Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 23 January 2019
24. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if he is satisfied that allocated funding is having the desired effect in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3004/19]
View answerMy Department delivers funding and a broad range of supports to Cork City and County which promote rural and community development and support vibrant inclusive and sustainable communities. The projects funded also provide for enhanced connectivity and improved amenities and promote tourism and job-creation initiatives. I am satisfied that the funding allocated by my Department is having a very positive impact in the communities concerned. The Government’s commitment to supporting rural Ireland is underscored through Project Ireland 2040. The new Rural Regeneration and Development Fund (RRDF) will provide an opportunity to deliver more integrated and ambitious projects nationally and in County Cork
Funding through the following schemes and programmes is being delivered in County Cork:
- 2018 Social Inclusion Community Activation Programme €3.2m
- Volunteer Centres €123,800 funding for 2018& 2019
- Public Participation Networks (PPNs), two Public Participation Networks (PPNs) supported in Cork City and County
- Seniors Alert Scheme, 10 new organisations were approved, 2,700 new participants were approved for the Scheme.
- Community Enhancement Programme, €1.12m to Cork City and County under the Community Enhancement Programme supporting 161 community groups.
- Social Enterprise Measure – Dormant Accounts Fund, €152,766 funding allocated for 2018 & 2019
- Digital Innovation Programme (DIP), €8,000 was allocated to Cork City Council to investigate the feasibility of a home swap initiative.
- Broadband Officer Funding (BBO), annual funding allocated to both Cork City Council & Cork County Council annually since 2016 to assist with the employment of a Broadband Officer.
- Rural Regeneration and Development Fund, allocation of over €2.1m for the conversion of a prominent heritage building in Kinsale, Co Cork into a local public library.
- LEADER, three Local Action Groups responsible for the delivery of the LEADER Programme in County Cork with a combined allocation of almost €14 million.
- Community Policy, a contribution of €146,495 (Cork City €67,361 and Cork County €79,134) in 2018 to support the new Local Community Development Committee arrangements and the implementation of Local Economic and Community Plans in particular.
- Community Services Programme (CSP), €2.6 million towards the cost of employing approximately 105 full-time equivalents and 17 manager positions in 29 community based organisations and social enterprises based in County Cork.
- Libraries, in 2018 my Department provided funding of over €417,000 to libraries in County Cork. This funding included the purchase of ICT technology, digital services and facilities in public libraries and a contribution to the lease for the Douglas library building.
- CLÁR, in 2018 my Department allocated €1.2 to CLÁR projects in CLÁR areas in Co. Cork.
- The Local Improvement Scheme, or LIS, in 2018, my Department allocated €1.7m for such works in Co. Cork.
- New Outdoor Recreational Infrastructure, in 2018, my Department allocated almost €600,000 under the ORIS.
- Walks Scheme, The scheme currently covers 5 trails in County Cork, with payments made to approximately 600 private land-holders to maintain those trails.
- Town and Village Renewal Scheme, since 2016, a total of €53 million has been allocated to over 670 projects throughout Ireland, including Cork.
Further details can be found on my Department’s website.
