Since the fund's establishment in 2019, this grant allocation is the largest under the Rural Regeneration and Development fund.

Over a nine-year period ending in 2027, it has pledged €1 billion in financial support to address dereliction, construct infrastructure and community hubs, and improve historic treasures around the nation.

While visiting the Loop Head lighthouse in Co Clare, which has benefited from funding of up to €1 million from the rural regeneration programme to refurbish tourist facilities there, Minister for Rural and Community Development Heather Humphreys made the news.

The lighthouse has a lengthy nautical history that dates to the early 1800s when it was still a functioning tower lighthouse. Its initial construction dates to the 1670s.

The donations enabled the complex to receive its first mains water connection, which in turn allowed for further expansions. It has reopened for the 2024 tourism season.

In addition to ongoing improvements to the tourist hub, there are plans to improve the six designated observation spots, looping walking pathways, and new parking spaces.

The most recent round of the RRDF is funding thirty other initiatives, such as repurposing abandoned buildings in Edenderry, Co. Offaly, and Ballyhaunis, Co. Mayo, into centres for the arts and enterprise, community libraries, and a central hub in the village of Creeslough, Co. Donegal.