Deadline: 29-Apr-22
Applications are now open for the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund to support job creation in rural areas, address de-population of rural communities and support improvements in their towns and villages with a population of less than 10,000, and outlying areas.
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.
Objective of the fund
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 Information
The minimum request from the Fund for Category 1 projects is €500,000.
Eligibility Criteria
- 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, Planning and Local Government; however, funding will only be provided under one fund for any particular project.
Key Criteria
Proposals should demonstrate:
- The capacity to deliver on the National Strategic Outcome of Strengthened Rural Economies and Communities, Local Economic and Community Plans, County Development Plans, the Regional Spatial and Economic Strategies, or other local, regional or sectoral development plans/strategies.
- Collaboration, involving relevant Government Departments, State agencies, Local Authorities and other bodies as appropriate; and endorsement by key stakeholders such as the relevant authority or agency with overall responsibility for that area or sector in which the project is located.
- Financial sustainability, the capacity to deliver lasting benefits which will outweigh the investment made and be in a position to achieve and maintain financial independence.
- A strong track record of delivery in delivering projects funded by the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund and other Department of Rural and Community Development funding programmes;
- The delivery of Our Rural Future – evidence-based links to the achievement of Key Deliverables and specific policy measures set out in the Rural Development Policy 2021-2025.
- A contribution to achieving the objectives of the Climate Action Plan and assist in the transition to a competitive, low carbon, climate-resilient and environmentally sustainable economy.
- Regenerative potential, the capacity to deliver regeneration in a town(s)/village(s), Town Centre First objectives, help address vacancy and dereliction and the extent to which the project will act as a catalyst for increased activity and development in a rural town or village once complete.
- Additionality, how the project could not otherwise have taken place without the Fund and how the Fund is not acting as a substitute for investment which is already provided for under the remit of a Department or agency.
- Value for Money – funding a project which will justify the investment made based on its size, scope, its geographic and population reach and the scale of its impact for rural communities.
- Leveraging of funding from the parties to the application, including philanthropic funders and/or the private sector where appropriate.
- A significant and sustainable impact on the social or economic development of rural communities.
For more information, visit https://www.gov.ie/en/policy-information/c77144-rural-regeneration-and-development-fund/#how-to-apply