Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 19 November 2020
372. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the additional funding made available through LEADER, CLÁR and the rural regeneration development fund for counties Cavan and Monaghan in budget 2021. [37542/20]
View answer2021 will see continued delivery of key programmes for Cavan and Monaghan and communities across the country.
Budget 2021, announced last October has earmarked €341 million for my Department. This will support the recovery of the rural economy and enhance community development supports, in particular in the context of the response to the Covid-19 pandemic, and Brexit.
The Revised Estimates Volume 2021 will set out further details of my Department’s allocation for next year. I understand that it is scheduled to be published in mid-December by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform.
I was delighted to announce the successful projects under Measures 1 and 2 of CLÁR 2020 on Monday 2nd November last. €4.1 million has been allocated to support 115 projects involving the provision of safety measures around schools and community facilities, as well as the development of community recreation areas. Cavan was approved funding of €334,692 for 8 projects and Monaghan was approved funding of €233,276.70 for 7 projects. Details of the successful projects are available on my Department's pages on the Gov.ie website.
I intend to Increase LEADER funding next year from €40 million to €44 million. This will fund the completion of existing projects , as well as new projects to be approved under a state-led Transitional LEADER Programme. This will bridge the gap between the current LEADER programme and the next iteration.
The ambitious Castleblayney Market Square Regeneration will refurbish and extend the existing Hope Castle Gate Lodge building. Rural Regeneration and Development Funding will also provide a modern library, gallery space and cultural and creative space. The project was approved for funding of €2.6 million under RRDF.
Virginia Civic Centre, will see a new library, additional theatre space and a multipurpose civic event facilities, both inside the centre and in its grounds This has been approved for almost €4m.
In total 6 projects in Cavan and 7 in Monaghan have been approved under the Fund.
I will also provide increased funding allocations for other elements of RRDF:
- Outdoor Recreational Infrastructure Scheme from €10 million to €12 million;
- €5m for investment through the Town and Village Renewal programme in facilities for digital hubs and broadband connection points (BCPs) across rural Ireland.
- An additional €2 million has been secured as part of the expanded Town and Village Renewal Scheme, which will be used to support the development of masterplans as a basis for the strategic development of our rural towns and villages. This initiative will be progressed early in 2021 and further details will be announced at that time.
- Establish a €2m funding stream to enable rural towns and villages to develop masterplans aimed at revitalising town and village centres and increasing town centre living.
