to complete, noting that timeframes will depend on the specifics of each individual project.
Both I, and my officials, are in ongoing engagement with local authorities and others to support the delivery by Lead Bodies of all capital projects funded by the Department.
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 and the Town Centre First policy
