Urban and Rural Regeneration Funding Schemes

Urban Regeneration and Development Fund

The Urban Regeneration and Development Fund (URDF) is a flagship element of Project Ireland 2040. Under the stewardship of the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, the Fund was established to support more compact and sustainable development, through the regeneration and rejuvenation of Ireland’s five cities and other large towns, in line with the objectives of the National Planning Framework (NPF) and National Development Plan (NDP). This will enable the existing built-up footprints of our cities and towns and ensure that more parts of our urban areas can become attractive and vibrant places in which people choose to live and work, as well as to invest and to visit.

Launched as part of the National Development Plan (NDP) 2018 – 2027 with an investment of €2 billion, the revised NDP, published in 2021, extended the fund to 2030.

Rural Regeneration and Development Fund

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

The purpose of the fund is to support job creation in rural areas, address de-population of rural communities and support improvements in our towns and villages with a population of less than 10,000, and outlying areas.

The fund is focused on supporting 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.

Proposals are invited from Local Authorities, and other locally/regionally based organisations, such as Local Development Companies, as well as government departments and State agencies. For the purpose of accountability and oversight, the lead partner of all projects must be a State funded body, but collaboration with the private sector is encouraged.

Proposals may be made in respect of towns with populations of 10,000 or fewer and their outlying areas.

Town and Village Renewal Scheme

The National Planning Framework (NPF) sets the vision and strategy for the development of our country, balanced across all of our regions, towns and cities, out to the year 2040. The Department of Rural and Community Development strives to support vibrant, inclusive and sustainable communities throughout Ireland and supports the NPF commitments through targeted policy and investment that empowers communities, supports sustainable rural regeneration and fosters regional growth.

“Our Rural Future - Ireland's Rural Development Policy 2021 – 2025”, commits to supporting a thriving rural Ireland which is integral to our national economic, social, cultural and environmental wellbeing and development. This includes regenerating rural towns and villages and enhancing the vibrancy of rural places. It aims to enable people to live and work in a high quality environment.

Funded under Project Ireland 2040, the Town and Village Renewal Scheme (TVRS) is a key measure directly supporting the objectives of Our Rural Future and the Town Centre First (TCF) Policy. The scheme, which was introduced in 2016, is part of a suite of measures designed to rejuvenate rural towns and villages throughout Ireland.

Applications to the fund are submitted by the Local Authority to the Department of Rural and Community Development on behalf of applicants. Fingal County Council advertised for  Expressions of Interest for inclusion within the 2023 ORIS Scheme in June 2023. An application for funding for a Project Development Measure for the Springers/Red Island Area of Skerries was submitted and approved for funding by the department.

Streetscape Enhancement Scheme

Funding from this will help support façade upgrades at commercial premises and community buildings, including shopfront improvements, painting, signage replacement or removal, lighting, and green planting. 

Under the scheme, up to 50% of the cost of improvements, up to a maximum grant amount of €1,500 per eligible property, is available, subject to terms and conditions.

The Streetscape Enhancement Scheme 2024 is now open and is seeking expressions of interest from qualifying commercial and community premises located within areas designated as “Major Town Centre”, “Town and District Centre”, “Local Centre” or “Rural Village” within the Fingal County Development Plan 2023-2029.

Completed expression of interest forms and the required supporting documents should be emailed to  [email protected]   or sent by post to Town Regeneration Office, Economic Enterprise Tourism and Cultural Department, Fingal County Council, County Hall, Main Street, Swords, Fingal, Co Dublin, K67X8Y2.

Expressions of interest must be received by Fingal County Council by 12 noon on April 8, 2024. 

Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS)

The Department of Rural and Community Development has announced a major €16 million fund which will support outdoor recreation projects across the country.

The 2023 Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS) funding has increased by €1 million this year and will see the development of our natural amenities such as our mountains, lakes, rivers, beaches, blue-ways, bogs, forest walks and uplands.

The announcement is a key strand to the implementation of Embracing Ireland’s Outdoors, the National Outdoor Recreation Strategy 2023 - 2027 which is set to shape the future of outdoor recreation over the next five years.

The Strategy aims to increase the number of people active in the outdoors, especially young people and under-represented groups, and to foster a greater understanding of how to enjoy the outdoors responsibly.

Building on this, the projects that will be supported under ORIS are designed to benefit the health and wellbeing of the communities in which they are located. The funding will provide not only an outlet for the communities in which they are situated but will also deliver added value from a tourism perspective. It will prioritise projects which have evidence of strong community engagement. Examples of activities which applicants should have in mind when submitting Expression of Interest Forms for the 2023 Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS) include:

Applications to the fund are submitted by the Local Authority to the Department of Rural and Community Development on behalf of applicants.   Fingal County Council advertised for  Expressions of Interest  for  inclusion within the  2023 ORIS Scheme in June 2023.  An application for funding for a  Project Development Measure for the Springers/Red Island Area of Skerries was submitted and approved for funding by the department.

For more information on these programmes, you may contact the Town Regeneration Team:  [email protected] .