Brendan Griffin (Kerry, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

651. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development when the next round of the rural regeneration and development fund will open for applications; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [62881/21]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The Rural Regeneration and Development Fund provides funding for the development and construction of capital projects in towns and villages and rural areas across Ireland. To date, 164 projects have been approved for funding of €255m for projects costing over €347m.

I will be announcing the fourth call for Category 1 applications shortly. Category 1 relates to large scale capital projects with all necessary planning and other consents in place and which are ready to proceed.

The application process under the Fund is competitive and applications can be only be made by State-funded bodies, such as Local Authorities, Local Development Companies etc. Any such body can make an application in relation to a capital project at the required state of readiness if they consider it to be a priority in terms of the objectives of Our Rural Future, the aims of the National Planning Framework and the achievement of the National Strategic Outcomes. It is important that prospective applicants also carefully consider the guidance issued as part of the call for applications to ensure that their proposal is in alignment with the stated focus of the call and the objectives of the Fund. In that regard, when the call for applications is announced, an application form and guidance document will be made available on my Department’s website for those seeking further information. My Department will also liaise with prospective applicants to provide further guidance as necessary.

Applications received are assessed by my Department under the oversight of the Project Advisory Board, comprised of representatives from key Government Departments and independent experts. Once the assessment 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.