Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I will give the Deputy an overview of the RRDF first. The fund has to date allocated funding of €280 million for 191 projects nationwide costing over €380 million. Calls for applications to the fund are sought under two categories, namely, category 1 and category 2. Category 1 relates to large-scale ambitious capital projects with all necessary planning and other consents in place, and which are ready to proceed. Category 2 provides smaller grant funding to enable the development of project proposals suitable for future calls for category 1 applications.

My Department has received 42 applications under the fourth call for category 1 applications under the fund. They are seeking funding of over €149 million. The focus of this fourth call is very much on revitalising our towns and villages, and funding infrastructure that can drive economic growth and support communities in rural areas. In order to maximise the quality of the projects being submitted to the fund, the application process is competitive. Applications are assessed against the appraisal scheme published as part of the call for applications.

This process is undertaken by my Department, with the guidance of a project advisory board comprised of representatives from key Departments and independent experts. My Department then prepares a report on the assessment process, setting out projects recommended for funding. Following consideration of that report, I make the final decisions on the projects that will be funded. I expect to conclude this process shortly and make an announcement of successful projects in the coming weeks. There are some really transformational projects in line for funding that will have a big impact on towns and villages right across the country.

The Deputy asked about funding shortfalls. Projects that emerge as successful from calls for applications to the fund are initially approved in principle before progressing through a further comprehensive approval process. This review always includes an assessment by an independent quantity surveyor. I can give more details of that presently if the Deputy so wishes.

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