Johnny Mythen (Wexford, Sinn Fein)
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1225. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development the unsuccessful properties in County Wexford that were proposed for inclusion in the landmark rural regeneration projects funding programme; the reason they were not selected; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31999/21]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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The third call for Category 1 applications to the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund closed on 1st December.

Category 1 relates to ambitious, large scale projects capital projects which have all the necessary planning and other development consents in place at the closing date for applications. My Department received 66 applications to this call. Two applications were received from Wexford County Council for projects located in the county.

Applications for the Fund are assessed by my Department under the oversight of the Project Advisory Board, comprised of representatives from key Government Departments and independent experts. Once that process is complete, my Department prepares a report setting out recommended projects and my role as Minister is to consider that report and make final decisions in relation to the allocation of funding.

In April, I announced funding of €81 million for 25 projects from the third call for Category 1 applications. The lead party can request feedback on unsuccessful applications by contacting my Department at rrdf@drcd.gov.ie.

I announced the third call for Category 2 applications on 12^thJune and a further call for Category 1 applications will be announced later in 2021. Following each announcement, an application form and guidance document is made available on my Department’s website. My Department also liaises directly with prospective applicants to provide further guidance as necessary.