Patricia Ryan (Kildare South, Sinn Fein)
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819. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development if she will provide an update on the Athy food hub; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31443/20]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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Arising from the first and second calls under the Rural Regeneration scheme, 63 Category 1 projects have been approved for funding of €131 million and 76 Category 2 projects have been approved for funding of €35 million. Category 1 relates to major capital projects that can drive sustainable rural regeneration and development, while Category 2 supports projects that require development funding to bring them to a stage where they are ready to apply under Category 1 calls.

The Athy Food Hub project was approved for funding under the second call for Category 2 applications, which was completed in August 2020. The lead party for the project is Kildare County Council. Following the completion of the due diligence process, the project was approved for funding of €311,159. I understand that the Council is currently engaged in the tender process for the appointment of a consultant to carry out further project development. If more detailed information is required on the progress of the project, I would advise the Deputy to contact the Council directly.