Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD, today announced the launch of the fourth call for Category 2 applications under the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund (RRDF).

The RRDF aims to support projects that directly contribute to the goals of Our Rural Future and the Town Centre First Policy. This latest call for proposals will prioritise projects with the potential to stimulate economic activity, create jobs, revitalise rural towns and villages, and attract more people to live in rural areas.

Category 2 RRDF funding is designed to support the initial planning, design, and technical work required for large-scale projects. This funding will help project leads develop detailed plans and costings, making it easier to secure further funding for implementation under Category 1 of the RRDF.

Minister Humphreys said: "Today 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.

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"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, addressing 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."

RRDF 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