Deadline: 27 September 2018

The Minister for Rural and Community Development, Michael Ring, T.D., has launched the first call for proposals under the Government’s new Rural Regeneration and Development Fund.

The objective of the new Fund is to support 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 will be awarded through a competitive bid process, based on delivering the objectives for rural Ireland in the National Planning Framework.

Funding Information

Initial funding of €315 million is being allocated to the Fund on a phased basis over the period 2019 to 2022.

Categories

The first call for proposals under the Fund is being launched in July 2018 and submissions are invited under two categories:

• Category 1: “Ready-to-Go” proposals, or initial phases of projects which can be commenced in 2019, which have the necessary consents (e.g. planning) in place, are at an advanced stage of design, are in a position to satisfy value-for-money requirements in accordance with the Public Spending Code, and are procurement-ready.
• Category 2: Proposals that have clear potential and quantifiable objectives but require further development to enable them to be potentially submitted as Category 1 proposals in subsequent funding calls.

Eligibility Criteria

• Proposals under the Fund must demonstrate a collaborative approach between two or more organisations. Subject to this condition, the Fund will be open to Local Authorities, Local Development Companies, State agencies, other Government Departments, philanthropic funders, the private sector and communities.
• For the purposes of compliance with public financial procedures, the lead party in the application must be a State-funded body.
• Applicants must be able to demonstrate that the Fund can provide additionality to their existing level of activity and deliver a sustainable impact on rural areas.

How to Apply

Applicants must download the application form via given website.

For more information, please visit Rural Regeneration and Development Fund.