Michael Healy-Rae
Question:337. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of an application (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34355/20]
View answerCovid-19 Pandemic
Questions (337)
Written answers
Biocidal products, including any type of hand sanitisers, may only be marketed and used in Ireland once they are registered with the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine and are entered on the Biocidal Product Register" in accordance with Regulation 20 of Statutory Instrument 427 of 2013.
The process for registering biocidal products aims to ensure that their use does not result in harmful effects on human, animal health, or the environment. The approval process also checks that applications comply with all legislation on contents and efficacy.
An application for registration of the product named was received in my Department on 23rd October. As you will appreciate, there has been an unprecedented increase in the number of products submitted for approval and my Department has now more than 450 hand sanitiser products listed on the register of approved products.
I am taking steps to expedite the processing of outstanding applications which are dealt with in order of receipt.
Land Issues
Questions (338)
Michael Healy-Rae
Question:338. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will address a matter regarding a folio (details supplied). [34372/20]
View answerWritten answers
The case referred to is a complex one which centred on establishing ownership of a piece of land bordering Castletownbere Fishery Harbour Centre.
Since my previous reply to the Deputy on this issue, significant progress has been made in finalising the matter and documents will be exchanged with the relevant parties involved shortly.
Dairy Equipment Scheme
Questions (339)
Michael Creed
Question:339. Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the type of meal bin feeders that are eligible for grant aid under the dairy equipment scheme; if changes to the specifications in this area have been made in recent times; the position regarding an application (details supplied) in connection with the type of feeder applied for in this case; and if the dairy equipment scheme is grant aiding this type of meal bin. [34396/20]
View answerWritten answers
Under the Dairy Equipment Scheme, one of the suite of seven measures available under TAMS scheme, batch/multi place Meal Feeders are currently available on the list of investment items. The person named made an application for individual meal feeders on 5 April 2019.
TAMS is a demand-led scheme and due to the high increase in application numbers, ranking and selection was applied with a cut off mark of 52.5 in Tranche 18 for Dairy Equipment. Ranking and selection is the process of ranking each application in each tranche using pre-defined criteria. The application submitted by the person named received a mark of 39.36 and will now automatically rollover for consideration under Tranche 19.
It is open to the applicant concerned to withdraw their current application and submit a new application bearing in mind that they can now only apply for batch/multi place Meal Feeders and an application will receive an additional 5 marks for every 1% the costs are below the Department's reference costs.
Forestry Sector
Questions (340)
Darren O'Rourke
Question:340. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on the report FRL 2021-2015: Ireland, a National Forestry Accounting Plan published by his Department showing forestry is a net source of CO2; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34418/20]
View answerWritten answers
Ireland’s forests and harvested wood products play a significant role in climate change mitigation by removing greenhouse gases from the atmosphere. The national forest estate is an important store for carbon, estimated at over 312 million tonnes. Ireland’s total forest area is not a net emitter of greenhouse gases and is a substantial sink for carbon dioxide compared to other land uses.
As part of the implementation EU Regulation 2018/814, Ireland, like all EU Member States, had to submit a National Forestry Accounting Plan which sets out the emissions and removals resulting from older forests. These forests for the purposes of greenhouse gas accounting under the regulation are referred to as “managed forest lands”. The regulation also requires that a forest reference level is set for the period 2021-2025. This reference level is needed in order to account and report greenhouse gas changes from 2021-2025 against this land category, representing about 60% of the forest estate. Ireland’s forests in this category include all forests that are older than 30 years of age during the period 2021-2030. While the Managed Forest Lands (MFL) area, because of particular circumstances and timing, will be a small emitter over the upcoming period, the amount in question will be far outweighed by what the rest of the estate is storing and sequestering.
Forests that are less than 30 years of age during the period 2021-2030 must also be accounted for under EU regulation 2018/841 and are referred to as the “Afforested Land” category. Over that period, these forests will be a significant sink for carbon dioxide, sequestering on average between 1 and 2 million tonnes of CO2 per year, when harvested wood products are included and depending on the levels of afforestation and deforestation.
The important point to note is that the entire forest estate under long term projections is and will remain a net sink for carbon dioxide up to 2050 as outlined in the National Forest Accounting Plan. Detailed modelling, projections and sensitivity analysis will be required to estimate carbon removals post 2050 in conjunction with the level of harvest, afforestation and deforestation in the coming decades.
Agriculture Scheme Data
Questions (341)
Brendan Smith
Question:341. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the ANC and single farm payments issued to date to farmers in counties Cavan and Monaghan; the percentage of applicants still awaiting initial payments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34517/20]
View answerWritten answers
The information requested by the Deputy is provided below.
Basic Payment Scheme (BPS)
|
County |
Eligible Applicants |
Paid Applicants |
Percentage Paid |
Amount Paid |
|
Cavan |
4,667 |
4,596 |
98.5% |
€23,164,530 |
|
Monaghan |
3,904 |
3,841 |
98.4% |
€18,283,884 |
Areas of Natural Constraints (ANC)
|
County |
Eligible Applicants |
Paid Applicants |
Percentage Paid |
Amount Paid |
|
Cavan |
4,749 |
4,270 |
90.0% |
€8,622,637 |
|
Monaghan |
3,993 |
3,547 |
88.8% |
€6,464,887 |
In relation to ANC payments, many farmers will only meet the stocking retention requirements in the coming weeks in order to qualify for payment.
For both the BPS and ANC schemes, regular pay runs are in place so that cases are paid as they become clear. Preparations are also underway in my Department for the commencement of balancing payments under both schemes in early December.
Fishing Industry
Questions (342)
Michael Creed
Question:342. Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of progress on coastal State negotiations on mackerel allocations for 2021; the way in which these negotiations are being progressed in the context of the imminent departure of the UK from the European Union; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34518/20]
View answerWritten answers
Management arrangements for three migratory stocks in the North East Atlantic in which Ireland has an interest - Mackerel, Blue Whiting and Atlanto-Scandian Herring - are negotiated by means of a Coastal States Framework between parties in whose waters significant concentrations of the fish stock are to be found and who have had a track record in the fishery.
The Coastal State Consultations are being conducted by video conference this year due to the COVID-19 Pandemic. This year, the UK is attending these consultations as a Coastal State for the first time. The European Commission, on behalf of the EU, negotiates with the UK and the other Coastal States.
The European Commission has exclusive competency to negotiate fishery agreements on behalf of the EU Member States. The Commission operates under a mandate set by Council and any agreement is formally adopted by Council. Member States attend the formal Plenary meeting. Regular co-ordination meetings through the Council Working Party are held during the negotiations where the Commission updates the Member States on issues/progress and the Member States set out their positions and respond to issues as they develop. Ireland, as always, is represented at the Coastal State negotiations by officials from my Department with scientific support from the Marine Institute. Industry representatives attend the Plenary meetings and are consulted on an ongoing basis by my Department.
The consultations on Mackerel took place on 26 and 27 October and concluded with parties reaching a consensus on an oral agreement to set the 2021 TAC at 852,284 tonnes, in line with the ICES advice based on the Maximum Sustainable Yield approach. This represents a reduction of 7.57%.
The Coastal State consultations will continue in the coming weeks to finalise the Agreed Record of the Mackerel consultations.
Town and Village Renewal Scheme
Questions (343)
Verona Murphy
Question:343. Deputy Verona Murphy asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the status of the town and village renewal scheme funding programme; if there are plans for this programme to be extended to 2021 and beyond; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34475/20]
View answerWritten answers
The Town and Village Renewal Scheme is a key element of my Department's Rural Development Investment Programme which also includes the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund, the LEADER programme, the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme, CLAR and the Local Improvement Scheme.
Since the Town and Village Renewal Scheme was introduced in 2016, over €78 million has been allocated to more than 1,000 projects under the scheme.
The 2020 scheme was tailored to help rural towns and villages respond to the challenges presented by COVID-19. This year's scheme includes an Accelerated Measure which has enabled towns and villages to introduce initiatives immediately to support increased footfall and enable people to shop and socialise safely in accordance with public health guidelines.
The scheme also includes a Standard Measure which places a focus on the recovery of towns and villages from the impact of COVID-19 in the medium-term.
The €15 million that was originally budgeted for the scheme for 2020, was increased by a further €10 million in the Government's July Stimulus Package. This enabled the Accelerated Measure to be expanded and allowed 363 projects to be approved for funding of over €10.4 million.
Applications under the Standard Town and Village Renewal Scheme are currently being assessed and the successful projects will be announced when that process is complete.
The Town and Village Scheme will operate again in 2021, with a budget of €20 million. This includes an additional €5 million to support the development of remote working facilities in towns and villages across the country. Details of the 2021 scheme will be announced in the New Year.
Library Services
Questions (344)
James Lawless
Question:344. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development her views on the provision of additional digital services through the library network as Ireland continues to live with Covid-19; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27376/20]
View answerWritten answers
The Public Library Strategy “Our Public Libraries 2022” seeks to establish the library as an important enabler of digital services and facilitator of digital skills development. In addition to its 330 library branch network, the public library service provides an array of online and digital services
Online library services include access to over 48,000 eBooks, over 33,000 eAudiobooks, 4,000 eMagazines, 2,400 newspapers from over 100 countries and over 500 e-learning courses, all of which are free. When public libraries closed on March 12th, the usage of online library services soared to unprecedented levels. In response to this increased demand my Department provided funding of €400,000 to support the provision of additional eBooks and eAudiobooks. Indeed, the public library sector has already shown its flexibility by moving three of their annual programmes - Spring into Storytime, Summer Stars and Children's Book Festival - online at very short notice.
Last month I approved Dormant Accounts funding of over €600,000 to support the provision of library programmes for marginalised, socially excluded and disadvantaged communities. The majority of these programmes will be conducted online and this funding also included a significant investment in digital literacy and numeracy apps and licences which can be borrowed via the library.
In 2018, my Department approved funding of €6m for the upgrade of ICT capacity and facilities in public libraries. This funding was matched by local authorities to the value of €2m, giving a total investment of €8m, and was the first step in establishing the library as not only a community hub but also an important enabler of digital services.
Question No. 345 answered with Question No. 26.
Island Communities
Questions (346)
Christopher O'Sullivan
Question:346. Deputy Christopher O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if budget 2021 is providing increased funding for the islands; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34098/20]
View answerWritten answers
I am pleased to inform the Deputy that an additional €2 million has been allocated to my Department to support the offshore islands under Budget 2021. This will bring the total budgetary allocation for the islands from €8.983 million in 2020, to €10.983 million in 2021.
The additional allocation comprises €1 million in Current funding and €1 million in Capital funding to further assist the Department to deliver infrastructural programmes on the islands in 2021, and to maintain transport services to the islands.
The Department has 26 separate contracts with ferry, bus, air and cargo operators in Donegal, Mayo, Galway and Cork to ensure that the offshore islands have reliable, safe, year-round, cargo, ferry and air services. These services provide lifeline support for the island communities in terms of mainland access, while also supporting local economies through visitors to the islands.
LEADER Programmes
Questions (347)
Catherine Connolly
Question:347. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the amount of the €44 million allocated to the LEADER programme in budget 2021 that will be dedicated to new projects under LEADER in 2021; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34178/20]
View answerWritten answers
As the Deputy is aware, the next EU LEADER programme will not commence until 2022 at the earliest, due to delays at EU level.
The Programme for Government includes a commitment to prioritise a State-led programme to bridge the gap between the current LEADER programme and the next EU programme. The objective of this Transitional Programme is to allow locally-led rural development projects to continue to be delivered using the LEADER model until the new EU programme commences.
The duration of the transitional period at EU level has not yet been agreed. We are therefore planning for Ireland’s Transitional Programme to run for an initial period of 12 months, but with the scope to extend this if necessary, to align with the outcome of the discussions at EU level between the Commission and the Parliament.
The total allocation for LEADER next year is €44 million. This allocation will be used to fund existing projects as they come to completion and submit payment claims. It will also fund new projects to be approved under the Transitional Programme, and it will support the administration costs of the LAGs in closing out the existing programme and delivering the Transitional Programme.
It is important to recognise that LEADER is a multi-annual programme and that payments in respect of projects which are approved in any given year are generally not drawn down until subsequent years as the projects are completed. Therefore, costs related to projects under the Transitional Programme are likely to be met from the provision in my Department’s Vote in 2022 and 2023, as well as in 2021.
The details of the Transitional Programme are currently being finalised and I hope to be in a position to announce the full details of project and administration allocations under the Programme shortly.
Rural Development Programme
Questions (348)
Thomas Pringle
Question:348. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the analysis her Department has undertaken regarding the north west, in particular County Donegal; if her Department is examining rural development opportunities for the north west; the details of same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34378/20]
View answerWritten answers
My Department provides funding through a range of programmes to support rural development across the country. These include the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund, the Town and Village Renewal Scheme, LEADER, CLAR and the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme. The schemes provide an opportunity for local communities and Local Authorities to source funding for opportunities which they identify locally.
Calls for proposals are announced on a regular basis under the different schemes. In many cases, applications are made by the Local Authorities, in consultation with their local communities. In other cases, such as the LEADER programme, project applications are developed at community level.
The Local Action Group responsible for the delivery of the 2014-2020 LEADER Programme in County Donegal has a budget of over €10 million for the duration of the programming period for project allocations and I understand that over €8.7 million of this has been allocated to date.
Under Project Ireland 2040, the Government committed €1 billion to the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund (RRDF) over a 10 year period to support rural economic development and to help build strong communities. During 2020 alone, Donegal received an allocation from the RRDF of over €372,000.
Under the Town and Village Renewal Scheme, over €295,000 in funding has been provided to projects in Donegal so far this year, while €500,000 was provided through the Outdoor Infrastructure Recreation Scheme.
My Department has also provided funding through a number of community development programmes, including SICAP and the Community Enhancement Programme to the North West and to County Donegal. In addition, in recognition of the challenges posed by COVID-19, my Department has provided funding to support rural communities throughout the country through the COVID-19 Emergency Fund and the Community and Voluntary COVID-19 Stability Scheme.
Full lists of projects supported by my Department are available on my Department's pages on the Gov.ie website. These will provide a comprehensive picture of the supports provided to the North West under the various schemes.
Rural Development Plan
Questions (349, 350, 351)
Jackie Cahill
Question:349. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the provisions in place for funding for the LEADER projects in 2021; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34384/20]
View answerJackie Cahill
Question:350. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development her plans for funding for the delivery and administration for the LEADER projects due to the fact that there is no funding identifiable in budget 2021; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34385/20]
View answerJackie Cahill
Question:351. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development her plans for funding for the Rural Development Plan 2021 – 2023 due to the fact that there is no interim rural development plan announcement in budget 2021; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34386/20]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 349, 350 and 351 together.
The current LEADER programme comes to an end this year as far as new project approvals are concerned. The Programme for Government includes a commitment to prioritise a State-led programme to bridge the gap between the current LEADER programme and the next EU programme, which will not commence until 2022 at the earliest.
The objective of this commitment is to allow rural development projects to continue to be delivered under a Transitional Programme, using the LEADER model, until the new EU programme commences.
The duration of the transitional period at EU level has not yet been agreed. We are therefore planning for Ireland’s Transitional Programme to run for an initial period of 12 months, but with the scope to extend this if necessary, to align with the outcome of the discussions at EU level between the Commission and the Parliament.
The total allocation for LEADER next year is €44 million. This allocation will be used to fund existing projects as they come to completion and submit payment claims. It will also fund new projects to be approved under the Transitional Programme, and it will support the administration costs of the LAGs in closing out the existing programme and delivering the Transitional Programme.
It is important to recognise that LEADER is a multi-annual programme and that payments in respect of projects which are approved in any given year are generally not drawn down until subsequent years as the projects are completed. Therefore, costs related to projects under the Transitional Programme are likely to be met from the provision in my Department’s Vote in 2022 and 2023, as well as in 2021.
The design, duration and composition of the Transitional Programme are currently being finalised and I hope to be in a position shortly to announce the full details of project and administration allocations under the Programme.
Town and Village Renewal Scheme
Questions (352)
Bernard Durkan
Question:352. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development when the number of applications on hand or pending in respect of the 2020 town and village renewal scheme will be announced; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34456/20]
View answerWritten answers
The Town and Village Renewal Scheme has a budget of €25 million this year, following the allocation of an additional €10 million to the scheme as part of the Government’s July Stimulus Package.
The 2020 scheme was tailored to help rural towns and villages respond to the challenges presented by COVID-19. This year's scheme includes an Accelerated Measure which has enabled towns and villages to introduce initiatives immediately to support increased footfall and enable people to shop and socialise safely in accordance with public health guidelines.
The scheme also includes a Standard Measure which places a focus on the recovery of towns and villages from the impact of COVID-19 in the medium-term.
To date, I have allocated €10.4 million to 363 projects under three funding rounds of the Accelerated Measure and this Measure is now closed.
A total of 249 applications were received under the Standard Measure of the Town and Village Renewal Scheme, which has a budget of €15 million. These applications are currently being assessed and the successful projects will be announced when that process is complete.
Questions Nos. 353 and 354 answered with Question No. 28.
Regional Development
Questions (355, 358)
Bernard Durkan
Question:355. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the degree to which she and her Department have examined issues affecting the rural community with a view to addressing the most salient matters; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34459/20]
View answerBernard Durkan
Question:358. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the most serious issues as perceived by her Department affecting rural Ireland at present; if she expects to be in a position to address these issues in the short and medium term; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34462/20]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 355 and 358 together.
A vital part of the Department for Rural and Community Development's mission is to support the creation of vibrant and sustainable communities across this country.
My Department is responsible for a number of key national policies that provide, for both urban and rural areas nationwide, an integrated and strategic way of delivering supports, programmes and schemes, coordinating measures to address imbalances or lack of opportunity, making a real difference to people’s lives, including the National Policy on Social Enterprise, the Strategy to Support the Community & Voluntary Sector in Ireland and a new rural development policy which is currently being finalised and which I expect to be published by the end of the year. In the present COVID environment the supports provided by my Department to assist vulnerable communities are more important than ever.
These policies aim to deliver for communities in an integrated and strategic way across Government, with my Department playing a central co-ordinating role. I am confident that these plans will propose actions that will support rural economic development and the local and community development sectors, who continue providing valuable needed services and supports to local communities.
Along with policy initiatives, my Department oversees a number of targeted interventions, funding programmes and supports which address basic issues of social and or economic deprivation in rural communities throughout the country. These have been developed to enable economic growth and development.
Those programmes include the Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme (SICAP), the Community Services Programme, the CLÁR Programme, the Community Enhancement Programme, the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund and funding for public libraries across the country.
I was delighted to secure a 7% increase in my Department's allocation in Budget 2021 to €341 million (gross), ensuring increased supports can be provided to communities in urban and rural areas. Almost €178 million of this will support the economic and social development of rural areas and contribute to regional development under my Department’s Rural Development, Regional Affairs and Islands Programme.
My Department also works closely with Local Community Development Committees (LCDCs), who are a key element of the local authorities’ strengthened role in local and community development.
LCDCs are also responsible for preparing the community elements of 6-year Local Economic and Community Plans (LECPs). These plans focus on rejuvenation measures which will enhance the quality of life and wellbeing of communities in both urban and rural settings.
Social Isolation
Questions (356, 357)
Bernard Durkan
Question:356. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the extent to which she and her Department are addressing the issue of rural isolation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34460/20]
View answerBernard Durkan
Question:357. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development her views on rural isolation and the remedies being considered in this context; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34461/20]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 356 and 357 together.
I believe that doing all we can to address individual isolation in communities is more important than ever before. Rural isolation cuts across the work of a number of Departments, and this is reflected in ongoing work on community policing, rural transport and social inclusion, among other areas.
Many of my Department's policies and funding programmes aim to address isolation in rural communities and also deliver benefits to communities by responding to the challenges for vulnerable individuals in rural areas. Such key interventions include –
Funding the Seniors Alert Scheme, which enables older people to live securely, with peace of mind, in their homes through the provision of personal monitored alarms, maintaining contact, if required to those who are vulnerable.
The Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme (SICAP), which is Ireland’s primary social inclusion funding intervention, is delivered locally by Local Development Companies (LDCs) to help those in the greatest need access supports to enable participation in communities.
As part of the Department’s Covid-19 Action Plan , increased support was provided for older people through the Department’s funding partnership with ALONE for their crisis telephone support line and follow on practical supports for those who need it.
Funding for Broadband Connection Points (BCPs) will ensure that remote areas, particularly those that are likely to wait longest for connections, are provided with access to high-speed broadband in their communities while waiting for the National Broadband Plan roll-out to reach them.
Other targeted examples of actions being delivered by my Department which are helping those who feel isolated or vulnerable in communities include:
€500,000 funding was announced by my Department in Jan 2020 for 372 Men’s and Women’s Sheds to support the important work these groups do within communities to develop social networks and access information.
The 2020 Town and Village Renewal Scheme (T&V) is tailored to include projects which adapt outdoor spaces for hosting social gatherings/events to support the economic and social recovery of our rural towns and villages while living with COVID.
The LEADER element of the Rural Development Programme 2014-2020 which will provide €250 million in financial resources to address the challenges facing rural areas over the course of the programme period, particularly under the themes of economic development and social inclusion.
The new National Social Enterprise Policy will enable social enterprises increase their social, environmental and economic impact. Many social enterprises are based in rural or isolated areas and provide services to communities that may not otherwise be available. They also operate in our cities and other urban areas, often providing services to disadvantaged communities.
My Department will continue to work with our colleagues across Government to develop community support through the implementation of key policies including the Strategy to Support the Community and Voluntary Sector in Ireland and the forthcoming new national rural development policy.
Question No. 358 answered with Question No. 355.
Departmental Schemes
Questions (359)
Bernard Durkan
Question:359. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development her plans to address basic issues of social and or economic deprivation in rural communities throughout the country; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34463/20]
View answerWritten answers
A vital part of the Department for Rural and Community Development's mission is to support the creation of vibrant and sustainable communities across this country.
My Department has developed strategic interventions, funding programmes and supports which target and address basic issues of social and or economic deprivation in rural communities throughout the country. In the present COVID environment the supports provided by my Department to assist vulnerable communities are more important than ever.
These supports enable economic growth and development and also support communities to address gaps in meeting social needs, including those caused by higher levels of deprivation. Those programmes include the Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme (SICAP), the Community Services Programme, the CLÁR Programme, the Community Enhancement Programme, the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund and funding for public libraries across the country.
I was delighted to secure a 7% increase in my Department's allocation in Budget 2021 to €341 million (gross), ensuring increased supports can be provided to communities in urban and rural areas. Almost €178 million of this will support the economic and social development of rural areas and contribute to regional development under my Department’s Rural Development, Regional Affairs and Islands Programme.
My Department also works closely with Local Community Development Committees (LCDCs), who are a key element of the local authorities’ strengthened role in local development and community development. LCDCs are also responsible for preparing the community elements of 6-year Local Economic and Community Plans (LECPs). These plans focus on measures which will enhance the quality of life and wellbeing of communities in both urban and rural settings.
My Department is also responsible for a number of national policies that provide, for both urban and rural areas nationwide, an integrated and strategic way of delivering supports, programmes and schemes, coordinating measures to address imbalances or lack of opportunity, making a real difference to people’s lives, including the National Policy on Social Enterprise, the Strategy to Support the Community & Voluntary Sector in Ireland and a new rural development policy which is currently being finalised and which I expect to be published by the end of the year.
Community Development Initiatives
Questions (360, 361, 362)
Bernard Durkan
Question:360. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the degree to which she and her Department have studied and assessed the need for community development in urban and rural areas with particular reference to issues arising from Covid-19; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34464/20]
View answerBernard Durkan
Question:361. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the steps she can take to encourage community development and involvement in all urban and rural settings throughout the country with particular reference to matters arising from Covid-19; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34465/20]
View answerBernard Durkan
Question:362. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the number of schemes available to her Department to support community development in all areas throughout the country with particular reference to areas affected by unemployment arising from Covid-19 or other socio-economic issues; the extent to which schemes are being tailored to meet the demand; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34466/20]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 360, 361 and 362 together.
My Department is committed to supporting community development across Ireland. Providing strong community supports helps to empower and develop communities that value the health and wellbeing of all.
In August 2019, my Department launched Sustainable, Inclusive and Empowered Communities: A five-year strategy to support the community and voluntary sector in Ireland. The ambitious strategy was co-produced by Government and the Community and Voluntary Sector through a Cross Sectoral Group (CSG) established for that purpose. It will support partnership and joint effort at all levels and between all stakeholders.
My Department has a general oversight and support role with regard to the LCDCs, and also provides financial support to the Local Authorities to support the work of the community function within their areas including community development functions.
Direct funding and financial support is provided to all 31 Public Participation Networks (PPNs), established in all local authority areas both rural and urban. PPNs contribute to community development by giving local volunteer-run groups a direct voice within the formal decision-making structures of the local authority.
Following the Covid-19 outbreak, my Department has liaised with all PPNs in relation to their business continuity planning and has provided a range of practical advice on how best to continue their operations and benefit their member groups during this challenging period.
Under the Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme, my Department is providing funding of approximately €190m over 2018 to 2022 to local development companies across Ireland allowing them to develop the capacity of individuals and community groups in their area.
Separately, the Programme for Partnership Government commits to introducing a number of projects similar in approach to community development projects. Officials in my Department are currently scoping a proposal which would support a small number of existing independent community development organisations to work with marginalised communities and support flexible and innovative community work initiatives.
Theese are some examples of how my Department supports Community Development across Ireland. Other schemes and programmes such as the Community Enhancement Programme and the Community Services programme provide further assistance in this regard. More detail can be found on the Depratment's website https://www.gov.ie/en/policy/d5adb8-community-supports/
Community Development Projects
Questions (363)
Bernard Durkan
Question:363. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the extent to which the schemes to assist in rural and community development are available to communities throughout County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34467/20]
View answerWritten answers
My Department funds a range of programmes and schemes to assist in rural and community development which are available to eligible community groups and organisations throughout the country, including in Kildare. These schemes provide much needed funding, support and assistance to communities at local level.
These include the €1 billion Rural Regeneration and Development Fund, the LEADER programme; the Community Enhancement Programme, the Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme (SICAP); the Town and Village Renewal Scheme; and the Community Services Programme.
My Department has been provided with a gross budget of €308.25 million for 2020 and I intend to ensure that this money is fully allocated through these and other schemes under my Department's remit to maximise rural and community development opportunities.
I can confirm that, to date, more than €214million of this budget has been allocated nationally, with in excess of €5.8 million allocated to projects and organisations in Co Kildare.
In addition, the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund supports ambitious and strategic projects which have the potential to transform rural economies and communities. To date, under this scheme, six projects located in Kildare have been awarded funding totalling €9,997,306.
The new five-year Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme, which commenced at the start of 2018, is our country’s primary social inclusion intervention. This is a €190m national programme that is delivered locally, to help those in the greatest need. The funding allocation to Kildare for 2020 is €1,092,867.
The Community Enhancement Programme has provided funding of €66,570 to projects in Kildare. Under the Community Enhancement Programme for Community Centres/Facilities, funded as part of the Government's July Stimulus Package, €181,230.00 of further funding was awarded to Kildare.
The LEADER Local Action Group (LAG) in Kildare has been allocated €5.2 million to invest in the economic and social development of Co Kildare over the period of the programme to 2020. In 2020, €1,110,020 has so far been approved for LEADER projects in Kildare. The LAG received funding of €975,399 in 2020 for individual project payments and the administration costs of the LAG itself.
The Town and Village Renewal Scheme is part of a package of national and local support measures to rejuvenate rural towns and villages throughout Ireland. To date in 2020, I have announced details of 363 projects that were approved for €10.4m under the three rounds of the Accelerated Measure of the Scheme. This funding supports the immediate response of towns and villages to COVID-19 and includes 14 projects totalling €414,700 in Kildare.
The Seniors Alert Scheme facilitates valuable community-based support for vulnerable older people. A total of 1841 installations have been approved for elderly persons in Kildare since September 2015.
The Local Improvement Scheme, or LIS, is a programme for improvement works on small private or non-public roads in rural areas. The scheme is funded by my Department and is administered through the Local Authorities. The funding allocated to Kildare is €250,000 for 2020.
The Community Services Programme, or CSP, supports community organisations to provide local services through a social enterprise model with funding provided as a contribution to the cost of an agreed number of full-time equivalent positions and a manager, where warranted. In 2020, the CSP provided funding of some €436,098 towards the cost of employing over 17 full-time equivalents and three managers in five community-based organisations and social enterprises based in Co Kildare. This funding included €7,000 which was provided to two of the organisations through the Support Fund, to ensure that they could pay their full-time CSP supported employees a maximum of €350 net per week, with a proportionate amount for part-time CSP supported employees. The Expression of Interest (EOI) application process is currently closed but it is expected that the programme will open targeted calls, to address identified gaps in service delivery, in 2021.
The COVID Stability Fund provided a once-off cash injection for organisations and groups currently delivering critical frontline services to the most in need in our society. Five organisations in Kildare were allocated €613,362 in funding through the Fund.
The Department also put in place the €2.5m COVID-19 Emergency Fund to provide immediate and urgently needed funding to community and voluntary groups that participated in the Government’s “Community Call” initiative. Co Kildare was allocated funding of €94,390.00.
Requests for assistance under particular programmes can be made at the appropriate time in respect of the application period for each programme, and these details, along with eligibility criteria and other information, can be found on the Government's website https://www.gov.ie/en/
Covid-19 Pandemic Supports
Questions (364, 365, 366)
Bernard Durkan
Question:364. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the degree to which she and her Department have identified areas of special need arising from Covid-19 or Brexit in all areas throughout the country including County Kildare with a view to addressing such needs; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34468/20]
View answerBernard Durkan
Question:365. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if she remains satisfied regarding the adequacy of the budget for her Department to meet any exigencies arising from Covid-19 or Brexit in County Kildare or throughout the country in the course of the coming year; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34469/20]
View answerBernard Durkan
Question:366. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the extent to which she and her Department have examined the full extent of negative socioeconomic impact of Brexit, Covid-19 or other issues such as natural disasters with a view to specific assistance through schemes available through her Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34470/20]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 364, 365 and 366 together.
Communities across the country are facing unprecedented challenges posed by the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic and the United Kingdom's departure from the European Union.
I am focused on supporting resilience in communities and the issues arising from Covid-19 and Brexit mean that the funding and supports available from my Department become increasingly important. My Department has ensured an element of flexibility is retained in our programmes in order to allow for responses to needs that emerge as the impacts of Covid-19 and Brexit become clear.
My Department will also continue to engage on these important issues with relevant stakeholders in the rural and community development sectors and our partners in delivering our programmes, to ensure we remain aware of the needs of communities across the country as they deal with these ongoing and emerging challenges.
Already this year, my Department has been able to provide some specific funding in response to the impacts on Covid-19 in communities. A Support Fund of €1.2m was put in place under the Community Services Programme (CSP) earlier this year, providing additional funding to many of the more than 400 CSP-supported organisations which had suffered a loss of income due to the Covid-19 restrictions.
My Department also introduced a package of supports for Community and Voluntary Organisations, Charities and Social Enterprises in the context of COVID-19, which included a Stability Fund of up to €35 million.
Additional funding totalling €17million was provided to my Department under the July Stimulus package, allowing increased investment of €5 million under the Community Enhancement Programme, an extra €2million in funding for the Islands, and an increase of €10 million, to a total of €25 million, in the funding available under the Town and Village Renewal Scheme, which this year was tailored to assist our rural towns and villages to respond to the challenges presented by Covid-19.
Looking ahead, I was delighted to secure an increased allocation for my Department of €341 million under Budget 2021. This increase of €23 million will ensure we can continue to increase our supports to local communities next year and provide the appropriate responses to future impacts of Covid-19 and Brexit.