Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)
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247. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development if she will provide an update on the applications for town and village renewal funding for organisations (details supplied). [33034/22]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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The Town and Village Renewal Scheme (TVRS) was introduced in 2016 and is one of a number of measures designed to rejuvenate rural towns and villages throughout Ireland. The Scheme is administered through local authorities, who work closely with local communities and businesses to develop proposals that can make a lasting impact in revitalising rural towns and villages across the country. Since the launch of the Scheme in 2016, almost €113 million has been allocated to more than 1,400 projects across Ireland.

I can confirm an application for funding was submitted to my Department by the organisation referred to by the Deputy under the 2020 Town & Village Renewal Scheme. Funding through the Scheme is awarded on a competitive basis. The successful projects were announced on 8th January 2021 following assessment of the applications by my Department and unfortunately the application in question  was unsuccessful. 

It should be noted that the 2022 TVRS is now open for applications, with a closing date for the submission of applications of 22nd July 2022.  The community group in question may wish to explore the possibility of submitting an application through their local authority for this year's Scheme.  It is expected that successful application under the 2022 scheme will be announced towards the end of the year.

Mary Butler (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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248. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development the timeline for the announcements of funding allocations under Rural Regeneration Development Funding to successful applicants; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33066/22]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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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. The Fund has, to date, allocated funding of €278 million for 191 projects across the country worth a total of €377 million.

Calls for applications to the Fund are sought under two categories – Category 1 and Category 2. Category 1 relates to large scale ambitious capital projects with all necessary planning and other consents in place and which are ready to proceed. Category 2 provides funding to enable the development of project proposals suitable for future calls for Category 1 applications.

The fourth call for Category 1 applications to the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund closed on the 29^thApril 2022.  My Department received 42 applications to this call, together seeking funding of over €149 million.

The application process for the Fund is competitive in nature. Applications are currently being 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 will prepare a report setting out recommended projects. My role as Minister will be to consider that report and make final decisions in relation to the allocation of funding.  

I expect to be in a position to announce the successful projects in the coming months.