Rural Regeneration and Development Fund

Local authorities may support local development companies, state agencies, community organisations and private investors to secure government funding to develop projects that support job creation and innovation, address depopulation, develop infrastructure and community facilities, and protect culture and heritage in rural communities.

The Rural Regeneration and Development Fund is a commitment of €1 billion by government to be invested in rural Ireland over the period 2019 to 2027.

The Rural Regeneration and Development Fund can fund projects including (but not limited to):

  • infrastructure that may be needed to support town centre housing and/or commercial development
  • measures to address building vacancy including building refurbishment, redevelopment and/or demolition
  • the development of community or public facilities infrastructure including improvements to roads, bridges and car parking facilities
  • infrastructure that improves telecommunications connectivity
  • projects that support job creation, entrepreneurship and innovation in rural areas (for example: development of Digital Hubs, Enterprise Hubs, Creative Hubs, or training facilities)
  • enhancement of heritage and/or other community assets including the provision/enhancement of recreational or leisure facilities.

Carlow County Council continues to develop projects under the fund both at pre-development and delivery stage. Full details on the scheme are available here: gov.ie - Rural Regeneration and Development fund (www.gov.ie)