Kildare Communities seeking support for projects from the Governments new Rural Regeneration and Development Fund have just over two months to apply, Fine Gael TD Martin Heydon has said.
The objective of the Rural Regeneration and Development fund is to support collaborative and integrated projects between Government departments, State agencies, local authorities, other public bodies, communities and, where appropriate, philanthropic funders and/or the private sector.
The fund, under the remit of Minister for Rural and Community Development, Michael Ring, will be open to Kildare County Council, local development companies, State agencies, other Government departments, philanthropic funders, the private sector and communities. The lead partner must be a State-funded body.
The closing date for the receipt of proposals is 27th September 2018 and it is anticipated that successful projects will be announced in late October/early November.
Full details of the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund, along with the application form, are available on the Department of Rural and Community Development website, at www.drcd.gov.ie.
Martin Heydon TD is encouraging local communities and Kildare County Council to submit proposals for funding.
Deputy Heydon said: “The new Rural Regeneration and Development Fund will invest €1 billion of exchequer funding over the next 10 years. The fund provides an unprecedented opportunity for us to make a significant impact which will transform our rural communities for the better.
“The overarching aim of the new funding is to have an impact on sustainable economic and social development in rural areas.
“It is essential that community organisations and Kildare County Council here in Kildare make submissions for funding. This will be a competitive process open to public bodies and locally based organisations.
“The type of projects it will support will include:
· addressing infrastructural deficits in towns and villages,
· encouraging enterprise, and
· enhancing heritage and community assets in rural areas.
“The Fund will target towns with a population of less than 10,000 people, as well as villages and outlying rural areas.
“It is important to note that the €2 billion Urban Regeneration Fund, which was also announced as part of Project Ireland 2040, will significantly benefit large rural towns. This is new money which will be invested in the 41 population centres with a population of 10,000 or more.
“In general, the fund will provide up to 75% of the total value of a project. A maximum of 80% of funding will be considered where community contributions form a significant element of the match-funding.
“The Rural Regeneration and Development Fund represents an unprecedented opportunity to strengthen the fabric of rural Ireland and make a significant and sustainable positive impact on rural communities.
“The Rural Regeneration and Development Fund will be a key instrument to support the objectives of Project Ireland 2040, and, in particular, to achieving strengthened rural economies and communities.”