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

I thank Deputy Dillon for raising this issue. Funding of around €280 million has already been allocated nationally under the RRDF. More €21 million has been approved to date in respect of 15 projects located in Mayo costing over €30 million. Mayo has the second highest allocation of funding in the country.

I will shortly be announcing the successful projects under the fourth call for funding for category 1 applications. Category 1 relates to large scale ambitious capital projects with all necessary planning and other consents in place, and which are ready to proceed.The focus of the fourth call for Category 1 applications is to support ambitious capital projects which make the best case to assist in revitalising our towns, villages and rural areas through planned and sustainable regeneration. These projects will drive greater economic activity, address vacancy and dereliction and provide the necessary facilities and infrastructure which will assist in attracting people back to live in rural areas. This investment will help to drive economic development within these areas.

My Department received 42 applications to this latest call for funding, together seeking funding of over €149 million. I understand that two applications for projects located in County Mayo were submitted to this call. The application process for the fund is competitive in nature. Applications are assessed by my Department under the oversight of the project advisory board comprised of representatives from key Departments and independent experts. Once the assessment process is complete, my Department prepares a report setting out recommended projects. My role as Minister is to consider that report and make final decisions in respect of the allocation of funding. I expect to be in a position to announce the successful projects in the coming weeks.

I know that Deputy Dillon is particularly interested in two projects in Ballinrobe and Newport in County Mayo. He has brought them to my attention previously.

See this speech in context