The Our Rural Future Fund provides investment to support suitable projects in towns and villages with a population of less than 10,000, and outlying areas, which will deliver on the National Strategic Objective of Strengthened Rural Economies and Communities and achieve sustainable economic and social development in these areas
As a Local Authority, Carlow County Council plays an active leadership role in the accessing of funding via the Our Rural Future Fund. This includes the co-ordination of project applications for the Local Authority , working with key stakeholders to develop projects suitable for the funds and also supporting communities in their direct applications to the fund. From a functional viewpoint this support is managed across Carlow County Council coordinated by the LEO/Economic Development & Special Project Development Section and the Community & Amenity Section.
The Our Rural Future funds supported by the Carlow County Council - LEO/Economic Development & Special Project Development Section are:
- Town and Village Renewal Scheme - Streetscapes
- Town and Village Renewal Scheme
- Town and Village Scheme (Connected Hubs)
- Dormant Accounts Fund Social Enterprise - Capital Supports
- Rural Regeneration & Development Fund (Category A)
- Rural Regeneration & Development Fund (Category B)
Section Manager : Kieran Comerford , Head of Economic Development & Enterprise
The Our Rural Future funds supported by the Community & Amenity Section are:
- Community Centres Investment Fund
- Empowering Communities Fund
- Ceantair Laga Árd-Riachtanais (CLÁR)
- Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS)
Section Manager: Fiona O'Neill , Senior Executive Officer
In order to allow determine the level of projects , Carlow County Council is advertising an Expression of Interest stage for all schemes commencing on 19th April 2022 to 16th May 2022. This process will allow us to determine the range of interest of community and business groups who are submitting applications and determine (1) which applications will be submitted by Carlow County Council under the various schemes (2) which groups require support with project application and project development.
In order to support this process, a briefing on the schemes will be held on 26th April 2022 @ 7.00pm via Zoom. Register on www.localenterprise.ie/carlow
In respect of 2022 as the Ceantair Laga Árd-Riachtanais (CLÁR) , Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS) , Town and Village Scheme (Connected Hubs) are active application processes and will not be included.
Queries to 059-9129783 or via e-mail to enterprise@carlowcoco.ie