Written Answers Nos. 804-822
804. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the position regarding the condition of Cleandra pier in Ardgroom, County Cork; if there are plans to fund remedial works; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31587/20]
View answerMy Department owns, operates and maintains six designated State-owned Fishery Harbour Centres, located at Castletownbere, Dingle, Dunmore East, Howth, Killybegs and Ros An Mhíl under statute. In addition, my Department also has responsibility for the upkeep and maintenance of North Harbour at Cape Clear, as well as the maintenance of a small number of specific piers, lights and beacons throughout Ireland, in accordance with the Marine Works (Ireland) Act 1902, and piers, lights and beacons constructed under the auspices of the Congested Districts Board.
Cleandra Pier, Ardgroom, Co. Cork is owned by Cork County Council and responsibility for its maintenance and development rests with that Local Authority in the first instance and its parent Department, the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage thereafter.
As indicated, my legislative remit does not extend to Cleandra Pier, and given that the ownership of, and overall responsibility for Cleandra Pier rests with the County Council, it is the Council who will decide if it wishes to carry out any further development, repair or maintenance.
My Department does however provide limited funding to assist coastal Local Authorities in carrying out small scale projects for the development and repair of Local Authority owned piers, harbours and slipways under the annual Fishery Harbour and Coastal Infrastructure Development Programme, subject to available Exchequer funding and overall national priorities. Since 2010, Cork County Council has received funding of €3.9m under this Programme, with €20,777 of that funding granted in 2014 to repair storm damage at Cleandra Pier.
Under this year’s programme, funding of €3.1m has been approved to assist 10 coastal Local Authorities undertake and complete 58 development and repair projects on harbours and slipways owned by them. Cork County Council has secured €394,500 of funding to undertake thirteen projects under this year’s programme. No application for funding in relation to Cleandra Pier was received under this year’s programme.
Should any application be submitted by Cork County Council in relation to Cleandra Pier under any future programme, it will be given due consideration, taking into account the terms and conditions of the scheme, the priority attached by the Council and available funds.
805. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will seek to incentivise as best as possible, the use of traditional and more environmentally friendly grass types such as cocksfoot, timothy and sweet vernal grass on farms (details supplied). [31618/20]
View answerThe current agri-environment scheme GLAS (Green, Low-Carbon Agri-Environment Scheme) includes two actions which specifically support permanent pasture which is managed to promote a more diverse sward. The Low Input Permanent Pasture Action has been taken up by over 36,000 herds and covers over 250,000 hectares. This objective of this action is to promote a more diverse sward through appropriate grazing levels and restriction on pesticide and fertiliser use.
The Tradition Hay Meadow Action incentivises the traditional method of hay making which promotes a more diverse sward including traditional grass types. The GLAS action has been taken up by over 15,000 herds and covers over 60,000 hectares. In addition to these two actions, GLAS includes a Natura 2000 action whereby land within a Natura 2000 designated site receives a payment for sustainable management of the site which protects and supports vulnerable habitats such as semi-natural grasslands and wetlands.
My Department has also supported ongoing research in the growing area of multi-species swards (MSS) such as the SMART Grass project which was conducted by UCD. Teagasc are currently researching MSS and further research is being undertaken again by UCD and in conjunction with the work of the Devenish Nutrition and the Global Innovation Centre. This research aims to demonstrates the benefits of a move away from a monoculture of perennial rye grass to introducing a mix species sward which includes several grass types (for example timothy and cocksfoot and along with legumes and herbs) in order to reduce Nitrogen inputs and deliver other environmental benefits. DAFM are following this research closely and the results will be considered in the design of schemes and measures for the next Common Agricultural Policy.
806. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans to consult an association (details supplied) on the negative impact that the Covid-19 pandemic has had in relation to agricultural events; and if the introduction of supports for these organisations will be considered. [31619/20]
View answerMy Department is very supportive of local agricultural shows and provides in excess of €80,000 annually to the Irish Shows Association for disbursement to local organisations. This funding is designed to assist with the insurance costs associated with running such events. However, other than this financial assistance, the Department does not have a direct role in running these shows.
807. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on the hindrance that the Covid-19 pandemic has caused to the promotion of native livestock breeds, some of which are classified as endangered horticulture and food produce, such as fruit and vegetables, due to the cancellation of agricultural shows; and if he will consider the facilitation of such events in 2021 on the basis that they are conducted in a way that are, as best as possible, in compliance with Covid-19 guidelines, even if that means a change in format such as hosting events over a period of several days. [31620/20]
View answerMy Department is very supportive of these shows, providing in excess of €80,000 annually to assist with the insurance costs associated with running these events. The benefit that they provide in showcasing livestock and agricultural produce, along with the wider social benefits to local communities is appreciated. My Department does not run or manage the shows, but does intend to continue this financial assistance in 2021. Clearly, it will be a matter for the public heath authorities to advise on whether such events can proceed depending on the public health guidelines that may be in operation at that time.
809. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of the beef task force; the number of times the task force has met to date; the reports completed to date by same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31730/20]
View answerLast year, the Beef Taskforce was established to provide the leadership to develop a sustainable pathway for the future of the beef sector in terms of economic, environmental and social sustainability. The Taskforce provides a robust implementation structure for commitments entered into in the Beef Talks Agreement of 15th September 2019, with timelines and stakeholder engagement. The Beef Taskforce offers an important platform for strategic engagement with all the key sectoral stakeholders. The support of the Government for the work of the Taskforce is included in the Programme for Government.
To date, there have been 4 meetings of the Taskforce, two of which have been virtual due to public health guidelines on the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
There is a specific page on my Department's website dedicated to the Beef Taskforce at https://www.agriculture.gov.ie/farmingsectors/beef/beeftaskforce/. This page contains all relevant documents pertaining to the work of the Taskforce to date, including the agreement reached on 15 September 2019, the Terms of Reference for the Taskforce, and updates on actions arising out of the agreement to date.
810. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of dedicated spaces for breastfeeding and expressing breast milk in workplaces assigned to his Department in percentage and absolute terms; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31731/20]
View answerMy Department occupies 71 buildings across the country. Of these, 34 buildings or 48%, which includes Head Quarter offices in five locations which cater for the majority of staff, have dedicated Rest Rooms which can be used by staff as required.
811. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if a 2019 area of natural constraints scheme overpayment will be reviewed in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31756/20]
View answerThe person named recently received a letter advising him of a breach of limits under the Nitrates Regulations in respect of the 2019 year and detailing that a penalty that would be applied to his 2020 scheme payments. The letter also outlined the procedures for requesting a review of the decision and/or lodging an appeal to the Agricultural Appeals Office.
No correspondence has been submitted by the Herdowner in respect of this decision. If the person named wishes, he should contact Nitrates Division directly with any additional relevant information he may have and they will be happy to conduct a review of his case.
812. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if funding streams are available to a group (details supplied) to keep a centre open; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30934/20]
View answerMy Department is aware of the challenges facing community and voluntary organisations and is committed to working closely with the sector in managing through these, recognising that it will require a whole of Government approach.
The Community and Voluntary Sector Covid-19 Stability Fund was intended to be a targeted once-off cash injection for organisations and groups currently delivering critical front-line services to the most at need in our society and in danger of imminent closure due to lost fund-raised or traded income as a direct result of restrictions to counter the spread of COVID-19. The criteria of the scheme stated that any grants awarded would be dependent on the need identified and organisations approved for funding were prioritised on that basis.
My Department received 1,060 applications during the application periods. To date, four tranches of successful applications have been announced, allocating funding of over €30 million to 568 organisations. This funding is now supporting the delivery of many critical front line services in every part of the country.
Though the fund is currently closed to new applications, additional checks are continuing on a small number of applications and remaining outcomes will be communicated on an individual basis. Lists of successful applicants are available on my Department’s website at https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/3957e-covid-19-stability-fund-successful-applicants/
My Department currently supports 418 community organisations under the Community Services Programme (CSP) to provide local services through a social enterprise model. €47m is available under the programme in 2020 including a Support Fund of €1m. Indecon Consultants carried out an independent review of the CSP and this was published in September last. Work has commenced on the restructuring of the Programme and it is expected that the Programme will open to targeted calls to address identified gaps in service delivery in 2021.
In April a €2.5 million COVID-19 Emergency Fund was introduced to provide funding to community and voluntary groups participating in the Government’s “Community Call” initiative. This is administered through local authorities.
In June the 2020 Community Enhancement Programme (CEP) was launched with funding of €2m for capital grants towards enhancing facilities available to communities. This funding was administered LCDCs. It is hoped to run the CEP programme again in 2021.
In August, with funding of €5m, the Department launched the Community Enhancement Programme 2020 Fund for Community Centres and Community Building. Further details are on this link - €5m-funding-for-community-centres-community-facilities. This €5m funding will provide capital grants towards the maintenance, improvement and upkeep of community centres and community buildings. This funding is allocated to local authorities and administered by LCDCs.
Community and voluntary organisations should liaise with their local authority and check the Department's website and social media for updates on funding streams and announcements.
813. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if funding will be provided to allow for a full-time staff member to be employed at a community centre (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30955/20]
View answerThe Community Services Programme, or CSP, supports community organisations to provide local services through a social enterprise model. That said, following an independent review of the CSP, which was undertaken by Indecon International Economic Consultants, the Department and Pobal have commenced work on the restructuring of the programme. Pending the transition to the new restructured programme, the Expression of Interest process is closed. It is expected that the Programme will open targeted calls to address identified gaps in service delivery in 2021.
In the meantime the organisation may wish to apply for a position under the Community Employment Programme or the Tús initiative.
814. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development her plans for local development companies; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31104/20]
View answerLocal Development Companies (LDCs) implement a range of programmes on behalf of a number of Government Departments.
In relation to my Department, LDCs are involved in the delivery of the Social Inclusion Community Activation Programme (SICAP) and the LEADER programme. LDCs are a valued stakeholder and will continue to play a vital role in implementing each of these programmes locally.
815. Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the progress in relation to the provision of wastewater infrastructure for unsewered villages using the rural regeneration and development fund of the national development plan in conjunction with Irish Water (details supplied); the Departments and State agencies that will be involved in the delivery of this proposed new scheme to provide wastewater infrastructure to unsewered villages; the Department or State agency that will take the lead in the provision of these vital schemes; if funding has been ring-fenced to facilitate such projects; when it will be open for applications; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31121/20]
View answerFunding for national water investment is allocated to Irish Water; some funding for group water schemes is allocated from the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage.
The allocation of Rural Regeneration and Development funding is overseen by my Department and this supports the development and delivery of ambitious and strategic projects which contribute to sustainable rural regeneration and development in towns and villages with a population of less than 10,000 and outlying areas.
Applications are not limited in terms of sector. Projects allocated funding include town and village regeneration, enterprise development, tourism development, digital and co-working initiatives, libraries, arts and cultural facilities and sports and recreation facilities. Projects are often a combination of a number of these elements. However, it should be noted that no portion of funding has been ring fenced for any particular sector or project type.
It would be open to a local authority or other state funded body eligible under the rules of the scheme to make an application in relation to a water or wastewater project and the evaluation and marking system which is applied to projects takes specific account of the extent to which national, regional and local strategic objectives are met by project proposals submitted. The application process is competitive in nature and applications undergo assessment by my Department under the oversight of a Project Advisory Board, comprised of representatives from key Government Departments as well as independent experts.
Recommendations for successful projects are then submitted to the Minister based on the outcome of the internal evaluation process, the observations and advice of the Projects Advisory Board, and the alignment of the proposal with the overall objectives of the Fund and the requirement to achieve balanced regional development.
The third call for Category 1 applications - relating to projects with all planning and other consents in place and ready to commence works - is now open and the closing date for applications is the 1st December 2020.
816. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the number of digital hubs opened in 2020, by county; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31447/20]
View answerA broad range of digital hubs currently operate across Ireland, providing diversity in terms of the capacity, scale of facilities, and services they offer. The management and ownership of these hubs varies from privately owned facilities, to those under the responsibility of public bodies, and hubs operated by social enterprises.
There is currently no centralised dataset on the number or type of hubs in operation, or those that have opened in a particular year. However, work is being undertaken to develop such a dataset, led by my Department and the Western Development Commission (WDC).
The WDC has mapped over 100 remote working hubs within the Atlantic Economic Corridor (AEC) region alone, covering the area from Co. Kerry to Co. Donegal. The WDC's objective is to develop these hubs into a cohesive network of facilities in the AEC region for remote workers, students and for community use. The AEC hub network will include a common booking engine for clients, and collaboration tools to facilitate cross-network engagement between both managers and clients in the hubs.
The WDC has also developed a classification model for hubs which codifies hubs in terms of their services, clientele and mission. This classification model will allow the further development of quality standards and developmental pathways for hubs in the ecosystem.
In addition, more than 300 Broadband Connection Points (BCPs) will be connected in remote rural areas across the country over the coming months to provide public access to free high speed broadband services and these BCPs are also being mapped as part of the WDC’s work. More than 50 BCPs are already connected.
An Interdepartmental Working Group, chaired by the Secretary General of my Department, has been convened to investigate the feasibility of mapping and developing a national network of remote working facilities, including hubs, BCPs and libraries, based on the model developed in the AEC region.
An additional €5 million has also been allocated to my Department in Budget 2021 to support the development of this national hubs network, as well as to upgrade existing facilities throughout the country.
817. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the way in which the €5 million in the budget for town and village hubs will be deployed to assist 2020 students participate in third level education remotely. [31771/20]
View answerThe ecosystem of hubs and other facilities throughout the country offering hot-desk facilities are a significant support to both remote workers and students at the present time.
These facilities cover the spectrum from fully commercially-operating business models, to public sector and social enterprise hubs.
The Western Development Commission (WDC) has mapped over 100 remote working hubs within the Atlantic Economic Corridor (AEC) region alone, covering the area from Co. Kerry to Co. Donegal. The WDC's objective is to develop these hubs into a cohesive network of facilities in the AEC region for remote workers, students and for community use. The AEC hub network will include a common booking engine for clients, and collaboration tools to facilitate cross-network engagement between both managers and clients in the hubs.
In addition, more than 300 Broadband Connection Points (BCPs) will be connected in remote rural areas across the country over the coming months to provide public access to free high speed broadband services. These BCPs will also provide capacity for remote working and students in rural areas. More than 50 BCPs are already operational.
My Department has invested significantly in remote working facilities over the last number of years through programmes such as the Town and Village Renewal Scheme, the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund and the Libraries programme.
The additional €5 million allocated to my Department in Budget 2021 will be used to build on the AEC hub network model and support the development of a national network of remote working hubs, as well as upgrading existing facilities throughout the country. An Interdepartmental Working Group, chaired by the Secretary General of my Department, has been convened to progress this project.
818. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development further to Parliamentary Question No. 1481 of 8 September 2020, the status of an appeal for a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30944/20]
View answerThe Government is aware of the challenges facing community and voluntary organisations and is committed to working closely with the sector in managing through these, recognising that it will require a whole of Government approach.
The Community and Voluntary Sector Covid-19 Stability Fund was intended to be a targeted once-off cash injection for organisations and groups currently delivering critical front-line services to the most at need in our society and in danger of imminent closure due to lost fund-raised or traded income as a direct result of restrictions to counter the spread of COVID-19. The criteria of the scheme stated that any grants awarded would be dependent on the need identified and organisations approved for funding were prioritised on that basis.
Regrettably some organisations were unsuccessful in their application for various reasons and were offered an opportunity to appeal the decision. As advised in Parliamentary Question No. 1481 of 8 September 2020, I can confirm that my Department officials are currently engaging with the organisation in question, and have requested additional information. Their case will be examined in full as soon as the requested information is received and a decision will be made soon thereafter.
819. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if she will provide an update on the Athy food hub; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31443/20]
View answerArising from the first and second calls under the Rural Regeneration scheme, 63 Category 1 projects have been approved for funding of €131 million and 76 Category 2 projects have been approved for funding of €35 million. Category 1 relates to major capital projects that can drive sustainable rural regeneration and development, while Category 2 supports projects that require development funding to bring them to a stage where they are ready to apply under Category 1 calls.
The Athy Food Hub project was approved for funding under the second call for Category 2 applications, which was completed in August 2020. The lead party for the project is Kildare County Council. Following the completion of the due diligence process, the project was approved for funding of €311,159. I understand that the Council is currently engaged in the tender process for the appointment of a consultant to carry out further project development. If more detailed information is required on the progress of the project, I would advise the Deputy to contact the Council directly.
820. Deputy Christopher O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if she will grant farmers entry into the walks scheme for a green light for the Bantry active way as soon as possible; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31491/20]
View answerThe Walks Scheme, which my Department administers, contracts landholders to undertake maintenance work on National Waymarked Ways and other priority trails that traverse their lands. The landholders receive modest payments for maintenance work undertaken in line with agreed work plans.
Rural Recreation Officers, who manage the Scheme at local level, help to ensure that these walks are maintained at an approved standard, with repairs and improvements made as appropriate. They may, from time to time, approach my Department to have additional landholders brought on to the Scheme, including where additional sections of the a trail may be brought off-road.
Permission has recently been granted by my Department to include a small number of additional landholders onto the Walks Scheme in West Cork. Their lands now form part of the Sheep's Head Way following work to reroute a section of that trail off-road. This new section of the Sheep's Head Way also forms part of the Bantry Active Way.
I understand that work is ongoing at local level to bring further sections of the Sheep's Head Way off-road and that these sections would also form part of the Bantry Active Way. Any such requests to bring additional landholders onto the Sheep's Head Way will be considered by my Department on a case by case basis and as funding allows.
821. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the status of an appeal application following the decision to refuse a centre (details supplied) funding under the Covid-19 stability fund scheme; the status of this matter; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31582/20]
View answerThe Government is aware of the challenges facing community and voluntary organisations and is committed to working closely with the sector in managing through these, recognising that it will require a whole of Government approach.
The Community and Voluntary Sector Covid-19 Stability Fund was intended to be a targeted once-off cash injection for organisations and groups currently delivering critical front-line services to the most at need in our society and in danger of imminent closure due to lost fund-raised or traded income as a direct result of restrictions to counter the spread of COVID-19.
This fund will provide up to €35million of funding through the Dormant Accounts Fund (DAF) and the criteria align with DAF objectives to support:
1.The personal and social development of persons who are economically or socially disadvantaged; or
2.The educational development of persons who are educationally disadvantaged; or
3.Persons with a disability.
Regrettably some organisations were unsuccessful in securing funding for a number of reasons. I understand that some organisations may be disappointed with the outcome, or may have additional or updated information they wish to have reviewed. There is a Stability Scheme Appeals Process, which is being administered by this Department. The organisation in question is currently engaged in this process and a decision will be made shortly.
822. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development when a decision will be made on an application (details supplied) under the Covid-19 stability fund 2020; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31646/20]
View answerThe Government is aware of the challenges facing community and voluntary organisations and is committed to working closely with the sector in managing through these, recognising that it will require a whole of Government approach.
The Community and Voluntary Sector Covid-19 Stability Fund was intended to be a targeted once-off cash injection for organisations and groups currently delivering critical front-line services to the most at need in our society and in danger of imminent closure due to lost fund-raised or traded income as a direct result of restrictions to counter the spread of COVID-19.
This fund will provide up to €35million of funding through the Dormant Accounts Fund (DAF) and the criteria align with DAF objectives to support:
1.The personal and social development of persons who are economically or socially disadvantaged; or
2.The educational development of persons who are educationally disadvantaged; or
3.Persons with a disability.
Regrettably some organisations, including the organisation in question, were unsuccessful in securing funding for a number of reasons. I understand some organisations may be disappointed with the outcome, or may have additional or updated information they wish to have reviewed. For that reason, there is a Stability Scheme Appeals Process, which is being administered by this Department. All unsuccessful organisations were offered an opportunity to appeal within 10 working days of the decision. The organisation in question was notified of the outcome of their application on 27 July 2020. No appeal has been received from the organisation in question and therefore their application has been closed.
