The Rural Regeneration and Development Fund (RRDF) is a major capital investment programme, which seeks to support large-scale, ambitious projects that can achieve sustainable economic and social development in rural areas. RRDF provides funding for the development and construction of capital projects in towns and villages in rural areas across Ireland.

Funding is allocated to local authorities and other State-funded bodies, who take the lead role in individual projects. To date, the RRDF has allocated over €610 million for 270 projects across Ireland, of which, 151 are currently active.

The lifecycle of large-scale infrastructure projects such as RRDF typically ranges between 3 and 5 years. The Department’s procedures are specifically designed to support local authorities and to address the challenges which typically arise during the planning, design and construction of any large project.

The Town Centre First (TCF) Policy, is a major government policy initiative that supports the regeneration of Irish towns to ensure that they are vibrant, viable and attractive places to live, work, visit and invest in.

Significant progress has been made since the launch of the policy. For example, under TCF funding is provided by my department to local authorities, including Waterford City and County Council, to employ dedicated Town Regeneration Officers. These Officers are a key link between the local authority, towns and villages and their communities. They also work closely across multi-disciplinary regeneration teams in local authorities, such as Capital Delivery Teams, also funded by my department.

Dedicated funding of almost €7 million has been provided under a package of TCF supports. Included in this package of funding was support for the development of 52 TCF Town Plans nationally, including Portlaw and Dunmore East. These community-based plans are produced by individual Town Teams, which will help communities develop a vision for their town and identify viable projects to realise that vision. Funding has also been provided for the establishment and development of Town Teams nationwide including Kill and Lismore, and the Department has provided funds to allow towns such as Ardmore and Portlaw prepare for projects through the 2024 TCF Project Development Measure.

However, it should be noted that rather than being a funding stream in its own right, the significance of TCF is that it is a policy document providing an integrated policy approach for the development of Irish towns which is underpinned by funding streams across Government. This includes a range of measures funded by my department to support the revitalisation and regeneration of rural towns and villages including the Town and Village Renewal Scheme and the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund.

The Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, who holds joint responsibility for the policy, also implements a suite of schemes including the new Towns and Cities Regeneration Investment Fund, the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant under the Croí Cónaithe initiative, and THRIVE - the TCF Heritage Renewal Scheme.

The details requested by the Deputy regarding approvals made under the RRDF and Town Centre First are outlined at the links below.

Town Centre First Funding by Local Authority

RRDF Funding