Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 18 June 2026
547. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht to give a detailed progress report in regard to the Killorglin RRDF scheme; the reason for the delay on works to old Killorglin Courthouse (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46567/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Rural Regeneration and Development Fund (RRDF) is a major capital investment programme, which seeks to support large-scale, ambitious projects that can achieve sustainable economic and social development in rural areas. It provides funding for the development and construction of capital projects in towns and villages in rural areas across Ireland. Funding is allocated to local authorities and other State-funded bodies, who take the lead role in individual projects.
Kerry County Council is the Lead Body for the two projects located in Killorglin which have received RRDF funding and which have together been allocated a total of over €1.71m.
In 2022, the Category 2 ‘Killorglin Town Centre Smart Rural Regeneration Project’ was allocated €961,800 under an RRDF Call for Proposals. Rather than funding construction costs, Category 2 funding is made available to support the costs associated with the planning phase required for any large scale project proposals. This can encompass for example, the costs associated the purchase of land and/or building or the costs associated with securing statutory consents including planning permission and preparing procurement documentation etc. In the case of Killorglin, the Category 2 project included funding to allow Kerry County Council to develop proposals to renovate the Killorglin Courthouse as well as the delivery of public realm improvements and natural amenities in the town. The Council has confirmed that the statutory process for the Public Realm phase of Killorglin Regeneration has been completed, with the detailed design for the works themselves nearing completion.
In relation to Killorglin Courthouse, work commenced in 2022 and planning approval under the Part 8 for the regeneration of the building was secured in January 2024. Following this, in 2024, Kerry County Council then applied for RRDF Category 1 funding which is made available to cover the construction costs of large regeneration projects. This application was successful and the Council was allocated further RRDF funding of €750,000.
The Council has confirmed that the planned works to Killorglin Courthouse have now progressed to construction tender stage. It has advised that tenders for works were returned by 3 March 2026. The Council has indicated that it is currently progressing through the tender assessment and awards stage and that, subject to a successful outcome to this process, it would anticipate that construction works could begin in Quarter 3.
