Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The rural regeneration fund seeks to support ambitious and strategic projects that have the potential to transform rural economies and communities. The Government has committed €1 billion over ten years to the fund. A total of €315 million is allocated to the fund for the period 2019-22.

The first call for applications to the fund closed in September 2018. There was a large response to the first call with 280 applications received. On foot of the first call, a total of 38 successful category 1 projects and 46 category 2 projects were announced, with funding of €86 million provided from the fund to support projects worth €117 million.

It is worth noting that calls under the fund are determined on a competitive basis and not all projects that meet the requirements may be funded. In that regard, all applications to the rural regeneration and development fund undergo a detailed evaluation process. This involves assessment by my Department and oversight by an independent project advisory board established to assist in making recommendations on the suitability of applications for funding.

Under the first call from the fund, I announced funding of €4.4 million for eight projects located in County Cork. Among these projects was the development of a multi-purpose flood-lit all-weather facility in the village of Banteer. The facility will be available for use by the community throughout the year. Another project involved the relocation, restoration and fit-out of a heritage building in Kinsale town centre as the new library for the town. A further project involves development of an international standard mountain bike trail in the Ballyhoura region. The new trail will provide recreational, health and tourism benefits. Other projects include the development of regeneration strategies for the towns of Rathcormac and Ballydesmond.

The second call for category 1, shovel-ready applications to the fund is now open.  Applicants who have been unsuccessful in the first call may reapply for the second call. I want the Deputy to listen to my next point because he always complains. In 2018 and to date this year, my Department has provided €27.75 million in funding to Cork. The Deputy might be parochial but I am not.

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