Minister Dara Calleary has opened applications for Category 1 under the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund.
The call targeted strategic large-scale projects ready to commence with all consents in place. Funding requests ranged from a minimum of €500,000 to a maximum of €10m.
The fund supported revitalisation of rural towns and villages under Our Rural Future and Town Centre First policies. Over €614m has been invested in 273 projects nationally to date.
Dara Calleary shared “I am delighted to announce the opening of this Call for Proposals and invite Category 1 applications under the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund. RRDF is the flagship funding scheme in my Department and, since becoming Minister a little over 12 months ago, I have seen evidence of why it is so important. RRDF investment in projects, such as the Shackleton Experience in Athy, Co. Kildare, have transformed towns and villages, created new tourist attractions and developed thriving hubs where communities meet. With over €614 million in funding under the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund since it was first launched, the impact is clear, it has been transformative for our rural communities.” Dara Calleary
Dara Calleary shared “The capacity of the Fund to deliver projects of this scale and ambition represents an unprecedented opportunity for rural areas. I welcome co-ordinated, collaborative and integrated projects that will directly deliver on the objectives of Our Rural Future, the whole-of-government policy for sustainable rural development in Ireland. In particular, I am inviting proposals for projects that will help revitalise our rural towns and villages and provide the necessary facilities and infrastructure to assist in attracting people to live, work and invest in rural areas.”
Jerry Buttimer shared “This Call for Proposals represents an unrivalled opportunity for our rural areas. As Minister for Community Development, I have seen first-hand the importance of capital investment which supports projects focusing on the sustainable regeneration and development of our towns and villages. This investment encourages local participation and improves our rural communities.”
