James Lawless
Question:8. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the way the town centre first policy will support the development of more accessible and safe public spaces in our towns. [8767/22]
View answerUrban Development
Questions (8)
Written answers
The recently published “Town Centre First - A Policy Approach for Irish Towns” represents a major new policy that aims to tackle vacancy, combat dereliction and breathe new life into our town centres. It contains 33 actions which will give our towns the tools and resources they need to become more viable and attractive places in which to live, work, socialise and run a business.
The Town Centre First policy recognises that the needs of each town are different and acknowledges that a “one size fits all” approach will not deliver the outcomes wanted. The policy sets out a framework to facilitate and resource each town to chart their own future through a tailored plan, developed by a collaborative Town Team, and supported by their Local Authority.
The policy is underpinned by significant levels of public investment spread across major Government schemes such as the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund (RRDF), the Urban Regeneration and Development Fund (URDF), Croí Conaithe (Towns) Fund and the Town and Village Renewal Scheme.
The Policy will assist each town, through a Town Team supported by the Local Authority, to design, develop and implement a plan to make their towns more vibrant and attractive places to live and work. This could include the development of accessible and safe public spaces in the respective towns. The regeneration of our public spaces is identified as a key opportunity in the Town Centre First Policy.
A National Town Centre First Office, supported by a network of Town Regeneration Officers, will drive the delivery of many of the recommendations outlined in the policy and support the co-ordinated roll-out of the policy by Local Authorities and Town Teams.
I am confident that this new Town Centre First approach will have hugely positive impacts on towns across rural Ireland.
Questions Nos. 9 to 13, inclusive, answered orally.
Urban Development
Questions (14, 16)
Cathal Crowe
Question:14. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the criteria that each local authority must meet when developing their town centre first plans; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8766/22]
View answer
Catherine Connolly
Question:16. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development further to Parliamentary Question No. 812 of 14 December 2021, when the 26 Town Centre First plans will be completed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8497/22]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 14 and 16 together.
In December last, I announced €2.6 million in funding to deliver Town Centre First Plans in 26 towns across the country. The development of such plans is a central part of the Government’s overall Town Centre First policy which was launched earlier this month.
The funding will support each local authority, working with a collaborative Town Team, to develop a be-spoke Town Centre First Plan to guide the development of each town. As part of the initiative, each local authority will be provided with €100,000 to support the development of a unique vision for the town which will also outline specific interventions required to deliver on this vision. Each Local Authority has been provided with guidance as regards the contents of the Plans, which aligns with the details outlined in the Town Centre First policy.
The Town Centre First Plans should be developed collaboratively with local Town Teams involving community and business, as well as public and private stakeholders. It is envisaged that the Plans will cover the importance of “place-making”, town centre living, and the social and economic purpose of the town. They should respond to emerging opportunities such as those linked to remote working, climate action and digitalisation. The Plans will also be central to addressing vacancy and dereliction in these locations.
In addition to developing the plan, the funding can be used to cover any underlying analysis that must be undertaken to inform the development of the plan, capacity building required locally for the Town Team, or the initial delivery of some small interventions in the town, where the budget allows.
Local authorities have been requested to develop and finalise plans, and to utilise funding, within 18 months.
Question No. 15 answered orally.
Question No. 16 answered with Question No. 14.
Rural Schemes
Questions (17, 23)
Claire Kerrane
Question:17. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the progress she has made in seeking a funding commitment from the Department of Transport for the local improvement scheme given the level of demand; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8612/22]
View answer
Denis Naughten
Question:23. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the steps she is taking to address the backlog in local improvement scheme applications; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8288/22]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 17 and 23 together.
As part of 'Our Rural Future', the Government is committed to ensuring that the Local Improvement Scheme (LIS) is funded into the future. This reflects the important contribution which the scheme makes to connectivity in rural Ireland. The LIS supports the improvement of rural roads and laneways that are not normally maintained by local authorities.
The Local Improvement Scheme was reintroduced in 2017 following a number of years with no dedicated funding. Since then my Department has allocated €80 million towards improvement works on over 3,000 non-public roads and lanes. These works have benefited over 13,300 landowners and residents in these rural areas.
I launched the 2021 Scheme with an initial budget of €10.5 million. I was very pleased to source additional funding during the year and allocated a further round of funding to bring the total for 2021 to €21 million.
I was also pleased, as part of Budget 2022 to announce an increase in the base funding for LIS from €10.5 million to €11 million for this year. I will be launching this year's scheme in the coming weeks at which point individual county council allocations will be made known.
I have continued to actively engage with my colleague, Minister Ryan, to explore the potential for further financial support for LIS from his Department. While I accept that his Department's priority at the moment remains the upkeep and maintenance of national and local public roads, I believe a cross- Government approach might reap dividends in tackling the backlog of applications on hand in local authorities. I will continue to pursue this with Minister Ryan.
Digital Hubs
Questions (18)
Joe Carey
Question:18. Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the progress that has been made in developing the connected hubs system as persons return to work following the easing of Covid-19 restrictions. [8479/22]
View answerWritten answers
Our Rural Future, the Government's Rural Development Policy, clearly recognises the transformative effect that remote working can have for employers and employees all across the country.
In recognition of this, my Department continues to invest heavily in the establishment and development of remote work hub facilities through various funding streams.
In May last year I launched the National Connected Hubs network - connectedhubs.ie. There are currently 189 hubs live on the platform, with this number rising on an ongoing basis. This represents significant progress within the first year of the existence of the network.
The network includes a diverse range of hubs, services and facilities, thus facilitating the needs of different employers and employees across Ireland.
To date my focus has been on establishing the network and on achieving the initial critical mass. As the project develops, my focus has now shifted to the next stage of development.
To this end, my officials have been consulting with hub managers across the country in developing the future strategic direction of the National Hub Network. In addition, I will shortly announce the commencement of a major promotional campaign which will serve to raise awareness of the services available on the National Hub Network. This shift of focus will help to ensure that the connected hubs network continues to provide a very beneficial service to employers and employees as Covid restrictions are eased.
I am committed to continuing my Department's support for the ongoing development of a comprehensive and integrated network of remote working hubs in recognition of the vital role that they can play in our post-Covid recovery.
Urban Development
Questions (19)
Richard Bruton
Question:19. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the make-up of the tool kit for participants in town centre first initiatives; if it will include easy access to the relevant schemes of other Departments such as sustainable energy communities, sports capital grants, connected hubs and business improvement districts; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8533/22]
View answerWritten answers
I was delighted to launch the Town Centre First policy earlier this month, along with my colleagues Ministers Burke and Noonan .
The policy aims to create town centres that function as viable, vibrant and attractive locations for people to live, work and visit, while also functioning as the service and social hub for the local community. It contains 33 actions which collectively will support towns to deliver on their potential in a planned way.
The policy commits to developing a national Toolkit to support the implementation of the Town Centre First policy by providing a range of examples of best practice and available resources to guide implementation. The toolkit will encompass specific strands targeting key areas such as enterprise development, the social and cultural functions of towns, digitalisation and climate action.
It will include a national scaled-up Health Check Model to help us understand our towns better and inform the planned actions in each town. It will also include a best practice model for developing Town Centre First Plans.
The Toolkit will also incorporate an online Town Centre First Web Portal to share all of this information, including all aspects of the Toolkit, and to provide access to available funding supports.
I expect this will include all of the relevant supports available across Government, including the schemes referred to by the Deputy. It is vital that towns and their Town Teams have full sight of, and access to, the substantial funding and support available nationally.
The Toolkit will be developed by the National Town Centre First Office which is currently being established.
Rural Schemes
Questions (20)
Holly Cairns
Question:20. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the status of the programme for Government commitment for an expanded town and village renewal scheme to bring vacant and derelict buildings back into use and promote residential occupancy; when communities can start applying for this funding; and the estimated amount available to each local authority. [8663/22]
View answerWritten answers
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 visit. Indeed, I am delighted with the interest shown in the most recent tranche of the scheme, with 191 project applications submitted from around the country.
In line with the commitment in Our Rural Future, the current scheme prioritises the renovation of derelict and vacant buildings in our town centres, with a view to bringing these buildings back into use. The scale of projects eligible under the scheme has also increased with funding of up to €500,000 now available.
The assessment of the applications made under the most recent tranche of the scheme is now being finalised and I expect to be in a position to announce the successful projects very shortly. I also expect that a large number of the successful projects will be those that address the issue of vacancy and dereliction.
I was delighted to secure increased funding across the range of rural development schemes in Budget 2022, and my officials are currently working on the follow up Town and Village Renewal Scheme for 2022.
While the details are still being finalised, there is no doubt that we will again be prioritising projects that bring vacant and derelict buildings back into use and promote residential occupancy in town centres. I will be announcing the details of the 2022 scheme in the coming months.
I have also recently launched the new Town Centre First Policy, which includes a focus on vacancy and dereliction in towns. This new policy will align with a range of funding sources such as the Town and Village Renewal Scheme, the new Croí Cónaithe (Towns) Fund , the Rural Regeneration Development Fund, and the Urban Regeneration Development Fund.
Rural Schemes
Questions (21)
Martin Browne
Question:21. Deputy Martin Browne asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the engagements she has had with the organisations from County Tipperary that have requested feedback regarding unsuccessful applications for Tipperary town under the Rural Regeneration Development Fund category 2 as announced on 2 January 2022; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8765/22]
View answerWritten answers
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, allocated funding of €277 million for 191 projects across the country worth a total of €375 million.
The third call for Category 2 applications to the Fund closed on 30th July 2021. 53 applications were received.
The application process for the Fund is competitive in nature. The assessment of applications is undertaken by my Department under the oversight of the Project Advisory Board, which includes representatives from other Government Departments as well as independent experts. Once that 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 that 27 projects had been successful under this call and approved €21.5m in development funding for the projects. Feedback from my officials to those who submitted applications is ongoing.
Amongst the unsuccessful applications was the Tipperary Town Revitalisation Phase I project submitted by Tipperary County Council. I understand an official from my Department has engaged with officials from the council, and met with the council and Tipperary Town Task Force representatives to provide feedback on the aforementioned application.
I announced the fourth call for Category 1 applications in December 2021. An application form and guidance document is available on my Department’s website for those seeking further information. It is important that prospective applicants carefully consider the guidance issued as part of the call for applications to ensure that their proposal is in alignment with the stated focus of the call and the objectives of the Fund. My Department will also liaise with prospective applicants to provide further guidance as necessary.
Social Isolation
Questions (22)
Bernard Durkan
Question:22. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the extent to which she continues to liaise with urban and rural communities with a view to addressing concerns such as isolation and the ongoing need for services to address the issues arising; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8719/22]
View answerWritten answers
In delivering on its mission, my Department provides a wide range of strategic interventions, funding programmes and policies to support communities, including helping to address the issue of isolation for rural dwellers, older people and people with disabilities.
Addressing the issue of individual isolation in communities has become more important than ever before, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Many of my Department's policies and funding programmes aim to address isolation issues in communities, and also deliver benefits by responding to the challenges facing vulnerable individuals due to COVID-19.
My Department continues to provide funding to tackle isolation and support those in our communities in most need of assistance through schemes such as 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’s Community Services Programme (CSP) currently supports over 420 community organisations to provide employment opportunities and local services through a social enterprise model. The CSP focuses on communities where public and private sector services are lacking, either through geographical or social isolation or because demand levels are not sufficient.
My Department is responsible for the Seniors Alert Scheme which encourages community support for vulnerable older people in our communities through the provision of personal monitored alarms to enable them to live securely in their homes with confidence, independence and peace of mind. Funding is available under the Scheme towards the purchase by a registered community-based organisation of a personal alarm or pendant.
Amongst the measures which will further support people living in rural areas is the rollout of the nationwide Public BCP Network. These community hubs will enable onsite access to digital services including digital skills training, remote work and study, community development activities and a range of arts, culture and social events.
My Department is responsible for a number of national policies containing measures to improve the lives of people throughout the country including Our Rural Future, which places an emphasis on building resilience and enhancing participation and inclusion in rural communities including older people and those with disabilities.
My Department is also developing a National Islands Policy and has undertaken a wide consultation process including public consultation on the islands to hear first-hand the challenges they face and how the Department can address these.
My Department continues to monitor issues impacting on communities in order to respond to emerging needs.
Question No. 23 answered with Question No. 17.
Digital Hubs
Questions (24)
Éamon Ó Cuív
Question:24. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the method by which it is intended to decide the location of remote working hubs to be funded by her Department; the scheme under which they will be funded; the body communities should apply to in order to access this funding; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7975/22]
View answerWritten answers
Our Rural Future, Ireland’s Rural Development Policy 2021-2025, recognises the opportunity for rural rejuvenation that remote working presents and commits to establishing a comprehensive and integrated network of remote working hubs over the lifetime of the policy to 2025.
In May 2021 I launched the National Connected Hubs network together with the connectedhubs.ie platform. The platform offers a suite of booking and hub management applications to network members. The National Hub Network working group have identified and mapped over 450 remote working hubs - 189 of which are now live on the platform, with this number growing every week.
The Rural Regeneration and Development Fund (RRDF) and the Town and Village Renewal Scheme both support the establishment of digital hubs. Under Last year's schemes, projects that bring vacant properties in town centres back into use as remote working hubs were eligible for funding. The repurposing of existing community or publicly owned buildings in town or village centres to facilitate remote working were also eligible application themes. The dataset drawn from the National Hubs Network will contribute to decisions pertaining to the location of remote working hubs that will be funded by my Department through such schemes.
The development of a national hubs network is a key commitment in Our Rural Future and I am committed to continuing my Department's support for the strategic development of remote working hubs in recognition of the vital role that they can play in our post-Covid recovery.
Digital Hubs
Questions (25, 344, 345, 346)
Bernard Durkan
Question:25. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the extent to which she and her Department continue to encourage the establishment of digital hubs in urban and rural areas throughout the country that are deficient in investment in jobs whereby the use of such hubs might be used as a means of promoting rural and community development and reducing the number of commutes to employment by the setting up virtual office accommodation with the necessary technology to enable companies and their employees to work from such locations; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8718/22]
View answerBernard Durkan
Question:344. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the extent to which she proposes to continue to assist the development of digital hubs with a view to replicating a workplace situation in respect of both employment and social activity thereby addressing issues of congestion in existing heavily populated areas and addressing depopulation issues throughout the country; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8990/22]
View answerBernard Durkan
Question:345. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the extent to which her Department continues to assist in the creation of digital hubs in order to recreate work-place activity in a meaningful way throughout both urban and rural settings ensuring that activity in the workplace does not suffer and that a high level of social activity and interaction associated with the workplace can continue even relatively isolated areas in towns throughout the country; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8991/22]
View answerBernard Durkan
Question:346. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the extent to which her Department can plan to replicate a workplace environment in all areas throughout the country subject to availability of modern technology such as broadband; her future plans for development in this area; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8992/22]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 25 and 344 to 346, inclusive, together.
Our Rural Future, Ireland’s Rural Development Policy 2021-2025, recognises the opportunity for rural rejuvenation that remote working presents and commits to establishing a comprehensive and integrated network of remote working hubs over the lifetime of the policy to 2025.
In May last year I launched the National Connected Hubs network - connectedhubs.ie. There are currently 189 hubs live on the platform with this number rising on an ongoing basis. The network includes a diverse range of hubs, services and facilities, thus facilitating companies of different sizes. The platform offers booking and hub management applications to network members.
To date, approximately €100m has been provided by my Department through various funding streams to support the development of digital hubs and remote working facilities across Ireland. The Rural Regeneration and Development Fund (RRDF) and the Town and Village Renewal Scheme both support the establishment of digital hubs. Under last year's schemes, projects that bring vacant properties in town centres back into use as remote working hubs were eligible for funding. The repurposing of existing community or publicly owned buildings in town or village centres to facilitate remote working were also eligible application themes.
Last year I awarded almost €9 million in funding through the Connected Hubs funding stream to more than 100 successful applicants across the country. The Connected Hubs call was open to all hubs irrespective of where they were in the country. In making decisions around the allocation of funds, the Department took into account the number of applications from urban and rural locations. This allowed for additional capacity to be added to digital hubs and broadband connection points throughout the country. A list of successful applicants is available on my Department's website.
To date our focus has been to develop this critical mass - the focus will now shift to raising awareness of the network to relevant stakeholders, including SMEs/business owners and new hub users.
Consultations are ongoing with hub managers across the country in developing the future strategic direction of the National Hub Network. With a Connected Hubs marketing campaign currently in the final stages of development and coinciding with the return to the office, it is expected that these events will have a positive effect on the uptake of remote working from hub facilities.
The development of a National Hubs Network is a key commitment in Our Rural Future and I am committed to continuing my Department's support for the ongoing development of a comprehensive and integrated network of remote working hubs in recognition of the vital role that they can play in our post-Covid recovery.
Rural Schemes
Questions (26)
Brendan Griffin
Question:26. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the position regarding the timing of the next allocations under the town and village renewal scheme; the detail of the projects applied for from County Kerry; the amounts sought in respect of each project; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8655/22]
View answerWritten answers
The Town and Village Renewal Scheme provides funding to support the revitalisation of our rural towns and villages. The 2021 Scheme was launched with an indicative budget of €15 million and places particular emphasis on addressing vacancy and dereliction, projects supporting remote working, and enhancing town centre living.
I can confirm that Kerry County Council has submitted eight applications to my Department under the 2021 Town and Village Renewal Scheme seeking funding of approximately €1.3 million in total.
Applications from all counties, including County Kerry, have been subject to a formal assessment process. The assessment of these applications is currently being finalised and I expect to be in a position to announce the successful projects shortly.
Seirbhísí Farantóireachta
Questions (27)
Pearse Doherty
Question:27. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Pearse Doherty den Aire Forbartha Tuaithe agus Pobail cad é stádas an bháid farantóireachta nua atá saincheaptha d’Oileán Thoraigh; cén uair a bheidh an bád réidh le seoladh; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [8290/22]
View answerWritten answers
Tá dearadh agus coimisiúnú an bháid fharantóireachta nua do Oileán Thoraigh ag brath ar cíbe forbairt a dhéantar ag an chéibh ag Machaire Rabhartaigh ar an mórthír as a dhéantar freastal ar Oileán Thoraigh. Tá dlúth nasc idir an dá thionscadal agus tá siad beirt liostáilte faoin bPlean Forbartha Náisiúnta 2040.
Is Comhairle Chontae Dhún na nGall atá freagrach as an gcé ag Machaire Rabhartaigh. Tuigtear dom go bhfuil oifigigh mo Roinne ag obair go coinsiasach le Comhairle Chontae Dhún na nGall chun réitigh a aithint don dúshlán a bhaineann leis an mbealach isteach chun na céibhe. Faoi láthair ní féidir le báid dul isteach nó amach as an gcé ag amanna áirithe be bharr taoide íseal nó droch aimsir.
A luaithe agus atá soiléireacht maidir leis an rogha forbartha don ché/bealach isteach ag Machaire Rabhartaigh, ansin beifear ábalta tabhairt faoi na céimeanna i dtreo an bháid nua a choimisiúnú.
Mar sin, tá sé ró- luath sa phróiseas forbartha ag an am seo chun amchlár a thabhairt ar sholáthar an bháid nua, ach é sin ráite is féidir liom a dheimhniú don Teachta go bhfuil mo Roinn tiomanta chun an dá fhiontar a sheachadadh a luaithe agus is féidir, d'fhonn réiteach fad téarmach ar rochtain réidh chuig an oileán a sholáthar.
Rural Schemes
Questions (28)
Thomas Pringle
Question:28. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the total allocation of funding provided, the total number of projects submitted to her Department and the total number of projects completed under the local improvement scheme in 2021, by local authority area; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8658/22]
View answerWritten answers
As part of 'Our Rural Future', the Government is committed to ensuring that the Local Improvement Scheme (LIS) is funded into the future. The LIS supports the improvement of rural roads and laneways that are not normally maintained by local authorities.
I launched the 2021 Scheme with an initial budget of €10.5 million. I was very pleased to source additional funding during the year and allocated a further round of funding to bring the total for 2021 to €21 million.
The Table below outlines the level of funding allocated to Local Authorities in 2021, the number of road projects submitted for completion and the number of road projects eventually completed by each of the 25 Local Authorities.
|
County |
2021 Allocation |
2021 Projects Submitted |
2021 Projects Completed |
|
Carlow |
€463,931 |
25 |
25 |
|
Cavan |
€1,119,389 |
22 |
22 |
|
Clare |
€828,528 |
20 |
20 |
|
Cork |
€1,412,738 |
29 |
29 |
|
Donegal |
€1,188,403 |
67 |
67 |
|
Galway |
€1,580,871 |
49 |
49 |
|
Kerry |
€1,187,099 |
18 |
18 |
|
Kildare |
€495,586 |
8 |
8 |
|
Kilkenny |
€778,682 |
19 |
19 |
|
Laois |
€554,259 |
13 |
13 |
|
Leitrim |
€503,830 |
17 |
17 |
|
Limerick |
€1,504,659 |
42 |
42 |
|
Longford |
€393,041 |
14 |
14 |
|
Louth |
€417,821 |
10 |
10 |
|
Mayo |
€1,361,625 |
91 |
91 |
|
Meath |
€803,937 |
17 |
17 |
|
Monaghan |
€1,326,223 |
26 |
26 |
|
Offaly |
€545,240 |
29 |
29 |
|
Roscommon |
€445,495 |
30 |
30 |
|
Sligo |
€470,542 |
15 |
15 |
|
Tipperary |
€721,531 |
25 |
25 |
|
Waterford |
€872,759 |
14 |
14 |
|
Westmeath |
€628,389 |
24 |
24 |
|
Wexford |
€653,786 |
22 |
22 |
|
Wicklow |
€741,635 |
14 |
14 |
|
Totals |
€21,000,000 |
660 |
660 |
Telecommunications Infrastructure
Questions (29, 34)
Ruairí Ó Murchú
Question:29. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if engagements have taken place or are due to take place between the Mobile Phone and Broadband Taskforce and mobile and telecommunications providers in relation to providing alternatives for households at the later stage of the National Broadband Plan roll-out; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8393/22]
View answerRuairí Ó Murchú
Question:34. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the status of the Mobile Phone and Broadband Taskforce; the 2022 meeting schedule; the expected timeframe for the completion of the work programme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8392/22]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 29 and 34 together.
The 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, involving participation from all key State stakeholders, including ComReg and the Advertising Standards Authority for Ireland.
This first meeting allowed Minister of State Smyth and I to set out our priorities for the coming period. These priorities 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 initial meeting, a series of bilateral discussions has occurred with the relevant state bodies and with representatives of the telecommunications industry. These bilateral meetings have raised a number of important issues that will be considered in the context of formulating the work programme of the Taskforce.
It is my preference that the Taskforce will meet in the first quarter of this year. At this meeting the terms of reference and a work programme will be tabled by officials. Specific responsibilities will be assigned to Taskforce members and delivery timelines will be agreed.
It should be noted that the Taskforce is not responsible for the delivery of the National Broadband Plan (NBP). However, the Taskforce is responsible for ensuring that, where barriers within the state’s control are identified, a clear assessment is made and that action is taken. This will benefit the roll out of the NBP and also support the deployment of high quality networks by other operators across the state providing fixed and mobile data and telephony services.
Minister Smyth and I have been clear. We acknowledge that there are challenges that will take time to resolve, but there is more that can be done now to improve services and we have challenged government departments, agencies and the commercial sector to propose creative, workable solutions.
Urban Development
Questions (30, 39)
Michael Creed
Question:30. Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the funding available from her Department to address dereliction in rural towns and villages; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8750/22]
View answer
Jennifer Murnane O'Connor
Question:39. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the way the town centre first policy will support towns across Ireland to restore derelict buildings; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8762/22]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 30 and 39 together.
The Government recently published Town Centre First - A Policy Approach for Irish Towns. This represents a whole of Government policy and aims to tackle vacancy, combat dereliction and breathe new life into our town centres. It contains 33 actions which will give our towns the tools and resources required to become viable, vibrant and attractive places to live, work, and socialise.
The policy is underpinned by significant levels of public investment spread across major Government schemes such as the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund (RRDF), the Urban Regeneration and Development Fund (URDF), the Croí Conaithe (Towns) Fund and the Town and Village Renewal Scheme.
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 visit.
In line with the commitment in Our Rural Future, the current scheme prioritises the renovation of derelict and vacant buildings in our town centres, with a view to bringing these buildings back into use.
For 2021, I increased the maximum grant available through the Scheme, from €200k to €500k, which will enable Local Authorities to purchase derelict buildings and/or vacant sites in our towns and villages and bring them back into use.
I was delighted to secure increased funding across the range of rural development schemes in Budget 2022, and my officials are currently working on the follow up Town and Village Renewal Scheme for 2022. While the details are still being finalised, there is no doubt that we will again be prioritising projects that bring vacant and derelict buildings back into use and promote residential occupancy in town centres. I will be announcing the details of the 2022 scheme in the coming months.
The RRDF has now provided €277 million for 191 projects with an investment of some €375 million. The fourth call for Category 1 application is now open for applications until the 29th April 2022. Category One projects are those that have full planning and other consents in place and are ready to commence at the date of application.
This call has a strong focus on supporting projects that will assist in revitalising our rural towns and villages through planned, sustainable regeneration and development including addressing vacancy and the re-use of heritage and other existing buildings.
Rights of Way
Questions (31)
Matt Carthy
Question:31. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the progress that has been made with regard the provision of indemnification for farmers with land that is accessible to the public for hill walking. [7838/22]
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My Department has, for some time, been examining how best to introduce a scheme to indemnify private land owners in upland areas who allow access to their lands for recreational purposes. This is a complex issue and my Department has been advised that an indemnity scheme such as has been proposed would require legislative provision and that a number of separate pieces of legislation might need to be amended.
In light of the complexities involved, my officials have been considering alternative pilot approaches, including an insurance solution, to address the matter on an interim basis. Through this process, a public liability insurance policy was secured by my Department for the two existing Mountain Access Project areas, the MacGillycuddy Reeks in Kerry and Binn Sléibhe in Galway, and came in to effect from 13th August 2021.
This pilot solution was developed in consultation with Comhairle na Tuaithe and is being implemented on a two year trial basis. The policy represents a substantial step forward on this matter for landowners in the two Mountain Access Project areas involved.
Other options around indemnity and potential amendments to the Occupiers' Liability Act will continue to be explored and progressed as appropriate over the coming months. My Department is also engaging further with the Attorney General on this matter.
Offshore Islands
Questions (32)
Holly Cairns
Question:32. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the progress in addressing action 136 of the Rural Development Policy 2021-2025 to progress vital infrastructure development for island communities. [8665/22]
View answerWritten answers
The Government's objective is that sustainable, vibrant communities can continue to live on the nation’s offshore islands. My Department recognises that for this to be achieved it is essential that investment is made in the maintenance and upgrading of island infrastructure. To this end, I have increased the allocation available for capital works from €2.64m in 2021 to €4.64m for 2022.
This will enable me to approve an expanded works programme this year which will include the annual programme for Minor Capital Works on the offshore islands, co-funded by the relevant Local Authorities.
Additionally, island projects set out in Project Ireland 2040 will be progressed. These include three major harbour projects, namely; improvement works to piers on Inis Oírr and Inis Meáin in Co Galway and at Machaire Rabhartaigh serving Oileán Thoraigh in Donegal. Whilst the 2040 projects are at different stages in their development, they will continue to be progressed as rapidly as possible.