1058. Deputy Micheál Carrigy asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht to provide a start date on the Knights and Conquest heritage project in Granard; the progress to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45593/26]

1059. Deputy Micheál Carrigy asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht the progress on the project for the Norman Heritage Village in Granard; the progress to date; the timeframe for the project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45594/26]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1058 and 1059 together.

The Rural Regeneration and Development Fund (RRDF) is a major capital investment programme which seeks to support large-scale, ambitious projects that can achieve sustainable economic and social development in rural areas. It provides funding for the development and construction of capital projects in towns and villages in rural areas across Ireland. Funding is allocated to local authorities and other State-funded bodies, who take the lead role in individual projects.

As was advised in response to the Deputy's parliamentary question 311 of the 29th April last, Longford County Council is the Lead Body for the Historic Granard Motte Project. As the Lead Body for the project, which was awarded c. €2.87 million in RRDF funding, Longford County Council has responsibility for managing and delivering the works.

In developing its plans, the Council has confirmed it is seeking to develop a major tourism and amenity attraction adjacent to the site of Granard Motte, a national monument on the outskirts of Granard, Co. Longford.

Any potential start date for construction works on this project is a matter for Longford County Council and would be subject to further preparatory works. My department remains in regular contact with Lead Bodies across the range of live RRDF projects in order to support effective delivery. In this regard, the latest update from Longford County Council is that, following completion of an options appraisal report, it has selected a final option/design for the site. The Council also advises that it is undertaking some technical amendments to planned works prior to submitting a Part 8 planning application.