Noel McCarthy (Cork East, Fine Gael)
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898. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development further to Parliamentary Question No. 1750 of 22 January 2025, to provide an update on structural and demolition works on a project (details supplied); the amount expended to date on works at the site; the next envisaged phase in the development of the project; when it is expected to be put out to tender; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13783/25]

Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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The Rural Regeneration and Development Fund (RRDF) is a strategic capital investment fund that is key to the delivery of Ireland's rural development policy, Our Rural Future 2021-2025. RRDF provides funding for the development and construction of capital projects in towns and villages and rural areas across Ireland. Funding is allocated to local authorities and other State-funded bodies, who take the lead role in individual projects.

Cork County Council is the lead partner for the Youghal Public Library project and is responsible for managing the works schedule. It was awarded funding of c. €4.05m under the third Call for Category 1 proposals to the RRDF in 2021. The amount of RRDF funding drawn down to date is c. €250,000. Works will see the renovation and extension of derelict buildings and a site on Youghal's North Main Street to provide a new library and revitalised streetscape.

Cork County Council has confirmed that the status of the project remains substantially as was the case in the response to the Parliamentary Question on the same matter (No. 1750 of 22 January 2025).

The Council has advised my officials that on completion of the phase 1 works, which are ongoing and which will be completed in the coming weeks, a substantive tender to deliver the project will be advertised. The Council has advised that the project is estimated to be completed by end 2026.