Micheál Carrigy (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael)
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614. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development for an update on the expected commencement of the Granard Norman Motte Visitor Centre in Granard, County Longford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22722/25]

Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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The Rural Regeneration and Development Fund (RRDF) is a 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 in rural areas across Ireland. Funding is allocated to local authorities and other State-funded bodies, who take the lead role in individual projects.

Longford County Council is the lead partner for the Historic Granard Motte Project. This project has been awarded Approval in Principle of c. €2.87 million in RRDF funding. In developing its plans, the Council has confirmed it is seeking to develop a major tourism and amenity attraction at the site of Granard Motte, a National Monument on the outskirts of Granard, Co. Longford.

The latest update from Longford County Council is that the Council is currently engaging with representatives from Granard Motte Community Enterprise and Fáilte Ireland respectively to complete the development of plans for the site.

Following this, and when the Council prepares any detailed designs and potential Tender for Works, the Council is required to reengage with my Department as part of the RRDF approvals process.