Naoise Ó Muirí (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

600. To ask the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht for an update on the RRDF Newport Regeneration Project in Mayo; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40228/25]

Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

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 large scale 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.

Mayo County Council is the lead partner for the Newport Regeneration Project which, in 2022, was awarded funding of €6.54 million under the RRDF. This project has a number of elements that will combine to improve and enhance the physical appearance, functioning, and amenity value of the town centre. Public realm works will enhance the streetscape in the town centre including dark skies friendly lighting.  The demolition of a number of derelict buildings will allow the construction of an Enterprise and Tourism Hub, providing potential for sustainable economic activity and job creation.

The Council has advised that the detailed design of the Enterprise Hub element on Main Street is progressing, and subject to the necessary approvals, it is expected to go to tender in Q3 2025 for the main building works contract.

Approval has already been given to carry out the demolition of the derelict buildings on Barrack Hill as an advanced works contract to the Enterprise Hub main building contract. The contractor has been appointed, and  the local authority has advised my Department that the works on site are commencing this week (week beginning 14th July).

All consents are now in place for an element of the project centred on viaduct lighting. Tender documents for the lighting works installation are being prepared, and it is expected a contract will be awarded in Q3 2025.

Works are expected to commence on the public realm element of the project in September 2026. The Council has advised that all elements should be complete in 2027.

Naoise Ó Muirí (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

601. To ask the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht for an update on the RRDF Ballyhaunis Community Vision Project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40229/25]

Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

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 large scale 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.

Mayo County Council is the lead partner for the RRDF Category 1 Ballyhaunis Community Enterprise Hub project which was approved for funding in 2024. This followed the completion of the RRDF Category 2 Ballyhaunis Community Vision project which was approved for RRDF funding in 2020 and which supports local authorities in preparing for a larger Category 1 RRDF funding application.

The Ballyhaunis Community Enterprise Hub project has been awarded funding of almost €5.3 million under the RRDF. This project will adapt a derelict convent primary school building and it grounds within the town centre to provide a public library, enterprise hub and a public park with pedestrian links to the main business and retail core of the town.

The Council has advised that it is currently progressing the detailed design of the community hub/library building at the former convent school in Abbey Street. Subject to the necessary approvals, the Council intends to progress to tender in Q3 2025, and to commence on site with construction works in early 2026. The construction is anticipated to take 56 weeks to complete. Following fit-out, Mayo County Council's anticipated opening of the library and associated community spaces is in Q3 2027.