Call for proposals under Rural Regeneration and Development Fund open

1 billion euro will be invested in regeneration projects for rural development in Ireland under the second call

After receiving more than 280 applications in the first call in July 2018 and awarding EUR 86 million to 84 projects, the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund is open for a second call. Michael Ring, Minister for Rural and Community Development, has launched the call last Friday during briefing on rural opportunities in Donegal County. Part of Project Ireland 2040 and administered by the Department of Rural and Community Development, the funds will give EUR 1 billion in the next ten years to support the renewal of small towns, villages and outlying rural areas, close to one third of the amount being distributed on several phases by 2022.

Minister Ring underlined the importance of the fund for strenghtening rural economies and communities. He is hopeful that increased collaboration at a local level should continue to transform local communities, building their resilience. Among others, the Minister reassured that the government is aiming to address the challenges that communities face in relation to Brexit (Great Britain leaving the European Union), as well as the transition to sustainable low-carbon economy.

The second call is aimed at Category 1 regeneration projects which are ready to start. Collaborative projects in rural settlements of less than 10,000 people, could get funding available of at least EUR 500,000. Only some types of the supported initiatives include job creation, stimulation of entrepreneurship and innovation, developing tourism opportunities infrastructure and public amenity regeneration.

Finally, the funds is open to local authorities, local development companies, state agencies, Government Departments, philanthropic funders, the private sector and communities, provided that the lead partner is state-funded body. Applications are due by August 6^th, 2019. Application form is to be provided this week. For more information, follow this link.