Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I propose to take Questions Nos. 7 and 31 together.

The rural regeneration and development fund seeks to support ambitious, strategic projects which have the potential to transform rural economies and communities. The Government has committed €1 billion to the fund over ten years and €315 million is allocated to the fund for the period of 2019 to 2022. I launched the second call for applications to the fund in April 2019, details of which are set out in the information booklet and application form relating to the fund on the Government website. The information booklet provides full details on all requirements for potential applications. The second call is currently only open to category 1 applications, which relate to projects which have full planning permission, have all necessary consents in place and are procurement-ready. The closing date for applications is 12 noon on Tuesday, 6 August 2019. Calls for applications to the fund are competitive in nature once all requirements are met and no project is prioritised for funding. My Department will provide general guidance relating to both the application process and the objectives and requirements of the fund. In that regard, a public information session was held last week in Athlone to inform prospective applicants, which was well attended and positively received. Officials from my Department are willing to speak to applicants to assist them in any way.

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