Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 24 June 2026
342. Deputy Conor D. McGuinness asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht the total value of eligible applications received under each call of the Rural Regeneration and Development Funds; the total value approved; the approval rate by number and value of applications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47894/26]
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. The focus of the RRDF is on rural towns and villages with a population of less than 10,000 people. To date, the RRDF has allocated over €610 million for 270 projects across Ireland.
Calls for applications to the RRDF are sought under two categories. Category 1 relates to large scale capital works projects with all necessary planning and consents in place and are ready to proceed. Category 2, which typically provides funding of up to €1m per project, relates to projects which may planning permissions and statutory consents and further development to become ready for Category 1 status.
It should be noted that the assessment process for RRDF operates on a competitive application basis and is a place based and demand-led Fund. The precise level of grant for an individual project will depend on the nature and quality of the proposal. Final decisions on the funding of projects are made by the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, following consideration of the recommendations provided by a Project Advisory Board.
The details requested by the Deputy regarding applications made under the RRDF are outlined in the attached table.
In February of this year, I was delighted to open applications in respect of a Sixth Call for Category 1 Call for proposals under Fund, and am inviting proposals for projects that will help revitalise our rural towns and villages and provide the necessary facilities and infrastructure to assist in attracting people to live, work and invest in rural areas. Full details on this Call can be located on my Department’s website.
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.
