4120. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht for a detailed progress report in regards to the RRDF scheme for Killorglin town in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59596/26]

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.

Kerry County Council is the Lead Body for the two projects located in Killorglin which have received RRDF funding, and which have together been allocated a total of over €1.71m.

In 2022, the Category 2 ‘Killorglin Town Centre Smart Rural Regeneration Project’ was allocated €961,800 under a RRDF Call for Proposals. This project included funding to allow Kerry County Council to develop proposals to renovate the Killorglin Courthouse, as well as the delivery of public realm improvements and natural amenities in the town. The Council has confirmed that the statutory process for the Public Realm phase of Killorglin Regeneration is complete, with the detailed design nearing completion. An application for Category 1 funding for the Public Realm element of this project was submitted to my Department in July 2026.

In relation to Killorglin Courthouse, work commenced in 2022, and planning approval under the Part 8 for the regeneration of the building was secured in January 2024. Following this, also in 2024, Kerry County Council then applied for funding to cover the construction costs associated with delivering the proposed project. This application was successful, and the Council was allocated further RRDF funding of €750,000.

Following this award, the Council completed the detailed design phase and progressed the project to construction tender stage. Tenders were returned on 3 March 2026 and a successful contractor has been selected. The Council has confirmed it is now progressing the contract award process and it is expected that works will commence in the near future.