Written Answers Nos. 2029-2049
2029. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of tonnes of organic lamb and organic beef, respectively that were produced in Ireland in each of the years 2008 to 2021, in tabular form; the markets that consumed the total tonnage produced for each year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2561/22]
View answerSpecific information on the production volumes for both organic beef and lamb are not routinely collected, as the data is included in the overall production figures for both species. Estimates are outlined in the tables below*. These production estimations are not a guarantee of end market.
Specific information on the export destination for Organic beef and lamb is also difficult to quantify given that CSO data does not categorise product as organic.
Currently the largest proportion of organic lamb produced in Ireland is destined for the German market with the balance going to the domestic market.
From consultation with the two major organic beef processors, they have confirmed that a significant proportion of the organic beef they process is destined for customers on the domestic market with all of the major retailers in the Irish market listing organic beef in some capacity. Irish organic beef is also exported to Germany, Great Britain, Netherlands and the Nordics however the exact volumes exported are not currently available.
The next CAP provides for a significant increase in funding for the Organic Farming Scheme to over €250 million and will lead to greater area and production of organic product in Ireland.
*Organic lamb production (estimations) and *Organic beef production (estimations)
2030. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the markets that have been developed by the organic associations and by Bord Bia between 2009 and 2021 for organic beef, organic lamb and organic milk; the new markets that have been secured and that will be secured for each organic product in 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2562/22]
View answerBord Bia is the state agency responsible for the marketing of Irish organic produce and are currently building on their current activities through targeted development and promotional activity.
From a business expansion perspective, Bord Bia will continue to invest in identifying and supporting export market opportunities for Irish organic companies including those seeking to export beef, lamb and milk products through their network of overseas offices and trade events such as the BioFach trade fair in July 2022.
During 2021 Bord Bia commissioned research into the German Organic Market and are planning to undertake a similar exercise in the Nordic markets in 2022.
Subject to travel restrictions, Bord Bia plan to deliver a Ministerial trade mission to Germany with five selected retailers in July 2022 to help advance activities in Europe’s largest organic market.
It is appreciated that real challenges exist when it comes to growing and co-ordinating the supply base so that the sector is well placed to benefit from the growing demand for organic produce.
To address this issue Bord Bia is currently engaging with Irish retailers to identify opportunities to work together to promote Irish organic produce. Specifically, Bord Bia are engaging directly with two Irish retailers to encourage purchase of organic ranges.
The last 12-18 months have seen increased interest and emphasis on Irish organic produce. Organic is no longer a niche category but a ‘sought after commodity’.
Retailers have also expressed ongoing interest in growing the category and this is reflected in recent in-store / merchandising investments.
The increasing consumer recognition of organic produce and its linkage to reducing the carbon footprint of the sector is a key component of my Department’s commitment to develop, nurture and grow Ireland's reputation as a quality exporter of organic produce.
2032. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the progress regarding the upgrading of Dinish Pier, Castletownbere, County Cork; the reason construction has stalled; and the expected completion date. [2565/22]
View answerSorensen Civil Engineering Ltd. was appointed on 26 July 2021 to complete the upgrade works of Dinish Pier and these works are progressing well. As the Deputy has previously been advised, a former contractor entered into voluntary examinership leading to my Department terminating that contract on 22 October 2020. Subsequently the Department had to re-tender the works which ultimately led to the current contractor's appointment. I am happy to confirm that the works are not stalled and are scheduled for completion in Q2 2022.
2033. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh den Aire Talmhaíochta, Bia agus Mara an gcinnteoidh sé nach ndéanfar an chosaint dlí a léiríodh i gcás cúirte duine (sonraí tugtha) a laghdú ón 28 Eanáir ar aghaidh, agus an gcinnteoidh sé go gcosnófar cearta teanga agus cearta tomhaltóirí trí rialacháin a dhéanamh á fhorordú go mbeidh lipéid táirgí leighis d’ainmhithe sa dá theanga oifigiúla nó sa phríomhtheanga oifigiúil amháin. [2664/22]
View answerTagann Rialacháin Cógas Tréidliachta 2019/6 an AE in éifeacht ar an 28 Eanáir 2022. Ceadaíonn Airteagal 7 den Rialachán do Bhallstáit cinneadh a dhéanamh maidir leis an teanga a theastaíonn ar achoimre saintréithe táirge, lipéadú agus ar bhileog phacáiste táirgí íocshláinte tréidliachta atá á gcur ar fáil ar an margadh. Cé go bhfuil an Roinn Talmhaíochta, Bia agus Mara agus an Rialtas ag leanúint ar aghaidh ag tacú go hiomlán le cosaint agus cearta foriomlána tomhaltóirí shaoránaigh na hÉireann chomh fada is a bhaineann leis an nGaeilge, ní mór breithniú a dhéanamh freisin ar na himpleachtaí ar tháirgeadh, soláthar, úsáideoir, margadh agus sláinte agus leas ainmhithe a bhaineann leis an gceanglas go mbeadh 2 theanga in úsáid ar lipéadú agus ar phacáistiú táirgí. Maidir le cógais tréidliachta, is margadh beag soláthair é Éire agus dá réir sin, tá táirgí le haghaidh mhargadh na hÉireann forbartha bunaithe ar dhélipéadú leis an margadh is cóngaraí agus i bhfad níos mó atá béal dorais linn, an Ríocht Aontaithe. Chuir an tÚdarás Rialála Táirgí Sláinte, rialálaí náisiúnta cógas daonna agus tréidliachta, in iúl do Rialtas na hÉireann, go bhféadfadh impleachtaí tromchúiseacha a bheith ag srianta teanga a bhunú i ndáil le cógais tréidliachta a bhfuil sé beartaithe iad a dhíol ar mhargadh na hÉireann ar sholáthar leanúnach agus fadtéarmach cógas, rud a mbeadh iarmhairtí diúltacha aige ar shláinte agus leas ainmhithe, agus a d’fhéadfadh rochtain ar tháirgí agraibhia na hÉireann ar ár margaí idirnáisiúnta a chur i mbaol.
2034. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the current position further to a statement (details supplied) regarding drugs task forces. [63399/21]
View answerMy Department supports Local Development Companies (sometimes referred to as 'area partnerships') via SICAP or the Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme.
SICAP aims to reduce poverty and promote social inclusion and equality by supporting communities and individuals using community development approaches, engagement and collaboration. SICAP actions are delivered by 46 local development companies nationwide.
My Department secured a €4 million increase for SICAP for 2022 bringing the budget to €43m. The increase will allow for the creation of a number of posts within area partnerships/local development companies for new community workers on the ground in communities across Ireland.
Funding for Drugs Task Forces is a matter for the Department of Health.
2035. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the status of the upgrade to Mayfield Library, Cork; when it is likely to be completed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [62956/21]
View answerThe delivery of public library services, including the provision and upgrade of library premises, is a matter for each local authority in accordance with the Local Government Act, 2001. Accordingly, the delivery of library services in Mayfield is primarily a matter for Cork City Council.
My Department has had ongoing discussions with Cork City Council regarding a new library for Mayfield and an application for funding was received in April 2019. However, as my Department's Libraries Capital Programme was fully committed, the City Council were advised to submit an application through the Department’s Four Stage Capital Management Process. This will ensure that the project complies with the Public Library National Standards and Benchmarks which guides the development of the public library service.
A Stage 1 Approval-in-Principle in respect of the Standards and Benchmarks for public libraries issued to Cork City Council on 22 July 2019. Cork City Council submitted a Stage 2 application on 9 December 2021, which is currently undergoing technical assessment.
My Department has also advised Cork City Council to consider submitting an application for funding for Mayfield Library to the Urban Regeneration and Development Fund (URDF), which is administered by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage.
We look forward to continuing our engagement with Cork City Council as this project is progressed.
2036. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development further to a statement by An Taoiseach in November 2021 (details supplied), if she will provide an update on proposed actions arising from this work; and her plans to have such actions implemented. [63047/21]
View answerMy Department supports Local Development Companies (sometimes referred to as 'area partnerships') via SICAP or the Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme.
SICAP aims to reduce poverty and promote social inclusion and equality by supporting communities and individuals using community development approaches, engagement and collaboration. SICAP actions are delivered by 46 local development companies nationwide.
My Department secured a €4 million increase for SICAP for 2022 bringing the budget to €43m. The increase will allow for the creation of a number of posts within area partnerships/local development companies for new community workers on the ground in communities across Ireland.
Funding for Drugs Task Forces is a matter for the Department of Health.
2037. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the way in which a sum of approximately €172,000 announced as part of the town and village renewal scheme 2019 for Bunratty, County Clare has been used; if the works associated with this funding allocation have been delayed or cancelled; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [63154/21]
View answerThe Town and Village Renewal Scheme provides funding to support the revitalisation of our rural towns and villages.
I can confirm that the Bunratty village project, referred to by the Deputy, was awarded funding of €137,600 through the 2019 Town and Village Renewal Scheme. Clare County Council, who are responsible for managing the project, sought changes to the scope of the project in late 2020 which were approved by my Department.
The revised project now proposes to fund streetscape improvements, pedestrianisation along the old Ennis road, improved public space (incorporating bandstand and seating), high quality signage and a village plan providing the basis for potential further investment in the village.
I understand that progress on the project has not advanced as quickly as originally planned and that Clare County Council has sought, and been provided with, an extension to the end of October 2022 in order to bring the project to completion. The local community group promoting the project has been informed.
2038. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if funding is available for a centre (details supplied). [63254/21]
View answerMy Department has a number of schemes that are relevant to community centres, an example is the Community Enhancement Programme. The programme provided €4.5m funding in 2021 for small capital grants for the improvement of facilities and it will be available again in 2022.
The COVID-19 Stability Fund 2021 was launched on Thursday 6th May 2021, and was targeted at organisations which deliver critical services to vulnerable people within their community but which faced closure or a loss of service due to the impact of the pandemic on their ability to fund-raise or generate income. I was pleased to award €13,890 to the organisation in question under the 2021 Stability Fund.
In November 2021, I launched the Community Activities Fund . This €9m fund also supports community and voluntary groups impacted by COVID-19. This once-off funding will support groups, particularly in disadvantaged areas, with their running costs, such as utility (Electricity, Heating charges) or insurance bills, as well as with improvements to their facilities. Groups will also be able to use the funding to carry out necessary repairs and to purchase equipment such as tables and chairs, tools and signage, laptops and printers, lawnmowers, canopies and training equipment.
This is currently being administered by Local Community Development Committees (LCDCs) in each Local Authority area, and I would advise the organisation in question to contact their local LCDC for further details.
2039. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the terms of reference for the Mobile Phone and Broadband Taskforce; the matters discussed at the first meeting of the Taskforce; when the Taskforce is expected to report its findings to her; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [63514/21]
View answerThe Mobile Phone and Broadband Taskforce was re-established on 15 December 2021 with an inaugural meeting co-chaired by myself and Minister of State Ossian Smyth TD. This first meeting allowed for Minister of State Smyth and I to set out our priorities for the coming period, which include improving mobile phone coverage in rural areas, examining issues around planning permissions and licencing for, and sharing of, telecoms infrastructure, the use of public assets for telecoms purposes and improving the quality and availability of information for consumers of telecoms services and products.
Following presentations on the policy context from senior officials from both my department and the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications, a roundtable discussion was held and Taskforce members were invited to set out the actions that each believe are necessary to improve telecommunications services in the state in the short, medium and long term.
On foot of that discussion, a series of bilateral meetings will now take place between senior officials of both departments and each of the Taskforce members to refine the specific actions for inclusion in the work programme, the stakeholders that will work on each action, the deliverables expected and the timelines to completion.
Building on this bilateral engagement, officials will table draft terms of reference as well as a proposed work programme for approval at the next meeting of the Taskforce. Future meetings of the Taskforce, chaired by Minister of State Smyth and I, will convene two to three times a year. At those meetings progress reports will be presented to ensure that momentum and progress is maintained.
2040. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if she will address the concerns outlined in correspondence (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [63522/21]
View answerLEADER is a rural development programme co-funded by the EU that operates a locally-led, bottom-up approach to meeting the needs of local communities and businesses. The programme supports private enterprises and community groups in rural areas.
For the period 2014- 2020 LEADER was included in the suite of measures that constituted Ireland’s Rural Development Programme (RDP). The Rural Development Programmes agreed by each Member State with the EU Commission were designed to correspond to specified Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) programming periods. The CAP programming periods in turn correspond to the EU's budgetary cycle. The Rural Development Programme will now be replaced by each Member State’s CAP Strategic Plan.
In the 2014-2020 CAP programming period, €250m was allocated to LEADER. For the 7 year programming period from 2021 to 2027 this funding allocation will be maintained. It is comprised of
€70m provided for the transitional period from 2021 to 2022, and the recently announced indicative allocation of €180m for the period 2023 to 2027. The maintenance of the €250m funding from the 2014-2020 period is evidence of the Governments continued support for the LEADER programme.
It is also of note that recent years have seen record levels of investment in rural development initiatives and schemes. A range of schemes have been implemented in recent years, such as the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund, the Town and Village Renewal Scheme, the Walks Scheme, and the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme.
Budget 2022 also saw increases secured across all my Department's rural schemes and the National Development Plan (NDP) outlines a clear commitment to a continuation of investment in Rural Ireland as a matter of priority. Capital funding allocations for my Department have seen an increase from €88m in 2018 to €205m in 2025 under the NDP.
This increased funding will help to deliver on the range of actions for our rural communities into the future as set in the Government’s ambitious Rural Development Policy - Our Rural Future.
2041. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if approval will be provided that an ex-gratia payment be made to a company (details supplied) regarding the cessation of non-essential construction works at a site in County Clare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [63550/21]
View answerThe Rural Regeneration and Development Fund provides funding for the development and construction of ambitious capital projects in towns and villages and rural areas across Ireland. The Fund has, to date, through a series of calls allocated funding of €277 million for 191 projects across the country worth a total of €374 million.
All budgetary matters relating to projects supported by the Fund are the responsibility of the lead party for the project, that is the body which sought and secured funding through the application process. The lead party for any given project assumes chief responsibility for the financial risk in undertaking it.
In that regard, in line with best practice project management, all applicants to the Fund are encouraged to put in place a contingency budget at a level appropriate for the type of project being undertaken. The normal contingency fund set aside in relation to projects of the scale funded by the Fund should be sufficient to meet claims for ex-gratia payments, should they arise.
In relation to the particular project referred to by the Deputy, my officials have informed me that a solution was reached locally.
2042. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if the funding for the social inclusion and community activation programme will be withdrawn; when this will happen; if a new social inclusion and community activation programme will replace the current scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [63624/21]
View answerThe Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme (SICAP), is our country’s primary social inclusion programme. The current iteration began on 1 January 2018 and will run until the end of 2023. The programme enables vital work in helping individuals and groups, by improving the life chances of those who are marginalised in society, living in poverty or unemployed.
The funding for SICAP is subject to the annual budgetary estimates process and I am delighted to have secured a 10% increase for SICAP for 2022, the largest increase since the programme was launched. This €4 million increase will provide for the creation of a number of new community worker posts in communities across Ireland.
My officials have begun the process of developing a new iteration of SICAP which will begin in 2024.
2043. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the current status of phase 2 of the River Fergus walk and cycleway; if there is an estimated completion date for this route; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1043/22]
View answerThe Outdoor Recreation and Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS) provides funding for the development and enhancement of outdoor recreational infrastructure such as trails, walkways, cycleways, blueways and bridleways in rural areas. It is funded by my Department in partnership with Fáilte Ireland.
Over the last year my Department has seen an increased emphasis on the development of outdoor amenities such as those associated with our mountains, rivers, lakes and beaches.
I can confirm that €200,000 was approved for the River Fergus Walkway and Cycleway under Measure 2 of the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme 2020. Under the terms of the Funding Agreement, the deadline date for completion of the project is 31st of August 2022. My officials have been in contact with Clare County Council who have confirmed that there are no concerns regarding the delivery of the project and they expect the works to be completed by the deadline date.
2044. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the breakdown of funding allocated under the Rural Regeneration Development Fund by county, project and amount each year since the fund was first developed in tabular form. [1181/22]
View answerThe Rural Regeneration and Development Fund provides funding for the development and construction of ambitious capital projects in towns and villages and rural areas across Ireland. The Fund has, to date, through a series of calls allocated funding of €277 million for 191 projects across the country worth a total of €374 million.
The table below sets out the approved funding for RRDF projects to date by county and by year the project was approved.
2045. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the status of an investigation (details supplied) underway within her Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1242/22]
View answerIn February 2021, my officials became aware of an issue that my Department considered warranted an independent investigation to consider whether due process and natural justice had been applied. All parties to the matter were informed of the intention of the Department to appoint an independent investigator.
An experienced independent investigator was selected following a competitive tender process. The investigator offered all individuals involved the opportunity to give their account of the matter. On the basis of interviews and a review of documentation, the investigator prepared a report that was completed in October 2021. My officials reviewed the report and then shared it with the group in question in November 2021.
My Department is currently engaging with the group in order to progress and make improvements to procedures in light of the investigator's findings.
2046. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the details of the establishment of a new small capital grant scheme for community centre upgrades which was announced in Budget 2022; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1281/22]
View answerI acknowledge the importance of community centres, they are the cornerstone of community life in many places around the country.
To fulfill a Programme for Government commitment to establish a small capital grants scheme for the maintenance and improvement of community centres, my department is establishing a new scheme for this purpose.
The details of this scheme are currently being finalised. Community centres in urban and rural areas will be eligible, and eligible works will likely include energy retrofitting, works to address safety concerns, works to improve disability access and works to improve communal facilities such as kitchen and toilet facilities. The Scheme will be launched in early 2022 and further details will be announced in due course.
2047. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if a response will issue in relation to a matter in which funding was removed (details supplied); and if it will be ensured that funding applications underway will be completed. [1305/22]
View answerThe LEADER Food Initiative is administered at local level by Local Action Groups (LAGs) with overall funding allocated at a national level by my Department. Project applications are in the first instance considered at local level, with subsequent final project approval signed off by my Department on a first come first served basis. As with all funding programmes, there is a finite budget available for allocation under this measure.
With regard to the particular project referred to by the Deputy, the original application was withdrawn by the applicant due to changes to the project specifications. My Department was made aware of a possible change in the status of this application in May of 2021. A new application was submitted to the LAG in December.
Prior to the submission of a new application from the project promoter by the LAG, the funding budget was exhausted. The LAGs are aware of all relevant scheme conditions and have been kept up to date at regular intervals by my Department with regard to the availability of funding.
During 2022, my Department will keep the delivery and drawdown of funding awarded under the LEADER Food Initiative under review and should any unutilised funding become available as a result of this review consideration will be given to running a new national funding call later in the year.
2048. Deputy Martin Browne asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the process involved in identifying successful applications under the Rural Regeneration Development Fund category 2 as announced on 2 January 2022; the way successful applications are identified and decided upon; the reason three projects identified for Tipperary town were not deemed suitable; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1322/22]
View answer2058. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the reason Tipperary town was unsuccessful in its application under the recently announced rural regeneration development fund; if her Department will meet with Tipperary town officials to discuss the project; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1850/22]
View answer2061. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the full details of the process of the way the Rural Regeneration Development Fund applications are assessed, scored and funding awarded. [2021/22]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 2048, 2058 and 2061 together.
The Rural Regeneration and Development Fund provides funding for the development and construction of capital projects in towns and villages and rural areas across Ireland. The Fund has, to date, through a series of calls allocated funding of €277 million for 191 projects across the country worth a total of €374 million.
The application process for the Fund is competitive in nature. 53 applications were received under the Category 2 call for applications which concluded in January 2022 and, of these, 27 emerged as successful.
All applications to the Fund are subjected to a comprehensive assessment process in line with published guidance. In the first instance, the applications are assessed by my Department in accordance with the appraisal scheme set out in the guidance issued with the call for applications. These assessments are then submitted to the independent Project Advisory Board, made up of representatives from other Government Departments and sectoral experts, which reviews the applications and the Department's assessments. Taking into account the observations and advice of the Board in relation to the applications, my Department then prepares a report setting out recommended projects and my role as Minister is to consider that report and make final decisions in relation to the allocation of funding.
While calls for applications are open, it is noteworthy that my Department also liaises with prospective applicants to provide further guidance to them through information sessions on the focus of the call for funding and an FAQ section is updated our website in advance of the closing date.
My Department has well-established procedures for the dissemination of information relating to the Fund and for the provision of feedback to unsuccessful applicants. In that regard, we will meet with applicants to the recently concluded Category 2 call to offer individual feedback on applications and to discuss the current Category 1 call for applications with prospective applicants. I understand that a number of organisations have already sought feedback from my Department, including Tipperary County Council, and these requests will be facilitated over the coming weeks.
2049. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív den Aire Forbartha Tuaithe agus Pobail cén uair a eagrófar cruinniu le hionadaithe ó Inis Meáin ata ag lorg cruinniu le trí mhi anuas leis a Roinn i dteannta Comhairle Contae na Gaillimhe le ceist dul chun cinn céibh an Chalaidh Mhóir a phlé; an chúis leis an moilll leis an gcruinniú seo; an dul chun cinn atá déanta maidir le forbairt na céibhe seo ón samhradh seo caite; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [1370/22]
View answerMar is eol don Teachta, is iad Comhairle Contae na Gaillimhe atá freagrach as céim a trí d’fhorbairt an Chaladh Mhóir ar Inis Meáin. Tá oifigigh mo Roinne i dteagmháil rialta leis an gComhairle Contae chun dul chun cinn a dhéanamh ar an togra.
I mí Iúil thaistil grúpa chuig ionad an NMCI (National Marine College of Ireland) i gCorcaigh, áit ar tugadh taispeántas den ionsamhlú mara atá dá fhorbairt acu. Tuigim go raibh ionadaí ón gcoiste atá luaite ag an Teachta ina measc.
Tar éis seisiúin aiseolais, aontaíodh go ndéanfadh an NMCI tuilleadh forbairt ar an ionsamhlú, chun torthaí níos cuimsitheach a fháil, agus nuair atá sé sin déanta, seolfar cuireadh eile chuig na hionadaithe cuí. Tuigtear dom go mbeidh gá le roinnt obair suirbhéaracht a dhéanamh ag an gcé mar chuid don obair seo.
Is féidir liom a dheimhniú go bhfuil cruinniu socraithe idir mo chuid oifigigh, oifigigh an Chomhairle Chontae agus ionadaithe ón gcoiste don mhí seo chugainn.
