The Rural Regeneration and Development Fund (RRDF) 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.
Since 2018, the RRDF has allocated over €612 million to 272 projects across the country. Of this, over €30.6 million has been allocated to 19 projects located in County Galway. This includes c. €6.075 million awarded in 2024 to the Athenry Public Realm Enhancement and Community Hub project. As the Lead Body for the project, Galway County Council has responsibility for managing and delivering the works and is required to provide periodic progress updates to the Department in this regard.
Experience across RRDF indicates that the lifecycle of large-scale infrastructure projects typically ranges between 3 and 5 years. The Council has confirmed that this project in Athenry is currently at detailed design stage. Upon completion of the detailed design and following the receipt of tenders from prospective contractors detailing the cost of construction, procedures require that local authorities revert to the Department in order to obtain sanction to proceed to construction. This sees projects which have previously received funding ‘Approval in Principle’ secure a final funding agreement.
My officials continue to work and engage on an ongoing with all Lead Bodies on RRDF projects across the country, to underpin effective delivery of projects and to address any issues that arise as projects progress.
