Waterford City and County Council has started assessing potential projects that could benefit from a new national regeneration fund focused on disadvantaged communities.

The update came during a recent plenary meeting of the council.

During the meeting, Donal Barry asked how the local authority plans to engage with the newly announced Towns and Cities Regeneration Investment Fund.

Opportunity for Disadvantaged Areas

Cllr Barry said the scheme presents a major opportunity for communities across Waterford. In particular, it could benefit areas classified as disadvantaged under the Pobal Deprivation Index.

He told the meeting that several communities across the city and county fall within those classifications. Therefore, they could benefit from targeted regeneration funding.

Barry said the scheme could support projects that improve infrastructure, public spaces and local amenities. As a result, these investments could improve quality of life in communities that have experienced long-term disadvantage.

He also asked council management what engagement had taken place so far regarding the new funding.

In addition, Barry asked whether the council had already identified projects suitable for submission.

He suggested that the council should consider appointing a dedicated officer or coordinating role. Such a role could help identify projects and maximise available State funding.

Council Reviewing Potential Applications

Meanwhile, former Acting Director of Services Claire Hartley responded to the query.

Hartley said the local authority had only recently received full details of the scheme.

Until then, council management had only seen a press release outlining the fund.

However, the council received the detailed application documentation earlier that day. Teams are now reviewing the scheme’s criteria.

Hartley said staff across economic development, planning and active land management teams will work together during the assessment process.

Additionally, the council is reviewing projects already under development. Officials will examine whether those projects meet the scheme’s eligibility requirements.

Tight Deadline for Applications

The first call for proposals under the new fund has a closing date of May 1st. Therefore, local authorities have a relatively short window to prepare submissions.

Hartley said the council is particularly aware that the scheme prioritises areas with higher levels of deprivation.

Projects located in those areas may qualify for up to 90 percent funding. As a result, they may become more viable for local authorities to deliver.

For now, council teams are reviewing projects already in progress. They will then decide which proposals could be submitted under the new fund.

New Fund Replaces Previous Scheme

The Towns and Cities Regeneration Investment Fund was recently announced by James Browne.

It replaces the Urban Regeneration and Development Fund.

However, the new scheme places a stronger focus on disadvantaged communities.

In addition, it expands eligibility by allowing more smaller towns to apply.

The programme aims to support projects that regenerate town centres and improve public spaces.

Meanwhile, officials in Waterford say they are reviewing the scheme details carefully. Their goal is to identify projects that could benefit from the funding opportunity.