Written Answers Nos. 230-249
230. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will include similar metrics as are currently included for the afforestation, roads and felling licences for the ash dieback RUS scheme in the weekly dashboard from his Department from now on; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50272/21]
View answerThe weekly dashboard is provided to give a short concise update on the licences issued for the week and month, along with other related information. As the Reconstitution and Underplanting Scheme (RUS - Ash Dieback) is not a forestry licensed scheme and as the Dashboard is already full we do not propose to include an update on it there.
I will, however, arrange for the publication of RUS metrics monthly on the Department's website in the same location as where we publish other forestry statistical information.
231. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the measures he will introduce as a matter of urgency to ensure that there is an adequate supply of domestic peat for the mushroom and horticulture sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50312/21]
View answer232. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will ensure that the concerns of the mushroom and horticulture sector in relation to the harvesting of horticultural peat are addressed in view of the importance of peat for that sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50313/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 231 and 232 together.
The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine is well aware of the concerns in relation to the licensing of peat abstraction which are generating challenges (volume and price) for the horticulture sector.
Peat extraction is subject to a planning process under the remit of the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage and an Integrated Pollution Control license process under the remit of the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment. As such, the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine has no involvement in its regulation.
Malcolm Noonan T.D., Minister for Heritage and Electoral Reform in the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, published a report on the review of the use of Peat Moss in the Horticultural Industry. The review report recommended the establishment of a working group to examine the issues raised, including graduating the elimination of the use of peat moss in the Horticultural Industry over an agreed period of years with an agreed end date. The working group which includes a representative from my Department will address the key issues raised in the report itself, including future use and supply of peat by the horticulture sector. A final report from this working group is expected at the end of October.
Separately, my Department is actively looking at alternatives to peat and has funded two research projects to date. Furthermore, the Department’s Research Call for 2021 included a call for further research on alternatives to peat based growing media for horticultural production.
I continue to engage directly with the sector, most recently meeting with the Mushroom Industry on the issues they face. Minister of State Pippa Hackett has ongoing engagement directly with the horticulture sector, and has responsibility for the sector, including in her capacity as co-chair of the Horticulture Industry Forum, across a range of issues, including peat use.
233. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the transparent and objective criteria used under Article 17 of the Common Fisheries Policy for allocating fishing opportunities. [50350/21]
View answerIn Ireland, quotas are a public resource and are managed to ensure that property rights are not granted to individual operators. This is seen as a critical policy in order to ensure that quotas are not concentrated into the hands of large fishing companies whose owners have the financial resources to buy up such rights. In Ireland, any movement towards privatisation and concentration of rights into the hands of large companies would seriously risk fishing vessels losing an economic link with Ireland’s coastal communities and undermining the socio-economic importance of the fishing industry in the coastal communities dependent on fishing. The result of this long standing policy is that the Irish fishing fleet involves a balanced spread of sizes and types of fishing vessels who have retained a strong economic link with our coastal communities and have delivered economic activity including vital employment in these communities, where there are very limited alternative economic activities.
Whitefish (Demersal) Quotas are generally managed on a monthly basis with catch limits being set for each month. Consultation is carried out each month at the Quota Management Advisory Committee (QMAC) meeting involving fishing industry representatives from the catching and processing sectors, the Department and the Sea Fisheries Protection Authority. The purpose of these meetings is to make recommendations to me on monthly/bi-monthly/quarterly regimes for particular stocks and, as far as possible, I follow their recommendations for regimes for particular stocks, subject to the proper management and rational exploitation of our fisheries. Additional meetings are organised as required to discuss specific issues in particular fisheries that may arise.
The QMAC operate by examining in detail the operation of each fishery, uptake patterns and available quota for the different metiers of fishing vessels, including inshore fishing vessels. There are detailed discussions on allocations, often taking account of the divergent situation of the fleet and of the market. The QMAC may also take account of the weather/sea conditions in the preceding quota period and the impact this may have had on the industry during that period, particularly in respect of the smaller vessels. It also has the possibility of recommending additional catch limits to incentivise the introduction of environmentally friendly fishing gear in particular fisheries or for particular types of vessels.
The fish quota management system is designed to ensure, having regard to fishing patterns and market conditions, the best possible spread both between fishing vessel operators and in terms of take up of quota during the year. The arrangements have been set and developed over many years since the commencement of the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) and the introduction of quotas. Any amendments or changes to the overarching policy on management arrangements can be determined by me following detailed analysis and full consultation with stakeholders, in particular the fishing industry.
A key objective of whitefish quota management is the avoidance of very early closure of fisheries through rapid exhaustion of quota. This is particularly important because our whitefish fisheries are mixed and an early closure would impact on other fisheries where there would be a potential by-catch of such stocks and would undermine the effective implementation of the landing obligation which prohibits discarding of fish at sea.
There are 9 principal managed pelagic stocks (Mackerel, Irish Sea Herring, Celtic Sea Herring, North West Herring, Atlanto-Scandian Herring, Horse Mackerel, Blue Whiting, Boarfish and Albacore Tuna) and the particular management of each is further subdivided between various sectors of the fleet. The fishing of pelagic species is generally confined to the spring and the autumn. Since 1 January 2015 pelagic stocks have also been subject to the landing obligation. Pelagic issues, effort issues and deep sea issues, where relevant, are also discussed at the QMAC and recommendations brought to my attention to inform my decision.
234. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if she will address a matter regarding the sustainability of the local development sector (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50168/21]
View answerThe Department of Rural and Community Development (DRCD) works closely with the Irish Local Development Network (ILDN), the representative body for Ireland’s Local Development Companies (LDCs). The LDCs are a key delivery partner for government across a range of schemes and programmes. In the case of DRCD, they deliver SICAP and are implementing partners for the LEADER programme.
To support this work my Department is providing SICAP funding in excess of €220 million to LDCs over six years from 2018 to 2023. This year over €39 million was allocated, supporting front line workers in LDCs to deliver SICAP on the ground. For 2022, I am delighted to say that an additional €4m has been secured in budget 2022, a 10% increase. Funding to cover administrative costs is also provided under the LEADER programme.
The ILDN have brought the matter of the sustainability of the local development sector to my attention and officials within DRCD are engaged in early discussions to scope out possible ways forward to secure the future of the LDCs, in particular to ensure the effective and consistent delivery of the programmes and schemes they deliver.
235. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if she will address a matter regarding the development of a digital inclusion fund (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50172/21]
View answerThe Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme (SICAP) aims to reduce poverty and promote social inclusion and equality by supporting rural and urban communities and individuals using community development approaches, engagement and collaboration.
My Department is providing SICAP funding in excess of €220 million over six years (2018-2023). 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 6,200 Local Community Groups.
I am delighted to have secured a 10 per cent increase for SICAP for 2022 the largest increase since the programme was launched which will lead to the creation of jobs in the area of social inclusion, helping those most in need across the country. This is a very positive step towards restoring the SICAP budget to historic levels, and it is my intention to continue to prioritise funding for SICAP .
The COVID-19 crisis has highlighted the digital divide and its negative impacts on groups most at risk of economic and social exclusion in Ireland and some very positive work is already underway at local level under SICAP. In addition, my officials are seeking out further opportunities, in particular via the European Social Fund (ESF) to support a targeted digital inclusion programme.
236. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the status of the development of the new Leader programme for the period 2023-2027; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50163/21]
View answerThe LEADER programme is a key intervention implemented by my Department which will help to underpin the Government's rural development goals as outlined in Our Rural Future.
The negotiations on the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) regulations were provisionally agreed at the Council of Ministers Meeting on 28/29 June. Technical discussions to finalise the legal text are currently taking place under the Slovenian Presidency.
The programme is co-funded by the EU under Pillar II the CAP. The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) is Ireland's Managing Authority for the CAP and thus has lead responsibility for negotiations of the new CAP which is to be introduced from 2023. My officials are engaging extensively with both DAFM and the EU Commission on the new LEADER programme to form part of the new CAP Strategic Plan (CSP) .
Over the past number of months, officials in my Department have been engaging with stakeholders regarding the design of the next LEADER Programme. This consultation will continue as the process of agreeing the new CAP Strategic Plan with the EU Commission develops.
I recently initiated an external review of the current LEADER programme and the outcome of this review will help to inform the design of the new LEADER programme. I expect to receive a report in this regard in the coming weeks.
In addition, and in conjunction with colleagues in the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, a further public consultation on the draft CSP interventions, which includes LEADER, will be undertaken later this year.
My officials continue to work towards the development of the LEADER element of the new CSP with a view to submitting this to the EU Commission for approval in 2022 along with all the other element of the plan. My Department will continue to consult with all stakeholders as part of this process.
237. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if she will increase the level of funding to the transitional Leader programme to ensure its continuity until the new programme is commenced in 2023 given the high demand under the transitional programme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50194/21]
View answerThe LEADER programme is co-financed by the European Commission under Pillar 2 of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), through the European Agriculture Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD).
In line with the Government’s Rural Development Policy for 2021-2025, 'Our Rural Future’, I announced details of a €70 million Transitional LEADER Programme which came into effect last April and will cover the period 2021-2022. €65 million of this budget has been allocated to the LAGs who deliver the programme and approve projects at local level. This allocation covers both core project expenditure and the administration and animation costs of the LAGs. In addition, in the event that a LAG fully utilises their allocation of administration funding, they can avail of a maximum monthly contribution that will be Exchequer funded and will be available to them to the end of 2022.
A further €3 million of the funding has been allocated to support co-operation projects and innovation between LAGs, while the remaining €2 million has been allocated to provide preparatory support for the next LEADER programme. Further funding opportunities under the LEADER Food Initiative remain in place until the entirety of funds are exhausted.
€20 million of this transitional LEADER Programme is funded by the European Union Recovery Instrument, which will enable local communities and enterprises an opportunity to respond in a community-led local development manner to COVID-19.
I am confident that this level of funding will be sufficient to continue the effective operation of the LEADER Programme through the end of 2022. My officials are in ongoing communication with the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine in relation to the development of the new CAP Strategic Plan which will cover the new programming period commencing in 2023.
238. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if prior to the commencement of the new round of the Leader programme in 2023, she will review the programme guidelines to introduce a tiered system that makes it less bureaucratic for those seeking small levels of funding; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50196/21]
View answerOur Rural Future represents a new milestone in the approach to rural development policy and is the Government’s blueprint for the post-COVID recovery and development of rural Ireland over the next five years.
The LEADER programme is a key intervention to be delivered in this policy by enhancing the participation of local communities in shaping their future and building leadership and resilience.
The programme is co-funded by the EU under Pillar II the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP). The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) is Ireland's Managing Authority for the CAP and thus has lead responsibility for negotiations of the new CAP which is to be introduced from 2023. My officials are engaging extensively with both DAFM and the EU Commission on the design of a new LEADER programme to form part of the new CAP Strategic Plan. My officials have also engaged extensively stakeholders in the design of the next LEADER programme.
The Programme for Government contains a commitment to reduce bureaucracy while ensuring that strong accountability and transparency mechanisms are in place to protect taxpayers’ money. As the design of the next LEADER programme develops, officials in my Department are examining how best to implement this commitment, which will, inter alia, take into consideration the outcome of consultations with all relevant stakeholders, as well as the provisions of the EU Regulations governing the new programme once they are agreed.
239. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the extent to which she expects to engage with urban and rural communities with the objective of improving their quality of life; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50283/21]
View answer241. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the extent to which she expects to further enhance the quality of life for rural or urban communities with particular reference to the need for inclusivity leading to stability; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50285/21]
View answer244. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the extent to which she continues to liaise with women's groups in urban and rural Ireland with a view to offering social and or economic support; the degree to which she has studied the beneficial effects of such interaction; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50288/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 239, 241 and 244 together.
A vital part of my Department's mission is to support vibrant and sustainable communities across this country, and in doing so to deliver on a wide range of strategic interventions, funding programmes and policies to support urban and rural communities.
Groups or organisations qualify for support schemes or programmes provided by my Department where they meet the requisite eligibility criteria. Funding includes the Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme (SICAP), the Community Services Programme, the CLÁR Programme, the Community Enhancement Programme, and the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund.
My Department is also responsible for a number of national policies containing measures to improve the lives of people throughout the country. These include the National Policy on Social Enterprise, and Sustainable, Inclusive and Empowered Communities: 5 Year Strategy to Support the Community and Voluntary Sector 2019-2024 .
In March I launched Our Rural Future , a new whole-of-Government rural development policy. The policy is an ambitious blueprint for the social and economic development of rural Ireland over the next five years. It has the potential to have a transformative effect on rural communities and positive impacts on the lives of people living and working in rural areas. The policy is supported by 150 commitments across Government, which will address the challenges facing communities and deliver new opportunities for people living in rural areas.
All my Department’s policies are underpinned by extensive consultation with a wide range of stakeholders including rural and urban stakeholder groups, community groups, young people, women’s groups, Government Departments and State Agencies.
This engagement process provides important insights into issues impacting on rural and urban communities and in identifying areas for response relevant to the work of my Department. Ongoing dialogue is maintained by my Department with rural and urban stakeholders in order to identify and respond to issues impacting on individuals and communities.
I will also continue to collaborate with my Government colleagues and will monitor the issues which impact our urban and rural communities in order to respond to emerging needs.
240. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the extent to which her Department is concerned regarding rural depopulation leading to closure of rural schools, post offices and Garda stations all of which have a major contribution to make in the social and economic life of communities; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50284/21]
View answerAs the Deputy is aware, the Minister for Education has responsibility for the education sector and schools, the Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications has policy responsibility for the postal sector and the Minister for Justice and Equality has policy responsibility for An Garda Síochána.
However, I am acutely aware of the value placed by rural communities on services such as those provided by post offices, the Gardaí and schools. Ensuring access to services for rural communities is an issue that cuts across almost all Government Departments. Reflecting that whole-of-Government focus, rural and regional development is also at the heart of the Programme for Government.
Significant investment in rural Ireland is taking place across Government and my Department continues to support communities across rural Ireland, and to address rural depopulation, through a range of funding schemes and supports.
Funding is available for rural areas in my Department through: the €1 billion allocated to the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund, the CLÁR Programme, the Community Enhancement Programme, the Town and Village Renewal Scheme and funding for our Public Libraries. Funding is also delivered through the Community Services Programme, LEADER Programme and the Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme where supports are tailored to the specific needs of individual areas.
Earlier this year I launched an ambitious new five year rural development policy – Our Rural Future. This policy recognises that strong rural economies and communities are vital in supporting and safeguarding the sustainability of vibrant towns and villages across the country. It also recognises that rural areas are critical to our national economic, social and environmental wellbeing. Our Rural Future contains over 150 commitments for delivery right across Government over its lifetime, including specific measures aimed at enhancing public services in rural areas.
242. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the amount of monies allocated by her Department to various community groups in the past 12 months; her plans to continue this policy in the coming year; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50286/21]
View answer243. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the extent to which she continues to support urban and rural based groups involved in reviving community activity and support; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50287/21]
View answer251. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the steps she continues to take to encourage economic investment in social supports to encourage investment in jobs and services in all areas throughout the country leading to increased economic activity; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50295/21]
View answer253. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the extent to which her Department has continued to monitor areas throughout the country deemed to be deficient in adequate infrastructure with a view to supporting development to meet modern day challenges; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50297/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 242, 243, 251 and 253 together.
My Department’s policies and funding programmes aim to deliver sustainable outcomes that positively impact the quality of life of those living and working in our communities. Funding is available to eligible community groups and organisations throughout the country.
The amount allocated by my Department for urban and rural development and renewal purposes in the past three years to-date is, €133 million in 2017, €251 million in 2018, €315 million in 2019, €313 million in 2020, and €267 million to date in 2021.
Details of funding allocations under specific schemes provided by my Department are available online at https://www.gov.ie/en/organisation/department-of-rural-and-community-development/
The Deputy will also be aware of the recent publication of the renewed National Development Plan (NDP) 2021 – 2030 which commits to delivery of significant investment - €165 billion – over the coming decade. While the Plan is a whole of Government approach, Chapter 8: Strengthened Rural Economies and Communities sets out details that will be delivered and administered by my Department.
Earlier in the year, I was delighted to launch Our Rural Future a whole-of-Government Rural Development Policy for 2021-2025, supported by 150 policy commitments aimed at addressing challenges facing communities and delivering new opportunities for people living in rural areas. The NDP will support the achievement of the ambitious objectives set out in that document.
Over the life of the NDP my Department will continue to invest in and support Rural Ireland and communities across the country through various schemes such as the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund, LEADER Programme, Town and Village Renewal Scheme, Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme, Local Improvement Scheme, CLÁR Programme, Islands Capital Programme, Community Enhancement Programme, Libraries Investment Capital funding and the PEACE PLUS Programme. However, I can assure the Deputy that investment will continue apace over the lifetime of the NDP.
Ongoing dialogue is maintained by my Department with rural and urban stakeholders in order to identify and respond to issues impacting on individuals and communities. I will continue to work collaboratively with my Government colleagues to monitor the issues which impact our urban and rural communities and to support the creation of vibrant and sustainable communities across this country.
245. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the extent to which her Department has supported rural and community renewal throughout County Kildare in the past year; her plans in this regard in the future; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50289/21]
View answer247. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the extent to which her Department has assisted, directly or indirectly, voluntary and or community groups throughout County Kildare in the past year; her plans in this regard for 2022; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50291/21]
View answer252. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the total monies allocated by her Department for urban and rural development and renewal purposes in the past two years to date in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50296/21]
View answer258. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the extent to which her Department has identified specific local initiatives in County Kildare worthy of support by her Department since its inception; her ongoing proposals in this regard; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50302/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 245, 247, 252 and 258 together.
My Department delivers a wide range of policies and measures to support urban and rural communities. Funding strands include the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund, LEADER, Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme (SICAP), Community Services Programme, Community Enhancement Programme, CLÁR Programme, Local Improvement Scheme, and funding for public libraries across the country. Funding is available to eligible community groups and organisations throughout the country.
The amount allocated by my Department for urban and rural development and renewal purposes in the past three years to-date is, €133 million in 2017, €251 million in 2018, €315 million in 2019, €313 million in 2020, and €267 million to date in 2021.
Kildare was allocated €2.9 million in 2017, €4.2 million in 2018, €10.9 million in 2019, €7.6 million in 2020 and €3.3 million to date in 2021. 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/.
My Department is also responsible for a number of national policies containing measures to improve the lives of people throughout the country. These include the National Policy on Social Enterprise, and Sustainable, Inclusive and Empowered Communities: 5 Year Strategy to Support the Community and Voluntary Sector 2019-2024 .
The new national rural development policy Our Rural Future, which I launched in March, sets out a blueprint for the development of rural Ireland over the next five years. The policy is supported by 150 commitments across Government, which will address the challenges facing communities and deliver new opportunities for people living in rural areas.
Delivery of the measures contained in the policy will help rural Ireland to recover from the impacts of COVID-19, enable long-term development of rural areas, and create more resilient rural economies and communities for the future. Ongoing dialogue over the course of the five year policy timeframe will ensure that rural communities are at the heart of designing and delivering responses that meet local needs.
My Department will continue to deliver these important funding schemes and policies to support both urban and rural communities, improve quality of life, and enable local and community development sectors to continue to provide valuable much needed services and supports to all communities throughout the country.
246. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the extent to which her Department through the CLÁR programme her Department has assisted communities throughout the country including County Kildare in the past year; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50290/21]
View answerThe CLÁR Programme provides funding under a number of different Measures for small-scaleinfrastructural projects in designated rural areas that have experienced significant levels of de-population over a defined period using Central Statistics Office data. There are designated CLÁR areas in all counties with the exception of Dublin, Kildare and Wexford.
The Measures to be included in the CLÁR programme are reviewed and revised, if appropriate, each year. The Measures being funded under the 2021 programme are:
Measure1: Support for Schools/Community Safety Measures
Measure 2: Outdoor Community Recreation Facilities
Measure 3: Community Wellbeing Support
(a) Community Gardens and Allotments
(b) Mobility and Cancer Care Transport
CLÁR Innovation Measure: Funding for innovative or pilot projects that address specific challenges faced by communities in CLÁR areas.
To date, I have announced funding of over €5.7million for over 140 projects across Measures 1, 2, 3(a) & 3(b) of CLÁR 2021. Applications under the Innovation Measure are currently being assessed and I expect to announce the successful projects in the coming weeks.
County Kildare does not have any identified CLÁR areas and has therefore not received funding under the programme.
248. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the extent to which she might consider broadening the eligibility for the various rural community schemes operated by her Department in the future; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50292/21]
View answerMy Department has a number of nationally funded rural schemes including the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund, the Town and Village Renewal Scheme, the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme and the CLÁR Programme.
Each scheme is targeted at addressing specific issues and achieving particular aims and objectives. My Department reviews and revises the various schemes each year to ensure that they are responsive to the changing demands. This includes a consideration of the focus of the schemes and the eligibility criteria.
I will continue to examine the approach to delivering the schemes under the remit of my Department before they are launched in 2022.
249. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the extent to which she and her Department have assisted towns and villages throughout County Kildare through the town and village renewal scheme in the past 12 months; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50293/21]
View answer250. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the extent to which she and her Department have assisted various towns and villages through the country through the town and village renewal scheme; her intentions in this regard in the future; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50294/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 249 and 250 together.
The Town and Village Renewal Scheme aims to assist with the rejuvenation of rural towns and villages throughout Ireland, making them more attractive places to live, work, and socialise. This year, in line with Our Rural Future, a key focus is to renovate derelict and vacant buildings in our town centres to bring them back into use as multipurpose spaces, remote working hubs or as residential accommodation.
In the last 12 months, funding of €15.4 million has been approved under the main Town and Village Renewal Scheme for 147 projects countrywide, including 4 projects in County Kildare approved for funding of some €440,000.
The Scheme is responsive to the evolving challenges faced by our towns and villages. Last year, a separate measure was introduced to respond to the challenges presented by the pandemic. This Accelerated Measure addressed short-term challenges of increasing footfall and assisting local businesses and communities to adapt to public health requirements. 15 such projects were funded across Kildare, including projects in Athy , KIldare Town, Newbridge and Cellbridge
More recently, the €7 million Streetscape Enhancement Measure was introduced to help improve the visual appearance of approximately 120 towns and villages the length and breadth of the country. This includes Ballitore, Castledermot, Kilcock, Monasterevin, Rathangan and Sallins which were nominated for inclusion in the Measure in County Kildare.
I am confident that the scheme will continue to develop and expand in the coming years in response to evolving needs.
