Media Release: Thursday, 31st October 2024
Our Rural Future: Minister Humphreys announces a ‘Call for Proposals’ for applications to the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund – Category 2 Projects
· Funding of up to €1m per project to support landmark regeneration projects that will transform Rural Ireland
· The RRDF is a key measure that directly supports the objectives of Our Rural Future and the Town Centre First Policy
· Strong focus on projects that will increase economic activity and sustainable long tern employment opportunities
Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD, announced on Thursday, 31st October the fourth call for Category 2 applications under the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund (RRDF).
Project proposals under the RRDF should directly deliver on the objectives of Our Rural Future and the Town Centre First Policy. Under this Call for Proposals, particular attention will be given to applications which have the potential to increase economic activity and support the creation of employment, help to revitalise our rural towns and villages, drive greater footfall and address vacancy and dereliction. Such proposals will assist in attracting people back to live in rural areas.
‘Category 2’ RRDF projects are intended to provide funding to allow Project Leads undertake and complete the initial planning, design and technical works required to of any large scale project. This sees potential, large scale, projects developed to a stage allowing for greater certainty regarding scope, cost and delivery timelines to support for further funding under a ‘Category 1’ RRDF application.
Minister Humphreys said:
“[…] I am delighted to open a ‘Call for Proposals’ for Category 2 applications under the RRDF. This funding call represents a further funding opportunity for our rural areas and I am seeking proposals for large-scale, ambitious projects which require development support to enable them to become ready to compete for full capital funding under Category 1 of the RRDF.
“This follows on my announcement earlier this year when I confirmed RRDF funding of over €164 million for 30 transformative capital projects from the fifth call for Category 1 applications. It is important that we keep this momentum going and continue to fund the development of ambitious projects that have the potential to re-imagine rural Ireland.”
“I want to see new projects which match my ambition for rural areas – delivering sustainable growth, greater economic activity and innovative approaches to revitalising our rural towns and villages.
The Minister continued:
“During my time as Minister for Rural and Community Development and since 2020, I have approved total RRDF funding of over €400 million for projects all over Ireland. These projects are revitalising our rural towns and villages, adressing vacancy and dereliction and providing the essential infrastructure needed by rural communities.
“I have now opened many RRDF projects in counties across Ireland and and seen first-hand the huge difference and impact this transformative level of funding is making to communities across the county.”
Applications to the Fund must be led by a State-funded body – Local Authorities, Local Development Companies, State agencies, commercial State bodies, etc. –
Collaboration between parties, including with local communities, is strongly encouraged.
The closing date for the receipt of proposals is 14th of March 2025. More information on the RRDF is available here
