______________________________________________
For Written Answer on : 18/09/2024
Question Number(s): 869 Question Reference(s): 36686/24
Department: Rural and Community Development
Asked by: David Stanton T.D.
______________________________________________
QUESTION
To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development further to Parliamentary Question No. 43 of 20 June 2024, the progress made to date with respect to the development of a project (details supplied); when she expects the project to be completed; the amount of project funding made available and drawn down so far under the rural regeneration and development fund; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
(Details Supplied) Youghal Public Library, Youghal, Co. Cork.
REPLY
As the Deputy will be aware, the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund is a strategic capital investment fund that is key to the delivery of Ireland’s rural development policy, Our Rural Future 2021-2025.
The Youghal Public Library project has been awarded funding of just over €4 million under the third Call for Category 1 proposals to the Fund in 2021. The project will renovate and extend derelict buildings and a site on Youghal’s North Main Street to provide a new library and revitalised streetscape.
As stated in my response in June 2024, Cork County Council has advised my Department that, since the funding was approved in 2021, the condition of the building has deteriorated further and some fundamental structural issues relating to internal floors have come to light.
Cork County Council has confirmed that the initial preparation work required in order to demolish unsafe structures and stabilise the remaining structures has commenced. Demolition and other works have been commissioned and will commence next week and take approximately 20 weeks to complete.
The Council has indicated that the substantive tender to deliver the project will be advertised following completion of these works. The project is estimated to be completed in Q4 2026. The amount of RRDF funding drawn down to date for the project is €224,642. Further drawdowns are expected before the end of 2024 with the bulk of the funding to be drawn down in 2025 and 2026.
Given the benefits that this project can deliver to the community in Youghal, I have instructed my officials to remain in ongoing contact with Cork County to support the delivery of this important project.
