Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys has announced today (Thursday, October 31) the fourth call for Category 2 applications to be supported under rural funding.

The project proposals, under the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund (RRDF), are required to directly deliver on the objectives of 'Our Rural Future' and the 'Town Centre First' Policy.

The RRDF provides funding for the development and construction of capital projects in towns and villages and rural areas across Ireland.

In total, and since it was introduced in 2018, the RRDF has now provided funding of over €580 million for more than 240 projects nationwide

Particular attention will be given to applications which have the potential to increase economic activity and support the creation of employment, along with helping to revitalise rural towns and villages.

Projects that drive greater footfall and address vacancy and dereliction will also be given further attention. Such proposals will assist in attracting people back to live in rural areas.

On announcing the funding, Minister Humphreys said: “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".

“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," Minister Humphreys added.

‘Category 2’ projects are intended to provide funding to allow project leads undertake and complete the initial planning, design and technical works required to of any large scale project.

This sees potential, large scale, projects developed to a stage allowing for greater certainty regarding scope, cost and delivery timelines to support for further funding under a ‘Category 1’ application.

Under the application, it is required that the project lead is a stated-funded body. A lead party is permitted to submit a maximum of two applications to this call for Category 2 applications.

Collaboration between parties, including with local communities, has been encouraged by the minister. The closing date for applications is noon on Friday, March 14 2025.