Written Answers Nos. 1-19
5. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if it is planned to provide a second tranche of funding for LIS roads in 2021; the discussions she has had with the Department of Transport in relation to possible co-funding of this programme by that Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27880/21]
View answerThe focus of the Local Improvement Scheme is to support the continued improvement of rural roads and laneways that are not normally maintained by local authorities but which represent a vital piece of infrastructure for rural residents. The scheme is funded by my Department and is administered through the Local Authorities.
As part of “Our Rural Future”, the Government committed to ensuring that the Local Improvement Scheme is funded into the future.
I launched the 2021 Local Improvement Scheme on May 14th with funding of €10.5 million. This represents a 5% increase in funding compared to last year. The funding will improve access to rural homes and farms, as well as outdoor amenities such as lakes, rivers, mountains and beaches.
Over €68 million has now been invested under the Local Improvement Scheme since it was re-introduced in 2017. Close to 2,400 roads have been funded for repair works. This has made a real difference to the lives of over 10,000 landowners and residents in rural Ireland.
As I noted when I launched the 2021 Scheme, I am working to identify if additional funding can be provided for the Local Improvement Scheme in 2021 as it is clear that there is a continuing demand for this funding in rural communities across Ireland. I am also in ongoing discussions with my colleague, Eamon Ryan T.D. Minister for Transport in this regard.
Finally, and in advance of any additional funding, I would urge each Local Authority to utilise the funding already announced and complete the repair works on the selected roads as soon as possible.
6. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the date of the last meeting of the Mobile Phone and Broadband taskforce; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27830/21]
View answerThe Mobile Phone and Broadband Taskforce was launched in July 2016 with the objective of improving access to high-quality mobile phone coverage and broadband services in rural Ireland.
Since its inception, the Taskforce has addressed more than 70 targeted actions, worked on removing structural barriers to telecommunications deployment and addressed mobile coverage deficits, particularly in rural areas.
The completion of the Taskforce’s 2019 Work Programme marked the end of the Taskforce as originally constituted.
Since the last meeting of the Taskforce, which took place on 20th November 2019, attention has now turned towards the future orientation of the Taskforce in line with the Programme for Government commitment to continue to support the work of the group.
Officials in my Department and the Department of Environment, Climate and Communications have prepared a report on the Taskforce’s achievements and are currently evaluating what issues should be addressed by the Taskforce in the future.
Significant progress has been made by the Taskforce, although I am aware that there remains a range of strategic issues that will require multiple Government Department and agencies working together in order to solve.
I will continue to work with my colleague the Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications to agree a new direction for the Taskforce, which will build on the success and positive engagement that has taken place across central government, local government, statutory agencies and industry.
8. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development when SICAP funding will be increased to its 2008 level of €84 million given that current funding is at 50% of this amount; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27971/21]
View answerMy Department is providing funding of €190 million over five years for the current Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme (SICAP) (2018-2022), which is our country’s primary social inclusion intervention.
This year over €39 million was allocated to the programme, supporting front line workers in Local Development Companies to deliver SICAP on the ground.
The programme does vital work in helping individuals and groups, by improving the life chances of those who are marginalised in society, living in poverty or unemployed. Indeed, since 2018, the programme has supported over 80,000 individuals and 6,219 Local Community Groups. SICAP also supports Social Enterprises - in 2020 for example, 448 Social Enterprises received support though the programme. In addition, it supports collective community engagement and the development of more sustainable and stronger communities, improving the quality of life of those facing social exclusion and inequality.
The funding for SICAP is subject to the annual budgetary estimates process. Modest increases in the annual allocations have been achieved over the duration of the current programme. I acknowledge that funding for social inclusion measures was reduced after 2008, however since then, other social inclusion measures have been initiated and funded. I want to assure the Deputy that I review the level of funding of all programmes each year as part of the budgetary process and it remains my intention to continue to prioritise funding for SICAP.
14. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if she has had any engagement with Irish Water in relation to wastewater treatment plants in rural Ireland. [27976/21]
View answerResponsibility for all aspects of water services, including planning, delivery and operation at national, regional and local levels, lies with Irish Water, which is an agency under the aegis of the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage.
However, I recognise the fundamental importance of water and wastewater infrastructure to ensuring balanced and sustainable rural development. In that regard, in the course of developing Our Rural Future, the national rural development policy which was published on 29 March last, my Department engaged with the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage and Irish Water.
Most recently, I met with Irish Water in February last to obtain an overview of their schemes related to the provision of water and wastewater services and their plans for investment in rural towns and villages. The provision of quality water services is an ongoing matter of concern for rural areas, with infrastructural deficits stifling development in many rural towns and villages. These issues will need to be addressed if rural towns and villages are to be able to support population growth in rural areas and our ambitions for increased town living.
Our Rural Future includes a number of policy commitments relating to water services and investment in water infrastructure in rural Ireland. These reflect commitments in this area in the Programme for Government.
16. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the progress to date in reviewing the CLÁR areas based on the 2016 census of population; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27984/21]
View answer36. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the progress to date in reviewing the CLÁR areas based on the 2016 census of population; the expected date for the conclusion of the review; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27983/21]
View answer39. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if there will be a review of CLÁR funding regions following the current round of funding. [27975/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 16, 36 and 39 together.
The CLÁR programme provides funding for small scale projects in designated rural areas that have experienced significant levels of de-population over a defined period.
I launched the 2021 programme on 15th March. The closing date for receipt of applications has now passed and the assessment process has commenced.
The areas originally designated for CLÁR were selected in 2001, based on the level of population decline between 1926 and 1996. The average population loss in the original CLÁR areas over the period 1926 to 1996 was 50%.
In 2006, an analysis of the 2002 Census data was carried out and the programme was extended to include areas with an average population loss of 35% between 1926 and 2002. The current programme operates on the basis of that data.
My Department has initiated a review of the designation of CLÁR areas to examine the most recent changes in population patterns throughout the country on the basis of 2016 Census data. The review is also considering whether any factors other than depopulation should be taken into account in determining CLÁR areas in the future. Maynooth University is undertaking this analysis on behalf of my Department.
My Department has received a draft final report. Following an initial review of that Report, I have requested some additional analysis to be undertaken. I understand that this additional analysis is nearing completion and the report will be made available shortly thereafter.
17. Deputy Matt Shanahan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the key initiatives she is taking or has taken in the past 12 months to support just transition in rural and community developments (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27885/21]
View answerThe Programme for Government recognises that our commitment to decarbonise will be underpinned by the core philosophy of a Just Transition. Rural communities in particular are at risk of bearing a disproportionate cost of the adaptation measures that will be required to meet climate action targets. Therefore, active engagement with these communities is vital in order to fully participate in a Just Transition.
Our Rural Future 2021-2025, the new national rural development policy supports a Just Transition to a climate neutral economy. It contains a number of important measures for delivery across Government over the next five years, including climate investments, renewable energy, retrofitting and the rehabilitation of peatlands.
Additionally, I announced details of a €70 million Transitional LEADER Programme for the period 2021-2022, which came into effect last month.
The bottom up, locally led community approach that has always been central to LEADER, supports projects from local community groups and businesses which promote economic development, social inclusion and the protection of the rural environment. They reflect the key challenges facing rural Ireland and reducing the impact of global warming and resource depletion.
The Rural Environmental theme in the LEADER Programme seeks to maximise the potential of environmental actions to contribute to the sustainable development of rural communities. It focuses on utilising the landscape within a local area, its features and natural resources, creating greater environmental awareness and improving environmental protection.
In the last year, some 335 projects under the Rural Environment Theme worth over €11.57 million have been approved by LEADER Local Action Groups.
18. Deputy Peter Fitzpatrick asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the cost to date of all Covid-19-related payments in her Department to individuals and corporate entities; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15409/21]
View answerTogether with other broader Government initiatives, my Department is providing a range of supports to assist community and voluntary organisations in dealing with COVID-19 impacts.
Given the role of my Department in supporting the economic and social development of rural Ireland, and community development throughout Ireland, all of our existing funding schemes support the response to, and recovery from, the pandemic in some way. However, a number of specific targeted measures are aimed at directly supporting the COVID response and recovery. The main focus is on community development supports, the increase in gross expenditure for that programme area, from €149.73 million in 2019 up to the €202.51 million in 2020, reflects that.
My Department continues to provide COVID-19 supports to communities right across the country. On 6th May I launched a €10 million Stability Fund targeted at organisations which deliver critical services to vulnerable people within their community but which now face closure or loss of service due to the impact of the pandemic. The application window is open until 27th May 2021. This €10 million investment builds on the €45 million Stability Fund 2020, which supported almost 600 organisations across the country.
The recently launched €4.5 million 2021 Community Enhancement Programme will provide vital supports to assist local groups to re-open their facilities post COVID-19.
Adjustments to programmes delivered by my Department, such as Town and Village Renewal and CLÁR, have been made, where required, to further support communities during the pandemic.
Details of the cost to date of all COVID-19-related payments in my Department are attached (See Table).
|
Covid-19 Related Programme Support 2020 / Budget line item |
Amount |
Description of funding provided |
|
Covid-19 Stability Fund |
€32m |
Once off additional resource to assist charities, C&V organisations and social enterprise who have suffered significant falls in fundraising and/or traded income. Scheme administered by Pobal. |
|
Community Enhancement Programme (CEP) |
€11.24m |
Series of capital and current small grants to local C&V groups to aid response to the crisis. Operated in same way as regular CEP scheme, but with focus on Covid-19 response at local level and increased resources compared to original planned allocation of €4.5 million. Part funded from within existing Departmental resources, with €5m in additional funding through the July stimulus package. |
|
Town & Village Renewal – Accelerated Measure |
€8.8m |
Additional funding made available through the July Stimulus Package to facilitate towns and villages to respond to challenges brought about by the pandemic (e.g. enabling upgrade of outdoor social spaces). |
|
Philanthropy Fund ‘Innovate Together’ |
€5m |
Once off additional resource to enable C&V organisations, charities and social enterprises to adapt and innovate to respond to the crisis. Seeks to leverage philanthropic funds. Scheme administered by Rethink Ireland. |
|
CLÁR Programme |
€4.4m |
Capital funding supports provided through CLÁR were tailored to help rural communities respond to the new COVID-19 environment, including :School and Community Safety Measure (Measure 1) to allow for COVID-related safety works up to €50,000, and the addition of new funding measures for Community Recreation Areas, Meals on Wheels and Linked Services. |
|
Comic Relief match funding |
€3m |
Once off additional resource to enable match funding of comic relief fundraising. |
|
Libraries Development |
€3m |
Funded from within existing Departmental resources. Funding for additional 10,000 ebooks and audio books to cater for the increased demand and small capital works to enable libraries comply with public health and safety guidelines. |
|
Community Services Programme (CSP) Support Fund |
€2.8m |
Funding provided from within existing Departmental resources to CSP supported organisations to deal with the financial impact of the pandemic on the organisation. |
|
Social Enterprise Funding |
€0.8m |
Existing Departmental resources tailored to provide grant funding to Social Enterprises. |
|
Volunteer Support Programme |
€0.5m |
Funded from within existing Departmental resources. Dealing with huge increase in volunteers (17,000+) at start of the pandemic and matching them with organisations in need. |
|
Covid 19 Community Outreach |
€0.3 |
Funded from within existing Departmental resources. Supporting 31 Community Champions to work with Local Authorities so that all local organisations in every community are linked together. |
|
DRCD Accommodation Unit |
€0.2m |
Office Sanitisation Units & Signage, ICT Hardware & Licensing, Cleaning |
|
DRCD Accommodation Unit |
€0.1m |
Costs associated with public awareness campaign. |
