Naoise Ó Muirí (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael)
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1488. To ask the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if he will provide an update on a project (details supplied) in County Mayo; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48932/25]

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. The 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.

The Newport Regeneration project was awarded funding of c. €6.5m under the fourth Call for Category 1 proposals to the RRDF in 2022. Mayo County Council as the Lead Body is responsible for managing the works schedule and all elements of the project. Planned works will see several elements combined 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 derelict buildings will allow the construction of an Enterprise and Tourism Hub and provide potential for sustainable economic activity and job creation.

The Council has advised my officials 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 Quarter 4 of 2025 for the main building works contract.The necessary demolition of the derelict buildings on Barrack Hill is complete, which was required in advance of the Enterprise Hub works.

Separately, all required consents are in place to allow planned viaduct lighting works and tender documents for these works are being prepared. Mayo County Council expect to award the contract in Quarter 4 of 2025.

Works are expected to commence on the Public Realm Works element in September 2026. The Council has indicated that all elements should be complete in 2027.

Naoise Ó Muirí (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael)
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1489. To ask the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if he will provide an update on a project (details supplied) in County Mayo; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48933/25]

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. The 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.

The Ballyhaunis Community Enterprise Hub project was awarded funding of c. €5.3m under the fifth Call for Category 1 proposals to the RRDF in 2024. Mayo County Council as the Lead Body is responsible for managing the works schedule and all elements of the project. Planned works will see adaptation of a derelict convent primary school building and 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 my officials that Detailed Design of the Community Hub/Library building at the former Convent School in Abbey Street is progressing, with the preparation of detailed contract documents and drawings.

Subject to the necessary approvals, the Council proposes to go to tender in Quarter 4 of 2025, and to commence on site with construction works in Quarter 1 or 2026. The construction is anticipated to take approximately 56 weeks to complete. Following fit-out, the anticipated opening of the Library and associated Community Spaces is in Quarter 3 of 2027.