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

I thank the Deputy for raising this issue. The rural regeneration and development fund is a key measure to deliver on the objectives of the Government's rural development policy, Our Rural Future, by providing funding for the development and delivery of ambitious capital projects in rural Ireland. The projects funded under the rural regeneration and development fund are revitalising our rural towns and villages in line with the town centre first policy through planned and sustainable regeneration projects that will drive greater economic activity and footfall, help address vacancy and dereliction and ensure the reuse of heritage and other existing buildings. Towns, villages and rural areas with a population of less than 10,000 and outside metropolitan areas as defined by the national planning framework are eligible to apply for funding under the rural regeneration and development fund.

The urban regeneration and development fund, administered by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, provides funding for towns with a population of more than 10,000 and the five cities and their metropolitan areas. The third call under the urban regeneration and development fund, launched in 2023, provided funding to local authorities to purchase vacant and derelict buildings and sites.

My Department implements a range of capital investment schemes to support rural development. They are reviewed annually to ensure they are aligned with policy objectives.

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