Written Answers Nos. 2050-2070
2050. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund will be open for new applications under category 2 of the fund in 2022; if so, when it will be opened; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1380/22]
View answerThe Rural Regeneration and Development Fund provides funding for the development and construction of capital projects in towns and villages and rural areas across Ireland. To date, 191 projects have been approved for funding of €277m for projects costing a total of €374m.
Calls for applications to the Fund are sought under two categories – Category 1 and Category 2. Category 1 relates to large scale ambitious capital projects with all necessary planning and other consents in place and which are ready to proceed. Category 2 provides funding to enable the development of project proposals suitable for future calls for Category 1 applications.
In December, I announced the fourth call for Category 1 applications to the Fund. The closing date for applications is 9th April 2022 and an application form and guidance document is available on my Department’s website for those seeking further information.
I expect to announce a fourth call for Category 2 applications later in 2022.
2051. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the supports that are available to community centres to assist with upgrade works; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1390/22]
View answerMy Department currently have a number of schemes that are relevant to community centres such as the Community Enhancement Programme. The programme in 2021 provided €4.5m funding for small capital grants for the improvement of facilities and it will be available again in 2022.
In November 2021 I launched €9m Community Activities Fund to support community and voluntary groups impacted by COVID-19. This Fund helps community groups, particularly in disadvantaged areas, with their running costs such as utility or insurance bills, as well as with improvements to their facilities. This once-off funding is administered locally by the Local Community Development Committees (LCDCs) in each Local Authority area.
In addition, depending on the project being completed, funding may be available through the Leader Transitional programme. The programme is delivered through Local Action Groups (LAGs) in each of the 28 LEADER sub-regional areas around the country. Interested applicants should make contact with the relevant LAG to discuss the eligibility of the project and the funding that may be available.
Separately, a new capital fund for the upgrade of community centres was referenced in the National Development Plan. The Scheme will be launched in early 2022 and further details will be announced in due course.
2052. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the current number of live studies, reviews and research undertaken or commissioned by her in tabular form; and the date by which each study, review and research is scheduled to be completed. [1559/22]
View answerI have provided the information requested by the Deputy, in relation to the Department of Rural and Community Development (DRCD), in the table below.
|
Live studies, reviews and research undertaken or commissioned by the Department of Rural and Community Development. |
The date by which each study, review and research is scheduled to be completed. |
|
Public Participation Networks Structural Review |
Final report expected in Q1 2022 |
|
Focused Policy Assessment of DRCD Library Supports - undertaken internally by the Department. |
Report expected to be completed in Q3/Q4 2022. |
|
Review of the REDZ Scheme |
Final report to be completed Q1 2022 |
|
Focused Policy Assessment of the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund. undertaken internally by the Department. |
Report expected to be completed in Q3/Q4 2022. |
|
Research on the identification and development of key indicators that can be used for monitoring rural and community development. This work is being undertaken through a Joint Research Agreement between DRCD and the ESRI. |
Expected to be completed in Q4 2022. The Joint Research Agreement between DRCD and the ESRI runs to the end of 2023. |
|
Research and consultancy project to provide analysis and recommendations relating to the development of an effective rural proofing model for Government. |
Completed research and any associated report to be provided by the consultants by 25 March 2022. |
|
Research on the training needs of the community and voluntary sector. |
The research is made up of three modular projects, with completion of the final project expected Q3/Q4 2022. The first project, on the training need of LCDCs is completed, with the intention to scope implementation and publish report in early 2022; The second project, an assessment of skills gaps of voluntary boards of mid-sized non-profit organisations is underway with completion expected Q2/Q3 2022. Assessment of skills gaps across smaller community and voluntary groups is in the early stages with report expected to be completed before end 2022. |
|
Organisation Capability Review under Action 20 of the Civil Service Renewal Plan |
Commenced December 2019, implementation and action plan finalised, review expected to be completed by Q4, 2023 with elements of implementation ongoing thereafter. |
|
Independent Review of LEADER Delivery Models for the 2014-2020 LEADER Programme. |
Completed. |
|
Review of the implementation of National Social Enterprise Policy for Ireland 2019-2022 |
The National Social Enterprise Policy for Ireland was launched by the Department of Rural and Community development in July 2019. The OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development) has been commissioned to conduct an in-depth independent review of the effectiveness of the implementation of the policy 2019-2022. The OECD’s involvement will add objectivity, greater credibility and achieve greater buy-in to the process of developing the second National Social Enterprise policy.
It is envisaged that a report on this review will issue in Q3 2022. |
2053. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if applications for funding were received by her Department from Mayo County Council for the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund announced on 7 January 2022; and if so, if the Council was successful. [1667/22]
View answerThe third call for Category 2 applications to the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund closed on 30th July 2021. My Department received 53 applications to this call including three applications from Mayo County Council.
The application process for Category 2 proposals is competitive in nature. Applications are assessed by my Department in line with published guidelines and under the oversight of a Project Advisory Board, comprised of representatives from key Government Departments and independent experts. Once the assessment process is complete, my Department 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.
On 6th January 2022 I announced the successful applications under this call. The applications submitted by Mayo County Council were not successful on this occasion.
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. Requests for feedback will be facilitated by my Department over the coming weeks.
2054. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the amount spent on social media by her Department and agencies under her remit in 2021; and the platforms the monies were spent on in tabular form. [1706/22]
View answerThe information requested by the Deputy is set out in the tables below:
|
|
Department of Rural and Community Development social media expenditure in 2021 |
|
|
€4,796 |
Social media expenditure in 2021 for agencies under the remit of my Department by platform
|
Pobal |
Western Development Commission |
Water Safety Ireland |
Charities Regulator |
|
|
Google Search |
NIL |
NIL |
€1,280 |
NIL |
|
|
NIL |
€392 |
€32,687 |
NIL |
|
YouTube |
NIL |
NIL |
€20,676 |
NIL |
|
|
NIL |
NIL |
€14,061 |
NIL |
|
Total |
NIL |
€392 |
€68,704 |
NIL |
2055. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the amount spent on consultancy services by her Department in 2021; the reason for each consultancy; and the name of the consultancy in tabular form. [1724/22]
View answerMy Department spent €288,860 on consultancy services in 2021. I have provided the details requested by the Deputy in the table.
|
Name of Consultancy |
Reason for Consultancy |
Amount Spent 2021 |
|
Public Participation Networks Structural Review |
The Programme for Government includes a commitment to review PPNs "to ensure they are fit for purpose for climate action and community development".
In addition PPNs were set up on foot of the 2014 Report of the Working Group on Citizen Engagement with Local Government. Given the length of time since their establishment, a broader review of the PPN structures was considered timely. |
€71,155.50 |
|
Review of the Landscape of Philanthropy in Ireland - Indecon |
The Department of Rural and Community Development identified the development of a National Philanthropy Strategy as part of Goal 4 of the DRCD Statement of Strategy 2021-2023. To assist the development of the proposed National Philanthropy Strategy, Indecon was appointed by the Department to conduct an independent overview examination of the landscape of philanthropic giving in Ireland. |
€78,554.60 |
|
Independent Review of LEADER Delivery Models for the 2014-2020 LEADER Programme |
The Programme for Government contains a commitment to “support a LEADER programme and deliver a Rural Development Programme that is led by independent Local Action Groups and supported by Local Community Development Committees.”
The overall aim of the review exercise is to gauge the effectiveness of the 2014-2020 LEADER programme and explore how the delivery mechanisms for LEADER 2023-2027 programme could be implemented, building upon the partnership approach adopted in the 2014-2020 programme, while having regard to the PfG Commitments and the locally led partnership approach, together with EU regulatory requirements. |
€21,817.14 |
|
Islands Transport: Re-instating the PSO status for the air service to the Aran Islands - North Point Aviation Services |
The Department of Rural and Community Development subsidises air, cargo and ferry services to the off-shore Islands. These services provide reliable, affordable year round mainland connectivity for the Island communities The air service to the Aran Islands is one such service. The PSO status for this route lapsed in 2019 and the Department have engaged professional aviation consultants, Northpoint Aviation Services, in drafting a updated tender document for the new PSO contract. The tender document will be published shortly with the new contract coming into effect in June 2022. |
€5,472.98 |
|
Review of the CLÁR Programme - Research Contract Agreement with Maynooth University |
In 2020 the Department engaged NUI Maynooth to undertake a review of the CLÁR Programme area designations. |
€9,960.42 |
|
Review of the REDZ Scheme |
Venture International Ltd were engaged to review the Pilot Rural Economic Development Zones (REDZ) scheme (funded 2015/6) |
€35,354.25 |
|
Review of the Walks Scheme |
Outdoor Recreation Northern Ireland (ORNI) were engaged to undertake an external review of the Walks Scheme to examine the delivery and strategic development of the Scheme. |
€66,545 |
2056. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if she will provide a schedule of all client and or customer facing and or orientated services that her Department provide via a contracted service provider; the contractor that provides the service; and the cost of same for the past five years to date in 2022. [1806/22]
View answerI have provided the details requested by the Deputy in the table.
|
Name of Contractor providing service |
Contractor Cost 2017, to date in 2022 |
|
Pobal Community Services Programme (CSP) (transferred to DRCD January 2018) |
€9,343,057 |
|
Pobal (TidyTowns) 2017-2021 |
€293,000 |
|
Pobal (Covid19 Stability Fund) 2020 - 2021 |
€782,593 |
|
Pobal Scheme to Support National Organisations (SSNO) |
€1,850,000 |
|
Pobal Seniors Alert Scheme (SAS) |
€2,022,827 |
|
Social Justice Ireland/Waterford IT (training/upskilling for Public Participation Networks) |
€82,120 |
|
South Dublin Volunteer Centre (Salesforce database licensing, technical support and training for Public Participation Networks) |
€156,799 |
|
Comharchumann Thoraí Teo -Heavy Cargo to Tory Island 01/01/2017 - 30/11/2017 |
€39,980 |
|
Comharchumann Thoraí Teo -Heavy Cargo to Tory Island 01/02/2017 - 31/01/2018 |
€9,100 |
|
Comharchumann Thoraí Teo -Heavy Cargo to Tory Island 01/06/2018 - 30/15/2020 |
€104,500 |
|
Realt na Maidne -Passenger Service to Arranmore 01/09/2017 - 31/08/2019 |
€394,515 |
|
Realt na Maidne -Passenger Service to Arranmore 01/09/2019 - 31/12/2021 |
€220,402 |
|
Turas Mara Teo -Passenger Ferry Service to Tory Island - 01/04/2017 - 31/03/2018 |
€394,515 |
|
Mevagh Dive Centre- Fast Ferry to Tory 01/04/2018 - 25/05/2018 |
€31,360 |
|
Realt na Maidne - Passenger Ferry Service to Tory Island - 01/04/2018 - 31/12/2021 |
€1,184,922 |
|
Slí na Mara - Fast ferry to Tory Island - 26/05/2018 - 30/04/2019 |
€131,200 |
|
Cara na n-Oileáin - Heavy Cargo to Tory Island - 26/05/2018 - 30/04/2022 |
€65,280 |
|
Mayo Community Transport Ltd - Inis Bigil Passenger Ferry Service - 01/01/2017 - 30/09/2020 |
€165,529 |
|
O'Malley Ferries (Clare Island) Ltd -Inis Toirc and Clare Island Heavy Cargo Service- 01/01/2017 - 31/07/2018 |
€98,296 |
|
O'Malley Ferries (Clare Island) Ltd- Inis Toirc Passenger Ferry Service 01/01/2017 - 30/11/2017 |
€267,710 |
|
Mayo Islands Committee -Clew Bay Heavy Cargo Service- 01/02/2017 - 31/01/2018 |
€3,750.00 |
|
O'Malley Ferries (Clare Island) Ltd - Inis Toirc Passenger Ferry Service- 01/12/2017 - 31/12/2021 |
€1,032,202 |
|
O'Malley Ferries (Clare Island) Ltd -Inis Toirc and Clare Island Heavy Cargo Service - 01/08/2018 - 31/12/2021 |
€176,825 |
|
Mayo Islands Committee -Clew Bay Heavy Cargo Service - 01/05/2018 - 30/04/2020 |
€4,550 |
|
Mayo Islands Committee -Clew Bay Heavy Cargo Service - 01/06/2020 - 31/12/2021 |
€1,950 |
|
Mayo Community Transport Ltd - Inis Bigil Passenger Ferry Service - 01/10/2020 - 31/12/2021 |
€59,628 |
|
O'Malley Ferries (Clare Island) Ltd-Clare Island Passenger Ferry Service-01/07/2021 - 31/12/2021 |
€76,798 |
|
Aran Ferries Teo - Passenger Ferry Service to Inis Meáin and Inis Oírr - 1/1/2017 - 30/11/2017 |
€575,878 |
|
Aran Ferries Teo -Passenger Ferry Service to Árainn - 1/12/2017 - 31/12/2021 |
€4,676,799 |
|
Island Ferries Teo -Passenger ferry contract to Inis Mór - 13/1/2017 - 31/3/2017 |
€110,000 |
|
Inishbofin Island Discovery -Passenger Ferry Service to Inishbofin - 1/1/2017 - 31/12/2019 |
€762,032 |
|
Inishbofin Island Discovery -Passenger Ferry Service to Inishbofin - 1/1/2020 - 31/12/2021 |
€600,458 |
|
Lasta Mara Teo -Heavy Cargo Service to Árainn - 1/1/2017 - 30/6/2018 |
€1,111,807 |
|
Lasta Mara Teo -Heavy Cargo Service to Árainn- 1/7/2018 - 31/12/2021 |
€3,021,936 |
|
Lasta Mara Teo -Heavy Cargo Service to Inishbofin - 1/1/2017 - 31/5/2018 |
€210,225 |
|
Inishbofin Island Discovery -Heavy Cargo Service to Inishbofin - 1/6/2018 - 31/12/2021 |
€421,363 |
|
Galway Aviation Services Ltd -Aerodrome Management Contract - 1/1/2017 - 30/09/2019 |
€1,381,614 |
|
Galway Aviation Services Ltd -Aerodrome Management Contract - 1/10/2020 - 18/4/2021 |
€754,526 |
|
Galway Aviation Services Ltd -Aerfort Chonamara Management Contract - 1/1/2017 - 30/09/2020 |
€2,261,478 |
|
Galway Aviation Services Ltd - Airport and Aerodrome Management Contract - 19/4/2021 - 31/12/2021 |
€1,127,989 |
|
Galway Aviation Services Ltd- PSO Aer Service contract to Árainn-1/1/2017 - 20/12/2018 |
€2,343,354 |
|
Galway Aviation Services Ltd -Aer service contract to Árainn - 21/12/2018 - 31/12/2021 |
€3,474,645 |
|
Bere Island Ferries -Bere Island Passenger Service- 1/11/2017 - 31/10/2018 |
€118,069 |
|
Murphys Ferry Service - Bere Island Passenger Service- 1/11/2017 - 31/10/2018 |
€49,367 |
|
Bere Island Ferries - Bere Island Passenger Service-1/11/2018 - 31/12/2021 |
€448,023 |
|
Bere Island Project Group-Heavy Cargo Service for Dursey -1/1/2017 - 31/08/2017 |
€1,440 |
|
Bere Island Project Group-Heavy Cargo Service for Dursey- 1/9/2017 - 31/8/2019 |
€10,800 |
|
Bere Island Project Group-Heavy Cargo Service for Dursey-1/9/2019 - 31/8/2021 |
€20,000 |
|
Bere Island Project Group-Heavy Cargo Service for Whiddy Island -1/1/2017 - 30/04/2017 |
€1,800 |
|
Bere Island Project Group-Heavy Cargo Service for Whiddy Island - 1/7/2017 - 30/6/2018 |
€5,000 |
|
Bere Island Project Group-Heavy Cargo Service for Whiddy Island -1/3/2019 - 28/2/2021 |
€8,400 |
|
Bere Island Project Group-Heavy Cargo Service for Whiddy Island - 1/3/2021 - 31/12/2021 |
€7,350 |
|
Bere Island Project Group-Heavy Cargo Service for Bere Island -1/1/2017 - 31/4/2018 |
€56,000 |
|
Bere Island Project Group-Heavy Cargo Service for Bere Island- 01/05/2018 - 31/7/2020 |
€180,000 |
|
Bere Island Project Group-Heavy Cargo Service for Bere Island- 1/8/2020 - 31/12/2021 |
€117,333 |
|
Camp Roaring Water Ltd-Passenger Ferry Service to Heir Island - 1/1/2017 - 30/9/2017 |
€41,409 |
|
Camp Roaring Water Ltd-Passenger Ferry Service to Heir Island- 1/10/2017 - 31/12/2021 |
€196,280 |
|
Carbery Isle Ferries-Passenger Ferry Service to Sherkin Island- - 1/1/2017 - 31/6/2021 |
€709,589 |
|
Carbery Isle Ferries-Passenger Ferry Service to Sherkin Island -1/7/2021 - 31/12/2021 |
€95,553 |
|
Carbery Isle Ferries -Heavy Cargo Service to the West Cork Islands- 1/1/2017 - 30/06/2018 |
€142,500 |
|
Carbery Isle Ferries -Heavy Cargo Service to the West Cork Islands- 1/7/2018 - 30/06/2021 |
€420,000 |
|
Carbery Isle Ferries- Heavy Cargo Service to the West Cork Islands- 1/7/2021 - 31/12/2021 |
€83,417 |
|
Maurice Coughlan -Passenger Ferry Service to Long Island -1/1/2017 - 31/03/2020 |
€108,658 |
|
Maurice Coughlan-Passenger Ferry Service to Long Island- 1/4/2020 - 31/12/2021 |
€91,750 |
|
Thar Tonn Teo - Passenger Ferry Service to Cape Clear- 1/1/2017 - 30/1/2019 |
€660,989 |
|
Thar Tonn Teo -Passenger Ferry Service to Cape Clear - 1/2/2019 - 31/12/2021 |
€1,012,638 |
|
Whiddy Island Passenger Ferry - Passenger Ferry Service to Whiddy Island - 1/1/2017 - 31/10/2020 |
€301,825 |
|
Whiddy Island Passenger Ferry -Passenger Ferry Service to Whiddy Island - 1/11/2020 - 31/12/2021 |
€75,158 |
2057. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the position regarding the provision of funding to complete a project (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1825/22]
View answerThe 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, allocated funding of €277 million for 191 projects across the country worth a total of €374 million.
Calls for applications to the Fund are sought under two categories – Category 1 and Category 2. Category 1 relates to large scale ambitious capital projects with all necessary planning and other consents in place and which are ready to proceed. Category 2 provides funding to enable the development of project proposals suitable for future calls for Category 1 applications.
The Athy Food Hub project was approved for funding of €311,159 under the second call for Category 2 applications to the Fund, which was completed in August 2020. The lead party for the project is Kildare County Council. Based on progress reports submitted to my Department by the council, development work on the project has been proceeding well.
In December 2021 I announced the opening of the fourth call for Category 1 applications under the Fund. The closing date for applications is 29th April 2022. A guidance document and application form relating to the call can be accessed on my Department's website.
2059. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if she will clarify the full qualifying criteria for the Urban Regeneration and Development Fund and Rural Regeneration and Development Fund within her Department; if towns can apply under both schemes regardless of their size; the way these applications are appraised and prioritised; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1853/22]
View answerThe Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage administers the the Urban Regeneration and Development Fund.
My Department oversees The Rural Regeneration and Development Fund which 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 application process for the Fund is competitive in nature and applications can be made by State-funded bodies, such as Local Authorities, state agencies and Local Development Companies etc. Lead parties seeking funding follow published application guidelines and make a case that their proposed project meets the objectives of Our Rural Future, the aims of the National Planning Framework and the achievement of the National Strategic Outcomes.
The starting point for any prospective applicant is therfore careful consideration of the detailed guidance documentation and application form for applications to the Fund which is available on my Department's website. Proposals should be in alignment with the stated focus of the particular call and the objectives of the Fund. The resources of the Fund remain focused upon projects which have the greatest potential for transforming rural communities and have no other obvious Government / other funding mechanisms available to them. The guidance also lists project types which will not be prioritised for funding.
While calls for applications are open, my Department also liaises with prospective applicants to provide further guidance through information sessions and an FAQ section on our website.
In terms of the alignment between the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund and the Urban Regeneration and Development Fund, my Department liaises closely with the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage to ensure that the two Funds dovetail effectively to achieve their respective objectives. Currently, a special category of towns, with a population of less than 10,000 people and more than 2,500 jobs, can apply for support from the URDF or the RRDF. However, an individual project cannot be submitted to both Funds. This approach will be reviewed in the context of the Town Centre First policy.
Regarding the assessment process for applications, all applications received are assessed by my Department in accordance with the guidelines and under the oversight of an independent Project Advisory Board, comprised of representatives from key Government Departments and sectoral experts. Once the assessment process is complete, my Department 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.
2060. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the agencies and organisations that received the social enterprise capital grant scheme for dispersal in 2021 in an area (details supplied); the way the grant was advertised locally; the number of applicants; the organisations to which funding was dispersed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1940/22]
View answerIn September 2021 I invited applications from social enterprises for funding under the Social Enterprise Capital Grants Scheme. This Dormant Accounts funded scheme is providing grants totalling €1m to social enterprises throughout Ireland to enable them to cover small capital expenditure such as minor repairs, upgrades or additional equipment to help them to deliver their services and achieve their social, environmental or economic objectives in a safe and effective manner.
This scheme is being administered and delivered on behalf of my Department by the network of Local Community Development Committees (LCDCs), with all applications made directly to the relevant LCDC in each local authority area.
My Department did not receive any applications directly under this scheme, and therefore similar to other LCDC administered schemes, does not have visibility of applications received by the LCDC. Each LCDC, including Dublin South County LCDC, provided my Department with a list of projects that they recommended for funding.
Officials from my Department have been in contact with the LCDC in Dublin South County who confirmed that responsibility for decision making for this scheme was delegated to the South Dublin County Local Enterprise Office with the South Dublin County Partnership as support, as they had the expertise in relation to local social enterprises. The scheme was advertised to the social enterprise groups linked to the South Dublin County Partnership and to the Local Enterprise Office.
Applications were received from eight organisations, and a list of seven of these were recommended for funding. The seven social enterprises that received funding are:
- ACE Enterprise Park
- Áras Chrónáin
- Belgard Community Centre
- Fettercairn Community and Youth Centre
- Knockmitten Youth and Community Centre
- Lucan Disability Action Group
- ReCreate Ireland
To continue supporting the development of social enterprises, I hope to announce further capital supports for social enterprises later in the year in line with the National Social Enterprise Policy for Ireland.
2062. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if she will report on the initial meeting of the newly established Mobile Phone and Broadband Taskforce; if she will provide the contact details for the Taskforce; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2149/22]
View answer2063. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the expected date for the finalised work programme of the Mobile Phone and Broadband Taskforce; the full membership of the Taskforce; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2150/22]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 2062 and 2063 together.
In late 2021, I and my colleague Minister of State Ossian Smyth TD reconvened the Mobile Phone and Broadband Taskforce. As in its previous incarnation, the Taskforce is co-managed by officials of my Department and the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications.
Membership is drawn from central and local government departments and agencies and includes the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage; the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport; the Local Government Management Agency; the OPW; the ASAI; the City and County Management Association and of course the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications.
The work of the Taskforce is supported by ComReg, acting as an independent advisor to the Taskforce. The Taskforce also has ongoing engagement with the telecommunications industry, not least through the involvement of Ibec. Inputs will be sought by the Taskforce from other bodies as appropriate.
The Taskforce met on 15 December 2021. The meeting was attended by ComReg in its independent advisory role. The meeting, which was co-chaired by myself and Minister of State Ossian Smyth, served as an orientation discussion, providing each of the State stakeholders with an opportunity to propose actions under a number of priority areas to form the focus of the new work programme, including permit granting, planning and licencing issues; efficient use of infrastructure and assets; improving outdoor mobile phone coverage; and consumer protection measures.?
Following on from the meeting, both my Department and the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications look forward to working closely together and engaging bilaterally with the various stakeholders of the Taskforce, including with ComReg and with industry, in relation to the priority areas of focus. The Taskforce intends to meet throughout 2022, and is currently finalising a new work programme for formal agreement at the next meeting.
The commitment in the Programme for Government to continue to support the work of the Taskforce is recognition of and testament to the solid progress achieved to date by the Taskforce in alleviating barriers to the rollout of telecommunications infrastructure. My Department, the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications and all stakeholders of the Taskforce, including industry, are committed to building on its previous successes. We look forward to further improving services for citizens and reducing the urban/ rural digital divide in 2022.
The secretariat for the Taskforce can be contacted via email at mobilebroadbandtaskforce@decc.gov.ie
2064. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if funding for the provision and installation of a defibrillator will be considered for the area of Clonagh, County Kildare; the correct procedure to be followed to apply for same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2335/22]
View answerMy Department does not operate a dedicated fund for the purchase, installation, maintenance, repair or service of defibrillators and there are currently no plans to introduce a specific current fund dedicated to this purpose.
However, some of my Department's programmes fund the purchase of capital equipment such as through the Community Enhancement Programme (CEP). This programme provides small grants to community groups to enhance facilities in disadvantaged areas. The 2021 CEP with funding of €4.5m, is now closed to applications. It is intended that the CEP will open again in Q2 2022. The CEP is administered by the Local Community Development Committees (LCDCs) in each Local Authority area, on behalf of my Department. The fund covers the purchase of equipment (such as defibrillators).
I also launched the Community Activities Fund in November 2021 which will allow groups apply for funding to carry out necessary repairs and to purchase equipment within their community. The allocation in Kildare is €296,027. This scheme is part of the CEP and is also administered by the LCDCs. The Department will require that all closing dates are no later than 28 February 2022. The Group should check with Kildare LCDC for further details, www.kildarelcdc.ie/
The LEADER Programme is also capital in nature and the purchase of community defibrillators may be eligible for LEADER funding. The Group should contact Kildare Local Action Group info@countykildarelp.ie to determine eligibility.
2065. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if a breakdown will be provided of grants awarded by project and location for the most recent Rural Regeneration and Development Fund round by each fund category in tabular form. [2338/22]
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 projects from the third call for Category 1 and Category 2 projects.
RRDF Third Call Category 1 Projects - Announced 2021
RRDF Third Call Category 2 Projects - Announced 2022
2066. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the number of public sector workers under her remit by sectors (details supplied) in each of the local electoral areas in County Clare in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2353/22]
View answerSince the establishment of my Department in July 2017, I can confirm that, while my Department's policy and programme remit is nationwide, there have been no public sector workers under my remit by sectors (as supplied), in each of the local electoral areas in County Clare.
2067. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the number of public sector workers under her remit in each of the local electoral areas in County Clare in each of the years 2016 to 2021, in tabular form under headings (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2373/22]
View answerSince the establishment of my Department in July 2017, I can confirm that while my Department's policy and programme remit is nationwide, there have been no public sector workers under my remit based in each of the local electoral areas in County Clare.
2068. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the number of public sector workers under her remit in each of the local electoral areas in County Clare in each of the years 2016 to 2021, in tabular form under headings (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2391/22]
View answerSince the establishment of my Department in July 2017, I can confirm that while my Department's policy and programme remit is nationwide, there have been no public sector workers under my remit based in each of the local electoral areas in County Clare.
2069. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the status of the Islands’ Action Plan; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2620/22]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, the Government is committed to publishing a 10 year policy on island development with associated action plans.
The Interdepartmental Committee for the islands held its most recent meeting on Monday 29th November 2021, during which the participating Departments reviewed progress on the policy development and agreed the next steps to be taken. The next meeting of the Committee is scheduled for February.
Work has begun on an initial draft of the policy document and I understand that, based on the development work to date, a draft is expected to be ready for my consideration by the middle of this year.
2070. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the status of the roll out of the broadband connection points; the number of publicly accessible broadband points that are now live by county; the number of these that are on offshore islands; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2621/22]
View answerBroadband Connection Points (BCPs) are among the first premises for delivery under the National Broadband Plan. They are publicly accessible sites that serve areas without reliable high-speed broadband, including isolated communities in rural areas and on many of our offshore islands. Sites are provided with a high-speed broadband connection which they make available for onsite community use, including for remote work and study.
The Nationwide BCP Network will include approximately 300 sites including 14 offshore islands. To date, 250 BCPs have been completed in total, 11 of these on islands.
It is estimated that the current build phase of the BCP network will be completed in 2022.
Once this phase of the BCP project has finished, my Department will begin to scale up the numerous development activities that it began trialing in 2021. These pilot projects include supports for remote workers and students, a suite of digital skills training courses, arts and culture activities including musical instruction and access to national cultural resources, and a range of eHealth and telemedicine programmes.
I will be making available funding to all participating local authorities to support BCP development activities this year. This is in addition to significant awards made to BCPs for capital works and equipment purchases under the 2021 Connected Hubs Call which allocated almost €9M last year.
The locations of all planned and completed BCPs may be found at myconnectedcommunity.ie/
