Seán Canney TD, Minister of State for International and Road Transport, Logistics, Rail and Ports and Leader in Cabinet of the Independent Ministers, has welcomed the opening of the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund (RRDF) for large-scale capital projects.

The Category 1 Call for Proposals under the RRDF invites applications for strategically important, large-scale capital projects that have full planning and other consents in place and are ready to commence.

The key focus of this Call is to support projects that can revitalise our rural towns and villages, providing the necessary facilities and infrastructure in settlements to assist in attracting people to live, work and invest in rural areas while aiming to ensure that rural towns, villages and communities can prosper in the years ahead.

Welcoming the announcement, Minister Canney said: “This is a significant opportunity for rural communities that are ready to move with projects. The Rural Regeneration and Development Fund has already transformed towns and villages across the country, and this new call is focused on large-scale projects with full planning and consents in place and ready to commence.

“That readiness is important. It means we can move quickly from approval to delivery, creating jobs during construction and leaving behind infrastructure and facilities that will serve communities for decades.

“With over €614 million already invested in 273 projects nationwide, we can see the tangible impact of this fund. Now is the time for ambitious, collaborative proposals that will revitalise town centres, tackle vacancy and dereliction, and make rural Ireland an even more attractive place to live, work and invest.”

The Category 1 Call is seeking to support strategically important projects of significant scope and impact. Applications of scale are sought, with a minimum funding request of €500,000 and up to a maximum of €10 million. Applications must be led by a State-funded body – including local authorities, local development companies or other State agencies, must be the product of comprehensive deliberation and community engagement and should demonstrate a collaborative approach between two or more organisations.

Minister Canney encouraged eligible bodies across Galway and the wider region to engage early.

The closing date for receipt of proposals is 12pm on 28 July 2026.