Policy information
Rural Regeneration and Development Fund
From Department of Rural and Community Development
Published on
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The Rural Regeneration and Development Fund (RRDF) is a commitment of €1 billion by government to be invested in rural Ireland over the period 2019 to 2027.
The purpose of the fund is to support job creation in rural areas, address de-population of rural communities and support improvements in our towns and villages with a population of less than 10,000, and outlying areas.
Initial funding of €315 million has been allocated to the fund on a phased basis over the period 2019 to 2022.
The fund is supporting coordinated and integrated projects between government departments, State agencies, local authorities, other public bodies, communities and, where appropriate, philanthropic funders and/or the private sector, which will have an impact on sustainable economic and social development in rural areas.
Funding is being awarded through a competitive bid process.
Proposals are being invited from Local Authorities, and other locally/regionally based organisations, such as Local Development Companies, as well as government departments and State agencies. For the purpose of accountability and oversight, the lead partner of all projects must be a State funded body, but collaboration with the private sector is encouraged.
Proposals may be made in respect of towns with populations of 10,000 or fewer and their outlying areas. A limited number of specified towns with a population of 10,000 or fewer will be eligible for support under the Urban Regeneration Fund which is being operated by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage; however, funding will only be provided under one fund for any particular project.
A list of the funded projects to date is available here.
On the 10th November the Minister announced funding for the Fifth Call for Category 1 Applications. The closing date for applications is 12pm on Thursday 8th February 2024.
The RRDF Fifth Call Information Booklet and the FAQ provide further information.
Applicants to the call will be required to submit:
- A Completed Application Form .
- A completed Approved Projects Status Review
- A completed Financial Analysis Template appropriate to scale of the project.
- Additional information on remote working/training/enterprise hubs (where applicable
- A completed Evaluation and Monitoring Plan .
- A copy of the grant of planning permission.
- Evidence of match funding.
