Darren O'Rourke (Meath East, Sinn Fein)
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363. To ask the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the funding available through his Department which could be used to repair, maintain and improve a public playground in urban County Meath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54271/25]

Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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My Department provides a range of schemes to improve facilities such as playgrounds in communities nationwide.

The CLÁR programme provides funding in designated areas for community recreation facilities and amenities, including playgrounds under measure 1 of the programme. I launched the CLÁR 2025 programme on 4 April last. I expect to announce the successful measure 1 project later this year. This operates in designated rural rather than larger urban areas.

The LEADER Programme provides support to rural communities under a range of themes, including rural infrastructure and social inclusion themes. LEADER has for many years supported playground projects once they are compatible with the operating rules in place for the programme.

The Local Enhancement Programme provides funding to community groups in disadvantaged areas nationwide, and similarly playgrounds have been supported previously. The programme is administered by Local Community Development Committees across the country, with support from their local authority

The development or refurbishment of playgrounds can also be funded through the Town and Village Renewal Scheme (TVRS) as part of larger projects aimed at the rejuvenation of our towns and villages.  TVRS is targeted at towns or villages with a population of up to 10,000 people. Larger towns with a population of up to 15,000 people may be eligible where the application is of a high quality and will have a substantial impact on the town. The 2025 TVRS closed to applications on 25 July 2025 and the assessment process is ongoing.

Details of all funding available can be found on my Department's website.

Michael Cahill (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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364. To ask the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if he will grant aid a category 2 application in respect of Kenmare town, County Kerry (details supplied). [54272/25]

Michael Cahill (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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365. To ask the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht to provide RRDF funding for a very important project (details supplied) for Dingle, County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54281/25]

Michael Cahill (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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366. To ask the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht to provide RRDF funding in respect of Milltown, County Kerry (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54293/25]

Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 364, 365 and 366 together.

The RRDF fund 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, RRDF funding of €593 million has been allocated for 243 projects across Ireland, of which, over €17 million has been allocated to 11 projects across County Kerry.

The Programme for Government recognises the importance of investing in our rural towns and villages through schemes such as the RRDF and contains a commitment to increase the fund.

Calls for Proposals under the Fund 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 Proposals under Category 2 was launched in October 2024 and typically provides funding of up to €1 million per project. The closing date for applications under this Call was the 14 March 2025.

I can confirm that an application in respect each of the projects referenced in the Deputy's questions has been received.  The assessment process for the RRDF applications received under this fourth Call, which is undertaken on a competitive basis, is ongoing.  Following the assessment of applications, it is anticipated an announcement of successful projects will be made shortly.

Donna McGettigan (Clare, Sinn Fein)
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367. To ask the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the steps he will take to ensure that an organisation (details supplied) are provided with home base facilities in Shannon and in every area where they require them, to enhance their work; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54475/25]

Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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My Department implements a wide range of schemes and supports which are available to community organisations and other groups across the country.  While my Department does not have a specific funding scheme for operational facilities for the organisation you reference, there may be an avenue of support available under the LEADER programme or the Local Enhancement Programme (LEP) operated by my Department. 

The LEADER programme is part of Ireland’s CAP Strategic Plan 2023 – 2027 which is co-funded by the EU and the Exchequer. The programme is administered by Local Action Groups (LAGs) who select and approve projects for the local area.

LEADER does not fund projects on a national basis. Instead, LEADER funded projects are typically based in one LEADER area, and the decision to approve a project, or otherwise, is a matter for the LAG which administers the programme in that area. However, the LEADER programme does facilitate cooperation projects, where a number of LAGs can come together to fund a project that covers their respective geographic areas.

It should be noted that in order for a project to be eligible for LEADER funding, it must be compatible with the actions outlined in the approved Local Development Strategy for the relevant LEADER area, and it must comply with the EU Regulations and Operating Rules in place for the programme.

Further information regarding the LEADER programme, including contact details for LAGs which can be approached in the first instance for advice on funding, is available on: www.gov.ie/LEADER

The Local Enhancement Programme (LEP) provides small scale capital funding to community groups and voluntary organisations across Ireland, with a focus on areas of disadvantage.  The fund is administered on behalf of this Department locally by Local Community Development Committees across the country, with support from their local authority.  The LEP is currently closed and details of the 2026 LEP are under consideration at the moment.

I would advise the organisation to liaise with their local LCDC and LAG and to monitor my Departments website for further updates.