Record funding of €164 million for 30 landmark regeneration projects across the country has been announced by Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys today (Monday, April 13).

The investment is being provided under the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund (RRDF) with a particular emphasis on the revitalisation of rural town centres, which is a key objective of the 'Our Rural Future' and 'Town Centre First' policies.

The funding announced today will revitalise towns and villages in line with the Town Centre First policy and address vacancy and dereliction, stimulating rural economies and responding to community needs, Minister Humphreys said.

Announcing the funding for 30 regeneration projects at Loophead Lighthouse in Co. Clare, Minister Humphreys said: "Today, I have announced the largest allocation of funding since the RRDF was established.

Today’s announcement relates to the Fifth Call for Category 1 applications, which provides funding for large-scale capital projects which have planning in place and are ready to proceed.

Some of the successful projects for which funding has been announced today include:

Edenderry, Offaly (€12.2 million): Redevelopment of a derelict site to provide a new community library and arts base and regenerate the centre of the town;
Ballyhaunis, Mayo (€5.2 million): Redevelopment of a derelict convent primary school building and grounds to provide a public library, enterprise hub and public park;
Limerick Greenway Hubs Development Project (€9.6 million): Redevelopment of former stations houses along the Limerick Greenway route to create mini destinations, trailheads and service hubs;
Cresslough, Donegal (€12.1 million): Creation of a new central hub that will be transformative for the community;
Cahersiveen, Kerry (€6.4 million): Regeneration of the town centre, including the renovation of a historic building as a community facility and development of a waterfront amenity and boardwalk;
Enniscrone, Sligo (€8.4 million): Redevelopment of the historic Cliff Bath House, upgrading of the cliff walk and redevelopment of a derelict building to provide a new community pavilion;
Baile Bhúirne, Cork (€3.2 million): Redevelopment of a former residential school to provide a regional enterprise development, training and research facility;
Tuam, Galway (€3.6 million): Redevelopment of the historic Tuam Town Hall as a multi-purpose community facility.

The Department of Rural and Community Development received 60 applications to this call, seeking funding of over €333 million. The call focused on revitalising rural towns and villages through planned and sustainable regeneration.

The successful projects are in line with the Town Centre First policy that will drive greater economic activity and footfall, address vacancy and dereliction and ensure the re-use of heritage and other existing buildings.