Written Answers Nos. 3425-3447
3425. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his Department will initiate an independent review of the EIA (Agriculture) Regulations, 2011 and 2017 and their implementation. [41084/21]
View answerSince the introduction of these regulations my Department has strengthened the assessment of EIA applications and the implementation of the EIA (Agriculture) regulations. My Department has recently initiated a review of the regulations and their implementation.
3426. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the estimated cost of planting 125,000 hectares of foresting with a mixture of broad leaf and native species. [41194/21]
View answerThe Afforestation Grant and Premium Scheme offers a fixed grant towards the costs, subject to the maximum laid down in the Scheme’s terms and conditions. In addition, annual premiums are payable on new forests that qualify for an afforestation grant for a maximum period of 15 years.
The Scheme offers 12 different grant and premiums categories (GPC) based on different species options. Grants are payable in two instalments, on initial afforestation along with the first year’s premium and the remaining instalment four years later. It is worth noting that all GPCs have a mandatory 15% broadleaf element.
In calculating the costs, the percentage of forestry planted in each of the broadleaf and native species GPCs in 2020 was applied to planting 125,000ha. Therefore, the total grant payable would be €740.55m; the total first premium would be €80.80m. The additional premiums payable annually for up to 15 years would cost €1,131.28m. The total outlay for 125,000ha of new afforestation would be €1,952.64m.
3427. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the estimated full year cost of a basic income payment to full-time farmers engaged in agroecological or high nature value farming. [41195/21]
View answer3428. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the estimated full year cost of providing full-time farmers engaged in agroecological or high nature value farming with a basic income of €350 per week. [41196/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 3427 and 3428 together.
The information requested by the Deputy is not available. The Basic Payment Scheme is paid based on Payment Entitlements and provides a direct income support to Irish farmers to underpin their continued sustainability and viability. The Basic Payment Scheme does not distinguish between full-time or part-time farmers or by farming type.
3429. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if a project in County Kerry has been made aware of the availability of a nearby facility (details supplied); if so, if she will provide details of any such contact; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40397/21]
View answerStarlink is an initiative of the company SpaceX. My officials have engaged with SpaceX, but have had no substantive role in the physical deployment of the company's technology so far, aside from facilitating the company to present at one of the regular Broadband Officer network meetings. As a result of that presentation, Kerry County Council and SpaceX agreed to trial the Starlink technology in the Black Valley, and I and my officials have watched with interest as that project has developed. Given the fact that my Department is not directly involved in the operational deployment of this trial, I am not aware of any involvement of the facility referenced by the Deputy. I have, however, asked my officials to relay the information to Kerry County Council.
As the Deputy may be aware, a second phase of the Airband TVWS pilot project is planned for the Black Valley. Following the success of Phase 1 in an urban environment in Carlow Town, it is hoped that Phase 2 will provide valuable insights into the viability of the Airband solution in rural and isolated areas with little to no telecoms infrastructure.
3430. Deputy Martin Browne asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development when her Department plans to reopen the community services programme for applications. [39116/21]
View answerMy Department's Community Services Programme (CSP) supports over 420 community organisations to provide local services through a social enterprise model. The CSP provides an annual co-funding contribution of €19,033 for each fulltime equivalent (FTE) position being supported, and, where warranted, provides €32,000 towards the cost of employing a manager.
Qualifying organisations must be social enterprises capable of generating income from their activities in order to meet the full salary costs of the supported posts, for example, from income received from the public use of facilities and services.
Indecon International Economic Consultants carried out an independent review of CSP, on behalf of my Department, with the final report and a high level action plan published in late September 2020. My Department and Pobal have now commenced work on the restructuring of the Programme in association with the CSP Consultative Group.
Pending the transition to the new restructured programme, the scheme is closed to new applications through the Expression of Interest process. However, it is anticipated that the Programme will facilitate new entrants via calls to address identified gaps in service delivery later in 2021.
As a first step in that regard, on 28 April, my Department, in collaboration with the Department for Transport, launched a three-year bike pilot initiative for the provision of high quality up-cycled bicycles and e-bikes for those on low incomes and/or those who are most marginalised and disadvantaged. Funding of €3m is being provided by the Department of Transport for this initiative over a three-year period and will be made available through my Department's Community Services Programme.
The application process for this call closed on 28th May last. The Department received fourteen applications and the five applicants approved for support under this pilot initiative are
- The Rediscovery Centre & Rothar Velo in Dublin 9.
- Frontline Bikes/ Frontline Make Change in Dublin 8.
- Treo Port Lairge CLG (aka Renew Enterprises) in Waterford.
- The Life Cycle Consortium in Galway – Westside Resource Centre and An Mheitheal Rothar.
- Sign & Cycle in Cork – Cork Community Cycles & Deaf Enterprises.
3431. Deputy Pat Buckley asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the reason funding was not provided for a centre (details supplied) to ensure it is fully staffed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39255/21]
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. To that end, Government and my Department have introduced a wide range of supports to assist sectors in dealing with the impact of COVID-19 and social restrictions necessary in the interests of public health.
During 2020, the Dormant Accounts funded COVID-19 Stability Fund supported close to 600 organisations to continue to deliver vital services to the communities that depend on them. An additional allocation of €10m has been provided to the Stability Fund for 2021 as part of the revised Resilience and Recovery plan announced on Tuesday 23rd February by an Taoiseach.
The COVID-19 Stability Fund 2021 was launched on Thursday 6th May and open for applications from May 20th -27th, and was again targeted at organisations which deliver critical services to vulnerable people within their community but which now face closure or a loss of service due to the impact of the pandemic. This funding is targeted at supporting not-for-profit organisations to continue to meet non-pay current commitments on overhead costs only.
In order to be eligible, an organisation must demonstrate a loss in private income of 25% or more in 2020 when compared with 2019 and/or a projected loss in private income of 25% or more in 2021 when compared with 2019. ‘Private Income’ refers to income generated by the organisation itself through trading, fundraising, legacies i.e., funding received from sources other than the state.
Salary costs are not considered eligible expenditure under this funding stream as Government has introduced wage supports such as the Employment Wage Subsidy Scheme (EWSS).
I was pleased to announce tranche one of funding to 180 successful applicants on 9th July 2021, allocating close to €4.5m in funding. Remaining applications, including from the organisation in question, are currently being appraised and assessed and outcomes will be notified in due course.
All allocations will be published on the Gov.ie website. In general, I would encourage all organisations to continue to engage with their Local Authority and Local Development Company, and to check on the Gov.ie website in order to be aware of funding opportunities as they become available.
3432. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if she will respond to queries raised by a person (details supplied) in respect of access to Leader funding; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39276/21]
View answerFunding under the LEADER programme is provided under a broad range of themes, including enterprise development and social inclusion. In December 2020, I launched the Transitional LEADER Programme which came into effect from 1 April 2021 and will run to the end of 2022. The programme is delivered through Local Action Groups (LAGs) in each of the 28 LEADER sub-regional areas around the country.
The decision to approve a project, or otherwise, is a matter for the LAG which administers the programme in each LEADER area.
In order for a project to be eligible for LEADER funding, it must be compatible with the actions outlined in the approved Local Development Strategy for the relevant LEADER area and it must comply with the Operating Rules and EU Regulations in place for the programme.
In relation to the case highlighted by the Deputy, the applicant has the right to request a review of decisions made by the LAG as per LEADER Operating Rules Section 21.2. The Department has been informed that, as of the 20th July last, the LAG has notified the applicant in writing of the right of appeal and is awaiting a formal reply.
3433. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if she is in receipt of a proposal for a blueway from Mallow to Ballyduff through Killavullenk, Castletownroche, Ballyhooly, Fermoy and Clondulane, County Cork; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39284/21]
View answerThe Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme provides funding for the development of new outdoor recreational infrastructure and for maintenance and promotion of existing outdoor recreational infrastructure in rural Ireland.
Cork County Council were approved for funding of €200,000 under the 2020 Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme for the development of trails at Mallow Castle/Town Park and Blueway Facilities along the River Blackwater at Killavullen. Cork County Council has requested permission to revise the scope of the approved works due to issues with the Blueway element of the project. My Department has requested further information from Cork County Council so that it can fully consider the revision.
3434. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if she will examine the case of an organisation (details supplied) which was eligible under the priority criteria for the COVID-19 Stability Fund for Community and Voluntary, Charity and Social Enterprises but did not receive any funding. [39305/21]
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. To that end, Government and my Department have introduced a wide range of supports to assist sectors in dealing with the impact of COVID-19 and social restrictions necessary in the interests of public health.
During 2020, the Dormant Accounts funded COVID-19 Stability Fund supported close to 600 organisations to continue to deliver vital services to the communities that depend on them. An additional allocation of €10m has been provided to the Stability Fund for 2021 as part of the revised Resilience and Recovery plan announced on Tuesday 23rd February by an Taoiseach.
The COVID-19 Stability Fund 2021 was launched on Thursday 6th May and open for applications from May 20th -27th, and was again targeted at organisations which deliver critical services to vulnerable people within their community but which now face closure or a loss of service due to the impact of the pandemic. This funding is targeted at supporting not-for-profit organisations to continue to meet non-pay current commitments on overhead costs only.
In order to be eligible, an organisation must demonstrate a loss in private income of 25% or more in 2020 when compared with 2019 and/or a projected loss in private income of 25% or more in 2021 when compared with 2019. ‘Private Income’ refers to income generated by the organisation itself through trading, fundraising, legacies i.e., funding received from sources other than the state.
Salary costs are not considered eligible expenditure under this funding stream as Government has introduced wage supports such as the Employment Wage Subsidy Scheme (EWSS).
As per published guidance:
- Organisations that have not received previous support from the DRCD COVID-19 Stability Scheme 2020 or other Government schemes (Public/State);
- Organisations that are experiencing severe financial difficulties and are at risk of severely reducing their eligible critical services and supports and/or in danger of not continuing and/or reopening;
- Organisations that are not in receipt of public/state funding or where public/state funding represents a relatively small percentage of overall income, will be prioritised for support.
I was pleased to announce tranche one of funding under the 2021 Fund to 180 successful applicants on 9th July 2021, allocating close to €4.5m in funding. Remaining applications, including from the organisation in question, are currently being appraised and assessed and outcomes will be notified in due course.
All allocations will be published on the Gov.ie website. In general, I would encourage all organisations to continue to engage with their Local Authority and Local Development Company, and to check on the Gov.ie website in order to be aware of funding opportunities as they become available.
3435. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if she will address matters (details supplied) in relation to the Covid-19 Stability Fund; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39399/21]
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. To that end, Government and my Department have introduced a wide range of supports to assist sectors in dealing with the impact of COVID-19 and social restrictions necessary in the interests of public health.
During 2020, the Dormant Accounts funded COVID-19 Stability Fund supported close to 600 organisations to continue to deliver vital services to the communities that depend on them. An additional allocation of €10m has been provided to the Stability Fund for 2021 as part of the revised Resilience and Recovery plan announced on Tuesday 23rd February by an Taoiseach.
The COVID-19 Stability Fund 2021 was launched on Thursday 6th May and open for applications from May 20th -27th, and is again targeted at organisations which deliver critical services to vulnerable people within their community but which now face closure or a loss of service due to the impact of the pandemic. This funding is targeted at supporting not-for-profit organisations to continue to meet non-pay current commitments on overhead costs only. The applicant information document which contains the criteria outline for the Stability Fund is attached for information.
I was pleased to announce tranche one of funding to 180 successful applicants on 9th July 2021, allocating close to €4.5m in funding. Remaining applications are currently being appraised and assessed and outcomes will be notified in due course. There is no further round of funding expected at this time.
A summary of both rounds of the Stability Fund can be found in the table below; please note ineligible organisations were determined based on the scheme criteria and the reference to withdrawn organisations identifies organisations that withdrew from the application process for a variety of reasons. The total allocation in respect of the 2020 Fund remains to be finalised but is currently estimated at just under €42M.
|
Stability Fund 2020 |
Stability Fund 2021 |
|
|
Number of Applications Received |
1,060 |
517 |
|
Number of Organisations Allocated Funding |
594 |
180 |
|
No of Organisations Ineligible or withdrawn |
466 |
Process Ongoing |
|
Total Amount Allocated to date |
Circa €42M |
€4,465,341 |
All allocations will be published on the Gov.ie website and the list of organisations funded under the Stability Fund for 2020 and to date in 2021 can be found at the link below;
www.gov.ie/en/publication/3957e-covid-19-stability-fund-successful-applicants/
In general, I would encourage all organisations to continue to engage with their Local Authority and Local Development Company, and to check on the Gov.ie website in order to be aware of funding opportunities as they become available.
3436. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development when works will commence at a location (details supplied) under the small scale capital works programme; the timeline for these works; when they are expected to conclude; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39441/21]
View answerIn September 2020, my Department approved funding of €60,000 for Roscommon County Council for a Small Scale Capital Works Programme project in Ballaghaderreen Library to support an ambitious and transformative programme of works including the relocation of the children's area into its own dedicated space and the creation of a new dedicated space for young adults/teenagers.
As Ballaghaderreen Library is a listed building and the work under the Small Scale Capital Works Programme includes the removal of a wall, I understand that it was necessary for the local authority to obtain a Section 57 Declaration under the Planning and Development Act 2000 prior to commencement of the work. The library authority applied for the Section 57 Declaration on 15 October 2020 and this was granted by Roscommon County Council on 7 December. While some works have been completed on repairing the damaged internal walls in the library, it is now a matter for the local authority to seek tenders for the appointment of contractors for the overall project.
Roscommon County Council subsequently approached my Department in March 2021 with a proposal to install the My Open Library service in Ballaghaderreen Library while it was closed to the public pending the improvement works. My Department recognised this as being a very practical and cost-efficient approach and l was delighted to approve funding of €95,250 last week for the installation of the My Open Library service in Ballaghaderreen. I understand that, subject to the appointment of contractors for the project, it is expected that the works, which will comprise both the improvements under the Small Scale Capital Works Programme and the works necessary for the installation of the My Open Library service, will be completed by the second quarter of 2022.
The My Open Library service provides automated self-service access to all the library facilities for members from 8am-10pm, 365 days a year that is additional to normal staffed hours. Ballaghaderreen Library had been open for 32 hours per week prior to the pandemic and this will increase by over 200% with the introduction of the My Open Library service when it will be accessible 98 hours per week.
In the meantime the mobile library continues to provide a service in the town every second Thursday and the local authority will continue to monitor demand throughout the duration of the works.
3437. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development when the research and study areas within local libraries will be open for use to the public as in the case of a library in Dundalk (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39543/21]
View answerMy Department has policy responsibility for public libraries but the provision of public library services is a matter for each local authority in their capacity as library authorities under the Local Government Act 2001.
The Government’s public health measures state that public libraries are currently only permitted to provide lending and printing services. Access to research and study spaces, reading spaces and PCs is not permitted under the current restrictions.
However, our public library service continues to serve communities and I know that the libraries in Dundalk and Drogheda have extended their opening hours since May, opening from 10am to 8pm from Monday to Thursday and from 10am to 5pm on Friday and Saturday, which will assist with social distancing requirements. They also continue to provide a delivery service to the housebound and vulnerable which is highly valued by their customers.
There is also an excellent online library service in which my Department invested some €400,000 during 2020. This provides access to more than 47,000 eBooks and 35,000 eAudiobooks, 4,000 magazines, 2,400 online newspapers from over 100 countries, more than 500 e-learning courses and 100 online language courses.
The Government continues to follow its plan to review and monitor the control of the virus and follow the prevailing public health advice in support of a safe and gradual reopening, in line with 'Recovery and Resilience: The Path Ahead'. Research and study spaces will be permitted to be accessible to the public when it is deemed safe to do so.
3438. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the status of an application (details supplied) under the town and village renewal scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40013/21]
View answerI can confirm that an application from Moyvane, Co Kerry to which the Deputy refers, has been submitted by Kerry County Council to my Department under the 2021 Town & Village Renewal Scheme.
The Scheme closed for applications on Friday 16th July. All applications will now undergo a formal assessment process, with funding being allocated on foot of the outcome of this process. It is anticipated that funding announcements will be made later this year.
This year’s scheme will place particular emphasis on projects supporting remote working and enhancing town centre living as outlined in “Our Rural Future – Ireland’s Rural Development Policy 2021-2025.”
3439. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the agencies and State organisations under her Department that are receiving State funding that do not have to declare salaries of employees under the 2016 code of governance; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40042/21]
View answerThe position in relation to agencies under my Department’s aegis and the declaration of salaries of employees under the 2016 code of governance is set out below:
Western Development Commission
WDC, in accordance with Section 9 Remuneration and Superannuation of Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies, publish in our annual report details of fees paid in respect of the Board and CEO salary. The cumulative WDC salary spend is available in our published accounts. Other disclosures of individual’s salaries are not made public.
Pobal
Under the Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies (2016), as set out in the Business & Financial Reporting Requirements, Pobal declares the required salary information in the notes of our Annual Financial Statements.
Charities Regulator
The Charities Regulator declares salaries as required under the Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies 2016.
Water Safety Ireland
Water Safety Ireland declares salaries as required under the Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies 2016.
3440. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the funding that has been allocated for wheelchair accessibility on walking trails in 2019, 2020 and to date in 2021, respectively; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40129/21]
View answerThe Outdoor Recreation and Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS) provides funding for the development and/or enhancement of outdoor recreational infrastructure such as trails, walkways, cycleways, blueways and bridleways in rural areas.
In 2021 the scheme encouraged local authorities and local development companies to look at outdoor recreational infrastructure that provides an inclusive approach for communities, supporting a diverse range of users, including people with disabilities and older adults.
My Department worked closely with Cara - Sport Inclusion Ireland to develop the scheme outline. It also engaged Cara to provide Outdoor Recreation Disability Awareness workshops for local authorities and local development companies.
The closing date for applications under Measure 1 of ORIS 2021 has passed and the assessment of these applications has commenced. The closing date for applications under Measures 2, 3 and the Project Development Measure is 30th July 2021.
My Department does not hold specific information regarding wheelchair accessibility on the walking trails it funded in the past. However, the scheme has supported wheelchair accessible projects including at Garrykennedy Amenity Area in Co. Tipperary, Clare Glens at Murroe in Co. Limerick and Beach Wheelchairs in Co. Kerry.
3441. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the details of funding provided by her Department towards the development of the islands from 2015 to date, by island, funding type and the amount of funding provided in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40134/21]
View answerThe Government is strongly committed to supporting our island communities and this is underlined in the recently published rural policy ‘Our Rural Future’. As you are also aware my Department is developing a National Islands Policy and is currently engaging with Island communities to develop a policy that will lead to a greater sustainability of our islands.
Access to reliable year round transport services and also providing capital investments in key island infrastructure remains at the core of this Government's policy in ensuring that those communities will continue to live on the islands.
The funding provided by my Department through the Islands Unit from 2015 to date is attached. This set outs the funding provided for the provision of transport links to the islands and to support infrastructure both on the islands and to provide access to the islands. Capital works are undertaken in partnership with the relevant Local Authorities.
My Department also provides funding to support island communities and activities through a number of other schemes and programmes. These details are being compiled and will be forwarded directly to the Deputy in the coming days.
3442. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if funding will be made available to a group (details supplied) that has been providing services to autistic children in Limerick for the past four years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40241/21]
View answerThe Government are aware of the challenges facing community and voluntary organisations and are committed to working closely with the sector in managing through these, recognising that it will require a whole of Government approach. To that end, Government and my Department have introduced a number of supports to assist sectors in dealing with the impact of COVID-19 and social restrictions necessary in the interests of public health.
During 2020, the COVID-19 Stability Fund supported close to 600 organisations to continue to deliver vital services to the communities that depend on them. I was pleased to provide €20,804 through the 2020 Fund to assist Autism Supporting Diversity as they faced the challenges of reduced opportunities to generate fundraised and traded income.
As you are aware, an allocation of €10m has been provided to the Stability Fund for 2021 as part of the revised Resilience and Recovery plan announced on Tuesday 23rd February by the Taoiseach.
The COVID-19 Stability Fund 2021 was launched on Thursday 6th May, and was targeted at organisations which deliver critical services to vulnerable people within their community but which now face closure or a loss of service due to the impact of the pandemic. The Fund was open for applications from May 20th - 27th.
The 2021 Stability Fund has limited funding available and while organisations that received funding under the 2020 Stability Fund were eligible to apply, priority will be given to organisations that have not previously received State support since the onset of the Pandemic. Eligibility to apply / submitting an application is no guarantee of funding.
I was pleased to announce tranche one of funding under the 2021 Fund to 180 successful applicants on 9th July 2021, allocating close to €4.5m in funding. Remaining applications, including from the organisation in question, are currently undergoing assessment and outcomes will be notified in due course. All applications will be assessed in line with published criteria and prioritised accordingly.
Applicants will be notified of the outcome of their application in due course, with all allocations published on the Gov.ie website when available.
In general, I would encourage all organisations to continue to engage with their Local Authority and Local Development Company, and to check on the Gov.ie website in order to be aware of funding opportunities as they become available.
3443. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the level of funding accessed in counties Cavan and Monaghan for the development and upgrading of playgrounds in 2020 and in first six-months of 2021. [40244/21]
View answerPlaygrounds are an important resource with positive impacts for communities.
Funding provided by the Community Enhancement Programme provides small grants to community groups to enhance facilities, including playgrounds, in disadvantaged areas. Funding is allocated by my Department to each Local Authority area, and the Local Community Development Committee, with support from their Local Authority, administers the funding in that area. There is total funding of €4.5m available under the Community Enhancement Programme in 2021.
Additionally, funding for playgrounds may be available through the €70 million LEADER Transitional Programme which I launched earlier this year. This funding supports locally-led projects which focus on delivering on the key themes of Our Rural Future, the Governments ambitious plan for rural Ireland - such as building capacity and empowering local communities, supporting remote working, developing our outdoor amenities and creating jobs in rural areas.
The LEADER programme is delivered through Local Action Groups (LAGs) in each of the 28 LEADER sub-regional areas around the country. €381,520.77 was accessed in Counties Cavan and Monaghan for the development and upgrading of playgrounds in 2020 and in first six-months of 2021.
Finally, the CLÁR programme, with an allocation €5.5 million in funding in 2021, provides funding for small scale projects in designated rural areas. Measure 2 of the 2021 CLÁR Programme supports Outdoor Community Recreation Facilities including the enhancement of existing and/or the development of new accessible outdoor community recreation facilities including playgrounds, skateboard parks and Multi Use Games Areas (MUGAs). The closing date for receipt of applications for 2021 has now passed. The assessment of the applications received is ongoing and I expect to make an announcement on the approved projects in the coming weeks.
3444. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development he steps she is taking to address the issue of vacant and derelict buildings in towns and villages that are presently eyesores but could assist to resolve housing issues and return vibrancy to small towns and villages long-term. [40245/21]
View answerThe refurbishment of vacant properties is being addressed by a number of initiatives delivered by my Department, in line with the commitments contained in Our Rural Future.
In April, I announced investment of €81 million for 25 landmark projects for funding under Category 1 of the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund (RRDF. The projects will combat dereliction, increase the vibrancy of rural towns and villages and regenerate town centre buildings. A call for RRDF category 2 projects opened in May.
I have also announced funding of €15 million that is available under the 2021 Town & Village Renewal Scheme. A key focus of this year’s scheme is to renovate derelict and vacant buildings in our town centres, including for residential living. I have increased the maximum grant available under the Scheme to €500,000 to permit projects of additional scale to be funded.
I will also shortly be announcing a new €2 million scheme to fund the development of town masterplans which I expect will identify strategic actions tailored to address vacancy and support town centre living in each town.
There are a range of other initiatives outlined in Our Rural Future which will contribute to addressing vacancy in our towns and villages. In particular, an interdepartmental group has been established to develop a Town Centre First Approach, with a focus on vacancy and dereliction, and to bring forward recommendations to Government. As part of its role, this group is also considering the suggested actions from the report of my Department’s Town Centre Living Initiative which was published last year.
Finally, as part of Budget 2022, and in the context of the Town Centre First approach, we will examine the scope to introduce new supports and incentives for the refurbishment of vacant properties to increase town centre living.
3445. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if additional funding will be provided in 2021 for the local improvement scheme in County Clare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40274/21]
View answerThe Local Improvement Scheme (LIS) provides funding for works on rural roads and laneways that are not normally maintained by local authorities. It is funded by my Department and is administered through the relevant Local Authorities. As part of Our Rural Future, the Government committed to ensuring that the LIS is funded into the future. This reflects the important contribution which the scheme makes to connectivity in rural Ireland
I launched the 2021 LIS on 14th May with funding of €10.5 million. This represented a 5% increase compared to last year.
I am very pleased to confirm that I recently announced a further €10.5 million to bring the level of funding to €21 million. This means that the level of funding is being doubled this year compared to the original allocation. This increase will be funded from expected savings elsewhere in my Department. I am also continuing to engage with my colleague, Minister Ryan, to explore the potential for further financial support from his Department.
My Department is currently ascertaining the capacity of each Local Authority to deliver additional works on foot of the increased funding and I will be in a position to announce revised county allocations shortly.
This announcement will mean almost €80 million will have been allocated under the Local Improvement Scheme since it was re-introduced in 2017. This demonstrates the Government's commitment to improving connectivity in rural Ireland as outlined in Our Rural Future.
3446. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the funding that has been allocated by her Department for projects and initiatives in County Tipperary over the past 12 months; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40498/21]
View answerMy Department was established in 2017 and 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.
My Department was allocated €341 million in the 2021 Revised Estimates, this ensures that we are in a position to further assist communities seeking funding and other supports for important local activities and projects.
The amount allocated by my Department for urban and rural development and renewal purposes in 2020 and 2021 is as follows, €314 million in 2020, and €209 million to date in 2021.
Tipperary was allocated €10.7 million in 2020, and €7.1 million to date in 2021. This funding includes the following:
- Rural Regeneration and Development Fund - €3.5 million in 2021 to date, €1.6 million in 2020
- LEADER - €687,000 in 2021 to date, €2.5 million in 2020
- Local Improvement Scheme - €620,000 in 2021 to date, €560,000 in 2020
- Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme (SICAP) - €1.2 million in 2021 to date, €1.2 million in 2020
- Community Services Programme - €729,000 in 2021 to date, €732,000 in 2020
- Community Enhancement Programme - €150,000 in 2021 to date, €68,000 in 2020 (plus €189,000 allocation through the Community Enhancement Programme for Community Centres/Facilities, Government July Stimulus Package)
Details of funding allocations under specific schemes provided by my Department are available online at www.gov.ie/en/organisation/department-of-rural-and-community-development/
3447. Deputy Johnny Guirke asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the last occasion on which a Department-wide review of all funding within her Department took place; the frequency of such reviews; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40642/21]
View answerMy Department was allocated €351 million in 2021 to support our rural development and community development programmes and schemes, such as the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund, the Town and Village Renewal Scheme, the Community Services Programme (CSP), and the Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme (SICAP). As part of the estimates process each year, expenditure across all programmes and schemes are reviewed, and priorities for the coming year identified. Furthermore, this year the Department completed an in-depth analysis of capital expenditure requirements for the coming years, in the context of the review of the National Development Plan.
In addition to the above reviews and analysis that take place in the context of the budgetary cycle, my Department also completes a range of evaluation work on an ongoing basis. A Quality Assurance Process Report was published by my Department in December 2020. This reflects an assessment of Department compliance with the Public Spending Code based on an examination of Department expenditure. My Department also undertakes periodic reviews and evaluations of particular areas of expenditure such as programmes and schemes managed by the Department. This may be completed in-house or commissioned externally. Among others, a review of the Community Services Programme, and an evaluation of SICAP pre-employment supports were published in 2020. My Department has also entered into a research agreement with the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) to help inform rural and community development policy. The first output produced under this agreement, A Review of International Approaches to Evaluating Rural and Community Development Investment and Supports, was published in April 2021. These reviews and evaluations are available on my Department’s website at www.gov.ie/en/organisation-information/9dc2f-research-and-evaluation/
