Mayo Minister announces €2.3 million for three Landmark Rural Regeneration Projects in Mayo

The Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Dara Calleary TD, has today (October 10) announced funding of over €2.3 million for three landmark regeneration projects in Mayo. The announcement is part of a national rollout of 30 projects totalling €20.5 million.

The three projects in Mayo, being funded under the Rural Regeneration Development Fund (RRDF), are in Belmullet, Swinford and on Inishturk Island. Béal an Muirthead 2028 Fís Nua is being awarded €663,000 for public realm works, the regeneration of an old vocational school as a community hub, and the development of a new library. In Swinford, €870,000 is being awarded for the refurbishment and deep retrofit of a derelict and unused former residential building of the Georgian era into a community resource centre. The project will also include the development of a new public square and marketplace.

Mayo County Council is the lead applicant for both the Belmullet and Swinford projects. On Inishturk Island, South West Mayo Development Company are the lead applicant for a project that will develop a 900 sq. meter multi-purpose hub and glamping site with a grant award of €814,000.

Announcing the funding for the projects in Mayo, Minister Calleary said: “I am delighted to announce the three successful projects in Mayo selected from applications to the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund. This €1 billion Fund was established under Project Ireland 2040 to deliver the targeted investment necessary to ensure that rural Ireland continues to grow and prosper and deliver on balanced regional growth that is in everyone’s interests.”

“In 2025, we continue to roll-out unprecedented levels of investment in rural Ireland, making our towns and villages better places to live, work, raise a family and run a business. Today’s announcement confirms our strong commitment to supporting our rural communities both economically and socially.

“The three successful projects in Mayo show real ambition and I am very much looking forward to working with Mayo County Council, South West Development Company and all stakeholders to ensure these projects are delivered on time and within their budgets.”

Minister Alan Dillon also highlighted that Ballintubber, Ballyhaunis, and Westport have previously received RRDF funding, reinforcing the Government’s ongoing commitment to supporting communities across County Mayo.

“These initiatives are about breathing new life into our towns, fostering community pride, and creating spaces that people want to live in, work in, and visit. I am thrilled to see Swinford and Belmullet receive this level of support and look forward to the positive impact these projects will have,” Minister Dillon concluded.

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