Colm Burke (Cork North-Central, Fine Gael)
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1439. To ask the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht for an update on a Rural Regeneration and Development Fund category 2 application (details supplied); when it is likely that the next round of funding for category 2 applications will be allocated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47898/25]

Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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The Rural Regeneration and Development Fund (RRDF) is a major capital investment programme which seeks to support large-scale, ambitious projects which can achieve sustainable economic and social development in rural areas.

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

The 4th Call for Category 2 applications, was launched in October 2024. The closing date for applications under this Call was the 14 March, 2025.

I can confirm that an application in respect of the project referred to has been received. The RRDF assessment process for the applications received under this 4th Call, which is undertaken on a competitive basis, is ongoing. Following the assessment of applications, it is expected an announcement regarding successful projects will be made in the coming weeks.

I am committed to ensuring that the RRDF can continue to support high quality and transformational projects across rural Ireland in line with the objectives of Our Rural Future.

Niamh Smyth (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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1440. To ask the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht to examine issues with RDF funding highlighted by a local authority (details supplied); if his Department is aware of this issue; the steps that can be taken to assist councils on this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48046/25]

Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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The Rural Regeneration and Development Fund (RRDF) is a major capital investment programme which seeks to support large-scale, ambitious projects which can achieve sustainable economic and social development in rural areas. To date the programme has allocated c.€593 million to 243 projects across Ireland. Of this amount c. €40.5 million has been awarded to 15 projects in County Monaghan.

Local authorities delivering projects approved under the RRDF are in receipt of Exchequer funding. As such, they are subject to the requirements related to public spending code for capital projects which are detailed in the Department of Public Expenditure NDP Deliver and Reform’s Infrastructure Guidelines. This is to ensure they provide a greater capacity to deliver projects on time and in a manner that ensures value for money and cost control.

The lifecycle of large-scale infrastructure projects such as RRDF typically ranges between 3 and 5 years. The Department’s procedures are specifically designed to support local authorities and to accommodate unforeseen changes which can inevitably arise during this construction cycle. This sees projects receiving initial funding ‘Approval in Principle’ after funding application stage. Thereafter, when the detailed design and planning processes are completed and following the receipt of tenders from prospective contractors detailing the cost of construction, procedures require that local authorities revert to the Department detaling the projected final all in construction cost for the project.

This process allows the Department to consider and approve the final RRDF funding amount to be made available. Where construction inflation has been the only increase, this process is generally straightforward. However, where wider cost increases are tabled, close consideration is given to the quantum involved and the business case provided along with value for money considerations. This is in line with the standard procedures for managing the delivery of capital projects. My officials continue to work with lead parties on RRDF project across the country to underpin effective delivery of projects and to address any issues that arise as projects progress.