Irish government launches call for rural regeneration ideas

The Irish minister for Rural and Community development has called for rural regeneration proposals for small towns.

Minister for Rural and Community Development, Michael Ring has launched the second call for proposals under the Government’s Rural Regeneration and Development Fund as part of Project Ireland 2040. The launch took place at the Bluestack Centre, Letterbarra, Drimarone, Co. Donegal where the Minister was hosting a ‘Rural Opportunity’ briefing for community and voluntary groups in the region.

Under Project Ireland 2040, the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund, administered by the Department of Rural and Community Development, will provide €1 billion in investment over 10 years to support the renewal of small towns, villages and outlying rural areas. Initial funding of €315 million is being allocated on a phased basis over the period 2019 to 2022. Under the first call, €86 million in funding for projects throughout the country was announced.

Announcing the opening of the second call for the Fund, Minister Ring said: “I am delighted to announce the second call for proposals under the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund today at this ‘Rural Opportunity’ event in Donegal. The Fund is an important part of the Government’s Project Ireland 2040 initiative and will help to stimulate renewal and continued development economically and socially in rural areas across Ireland.”

“The Fund will support significant and strategic investment in capital projects which will strengthen rural economies and communities across this country. Promoting collaboration at a local level, the Fund will continue to transform local communities, building their resilience and contribute to the objectives of Project Ireland 2040.”

This second call for proposals will focus on Category 1 capital regeneration projects which are ready to commence. Through a competitive process, the Fund will support collaborative projects in rural settlements of less than 10,000, with funding available of at least €500,000.

Key policy priorities for this call include building the resilience of communities to face- the challenges posed by ‘Brexit’ outcomes and assisting in the transition to a competitive, low carbon, climate-resilient and environmentally sustainable economy.

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