Written Answers Nos. 966-982
967. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the engagement her Department has had with other Departments regarding the retrofitting of older homes and buildings in line with the goal of compact development; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18082/22]
View answerRetrofitting homes is a highly labour-intensive sector and can create high-quality, sustainable jobs in local communities throughout the country. It therefore has the capacity to play an important role in the economic growth and development of rural communities.
Retrofitting, particularly of older housing stock commonly found in rural areas, will be a particularly effective way to help reach our ambitious climate targets while also improving wellbeing for those living in retrofitted homes.
The National Rural Development Policy, Our Rural Future, published in March 2021, supports a Just Transition to a climate neutral economy. The policy will maximise our resources and strengths in the Green Economy to support employment opportunities for communities in other areas such as renewable energy, sustainable tourism, the bioeconomy and the circular economy.
It contains over 150 policy measures for delivery, including a specific measure to retrofit 500,000 homes and install 400,000 heat pumps across the country up to 2030. Delivery of this measure is being led by the Department of Environment, Climate and Communications and SEAI.
As part of the implementation monitoring process for Our Rural Future my Department produces progress reports on measures contained in the policy, with the first of these published in February. This process has entailed my officials directly engaging with Government Departments in relation to the range of measures contained in the policy. Further reports will be provided on a six-monthly basis.
Our annual work programmes enable new actions to be added over the lifetime of the policy, and my Department is currently liaising with colleagues across Government to finalise the 2022 Work Programme.
968. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if a review is planned of the public participation network system; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18083/22]
View answerA “root and branch” review of Public Participation Networks (PPNs) structures was conducted in 2021 by an independent contractor to ensure that the structures continue to be fit for purpose and support the ongoing development of PPNs.
The purpose of the review was to assess how the existing structure of the PPNs has facilitated the operation of the network against the overall objectives of the 2014 Report of the Working Group on Citizen Engagement with Local Government. It was also required to identify opportunities for further strengthening and enhancing PPN structures.
The research process used in the structural review was highly consultative, with a stakeholder survey, a number of focus groups, and a written submission process all utilised to ensure that stakeholders could have a say in the process. Several hundred people contributed their views to the review process.
This review also fulfills a Programme for Government commitment to ‘Carry out a comprehensive review of PPNs to ensure that they are fit for purpose for climate action and community development.’
The final report arising from the review is expected to be published in the coming weeks.
969. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the salaries and pensions paid out to special advisers to Ministers and Ministers of State in her Department in 2020 and 2021, broken down by Minister in tabular form. [11393/22]
View answerThe salaries and pensions paid out by my Department to special advisors to Ministers and Ministers of State in 2020 and 2021 are set out in the Table below:
|
Year |
Salary |
Pension |
|
|
Ministers Advisors |
2020 |
€202,522 |
€0 |
|
2021 |
€100,395 |
€0 |
|
|
Ministers of State Advisors |
2020 |
€0 |
€0 |
|
2021 |
€72,329 |
€0 |
Please note between 01/01/2020 to 26/06/2020 my Department had two Ministerial advisors and no Minister of State advisors on its payroll.
After the formation of the 33rd Dáil on 27th of June 2020, my Department had one Ministerial advisor on its payroll.
In 2021 my Department had one Ministerial advisor and one Minister of State advisor on its payroll.
970. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the number of commissions of investigation under the remit of her Department currently ongoing in the State; the cost of each commission to date; and the projected costs of each in tabular form. [12559/22]
View answerI can confirm, that my Department, which was established on 19 July 2017, has not had any commissions of investigation conducted since its establishment.
971. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if she will provide an update on the funding for the connected hubs programme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18097/22]
View answerOur 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 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 223 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.
Details for the onboarded hub facilities can be obtained via the Connected hubs platform - www.connectedhubs.ie
I recently launched the Connected Hubs mobile app, which allow users to find their nearest hub facility and easily book a desk space using their mobile device. The Connected Hubs mobile app can be downloaded from the Apple App Store for iOS devices and the Google Play Store for Android.
Last year, I allocated almost €9 million to the 2021 Connected Hubs Fund, which supported over 100 hubs and Broadband Connection Points (BCPs), to add capacity and improve the quality of existing remote working facilities across the state.
In February this year, I launched the 2022 Connected Hubs Call, a €5 million funding stream to further support remote working facilities, including BCPs, throughout the country and add further capacity to the National Hub Network.
The National Hub 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. Following strong progress on the establishment phase of the project, 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, and with other stakeholders, to better inform the future strategic direction of the National Hub Network and of the connectedhubs.ie platform. I also recently announced the commencement of a major promotional campaign which will serve to raise awareness of the services available on connectedhubs.ie and drive usage of this invaluable national resource.
This shift of focus will help to ensure that the network continues to provide the level of service that employers and employees need and expect.
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.
972. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the steps she is taking to expand the walks scheme including into the Dublin mountains; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18098/22]
View answerThe Walks Scheme, which is funded by my Department, contracts landholders to undertake maintenance work on National Waymarked Ways and other priority trails that traverse their lands. The landholders receive modest payments for maintenance work undertaken in line with agreed work plans. In addition, my Department’s Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS) provides funding for the development and enhancement of amenities such as walking trails.
Last September, I announced the 'approval in principle' of 31 new trails to join the Walks Scheme. This fulfills the commitment in the Programme for Government and Our Rural Future to double the number of trails on the Scheme to 80 trails. These trails are being formally brought onto the scheme by Local Development Companies who deliver the Walks Scheme locally and who are developing work plans for each of the individual landholders involved.
The new trails added to the scheme were selected following a call for expressions of interest to join the scheme. I understand that no expressions of interest were received in respect of trails in the Dublin Mountains.
Trails that are eligible for inclusion in the Walks Scheme are those that are registered with Sport Ireland and covered by the Sport Ireland trail insurance policy. For example, I understand that the Dublin Mountains Way is registered with Sport Ireland and may be eligible to apply to the scheme in the future. There may be other routes that are not included on the Sport Ireland register and would not be eligible for the scheme. As such, the position in respect of each trail would have to be assessed on a case by case basis before they could be considered for the scheme.
Once the new trails are fully operational under the Scheme, I will examine the potential for the further expansion of the Scheme. An expression of interest process will be opened for new trails, including those in the Dublin mountains, in advance of any further expansion of the scheme.
973. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the funding streams that are available to invest in infrastructure to improve access for persons with physical disabilities and mobility impairments to offshore islands; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18126/22]
View answerIt is an objective of this Government to provide the necessary supports for our off-shore islands so that those communities can continue to live, and thrive, on the islands. My Department manages a large suite of transport contracts that provide reliable and affordable mainland connectivity for island residents and visitors.
The development of quayside infrastructure, on the mainland and the islands, to cater for transport services users, including those of reduced mobility, falls under the remit of the local authorities. They are responsible for installing slipways, pontoons and quayside lifts so that users can board and alight from passenger boats in a safe and dignified manner.
My Department does provide funding for these types of developments and I recently increased the allocation for Capital works on the islands from €2.64m in 2021, to €4.64m for 2022.
This increase 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.
I am very aware of the challenges facing those of reduced mobility when using our subsidised transport services, and my Department is currently engaging with service providers to explore options so that all users of our services can board and alight from a ferry safely with ease.
974. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the amount collected on an annual basis since the Freedom of Information Act 2014 commenced in respect of fees attached to freedom of information requests submitted to her Department in tabular form.; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18138/22]
View answerMy Department was established on 19 July 2017, since that date a total of €240 in fees has been collected by my Department, in respect of one FOI request.
Where requesters may be subject to fees, my Department is active in assisting requesters to refine their requests where possible to ensure that information can be provided without a fee requirement.
In the context of the Freedom of Information publication scheme a log of all non-personal Freedom of Information requests received by my Department is published on a quarterly basis, these are available online at: www.gov.ie/en/collection/f68256-disclosure-logs/.
975. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the current policy with respect to remote working options for staff in her Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18172/22]
View answerThe Department of Rural and Community Development was established on 19th July 2017 to provide a renewed and consolidated focus on rural and community development in Ireland.
My Department welcomes the publication of the “Blended Working Policy Framework for Civil Service Organisations” by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform on Thursday 31st March 2022. This framework will support regional balance within the civil service workforce and provide flexibility for its workers including those in rural Ireland.
From 4th of April 2022, the majority of staff within my Department are office based, two days per week. More frequent attendance occurs subject to business exigencies. The Department will be putting in place a sub-group to develop and implement its own blended working policy, in line with the published framework, with a view to having it in place and ready for implementation by the end of June 2022.
976. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the supports that are available to a social enterprise (details supplied) in Dublin 7. [18220/22]
View answerSocial enterprises are businesses that work primarily to improve the lives of people. Their core objective is to achieve a social, societal, or environmental impact. Like any other business, they pursue their objectives by trading in goods and services on an ongoing basis. However, surpluses generated are re-invested into achieving their core social objectives.
I am aware of the great work that Inner City Enterprise (ICE) does in supporting the development of social enterprises in Dublin’s inner city and providing employment opportunities. Their annual Dublin City Social Enterprise Awards, in partnership with Dublin City Council, is an inspirational event which demonstrates the vibrancy of the sector.
In relation to the specific question, I would advise ICE to seek guidance from their Local Development Company (LDC) and Local Enterprise office (LEO) as to the range of supports, including capital development funding, available.
My Department continues to provide capital supports to social enterprise through the annual €2.3m Dormant Accounts funded Social Enterprise Measure, and I plan to make further announcements on new capital supports in the near future in line with policy commitments. Information about all new schemes will be made available on my Department's website, and will be circulated widely amongst social enterprise stakeholders, networks and support organisations, including Inner City Enterprise.
In 2021, the measure supported 247 social enterprises through the €1m Social Enterprise Capital Grants Scheme, and the €680k Awareness Raising Initiative for Social Enterprise (ARISE) which supported 50 projects. I also provided €400k funding for a pilot Start-up Scheme for Social Enterprise which supported 25 early stage social enterprises, and €160k funding to the Covid-19 Social Enterprise Regeneration Programme, which is providing training and mentoring in strategic planning and income diversification.
My Department also provides significant supports to social enterprise through a number of other programmes including the Community Services Programme (CSP), Social Inclusion Community Activation Programme (SICAP) and LEADER.
Apart from funding, my Department also supports the development of social enterprises in other important ways such as providing training and mentoring, increasing awareness of social enterprise, cross Government and international engagement, supporting higher level research and providing guidance into issues such as legal forms for social enterprise.
977. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development when the Community Centres Investment Fund will be launched; the type of projects that will be eligible; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18235/22]
View answerI recently announced the Community Centres Investment Fund. This new capital fund, with a budget of €15m, will support community groups, particularly in disadvantaged areas, with the upgrade and refurbishment of existing Community Centres. This is an investment in both rural and urban communities across the country.
The fund will assist with projects such as:
- Energy retrofitting projects that reduce an organisation's carbon footprint;
- Works to address safety concerns, including as a result of fire safety audits;
- Works to improve disability access;
- Works to improve communal facilities such as kitchen and toilet facilities; and
- Essential maintenance.
Funding will be available under 3 Strands, with grants of between €10k and €300k available:
- Strand 1: Small scale projects/improvements to facilities €10,000 - €25,000.
- Strand 2: Larger scale projects - €25,001 to €100,000.
- Strand 3: Major projects. €100,001 to €300,000.
I expect the fund to be open to applications shortly. Guidelines and application forms will be available on my Department’s website at www.gov.ie/drcd.
978. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if more details on the empowering communities fund will be provided; the areas that are likely to be eligible for funding; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18236/22]
View answerFunding of €2 million was secured to design and implement a new Empowering Communities Programme (ECP) in 2022 aimed at specifically targeting area-based deprivation through a community development approach.
This initiative, in part, stems from a Programme for Government commitment to expand the Dublin North East Inner City model and will be informed by other initiatives such as the Community Development Pilot Programme, the Place-Based Leadership initiative and the Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme which operates across the country.
The ECP will focus on augmenting the community development efforts within a number of small geographic areas identified as experiencing particular disadvantage. The ECP is currently in development and the detail, including on the areas selected, has not yet been finalised. Further information will be shared once it is available.
979. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the full extent of funding allocated to various groups throughout the country under the schemes available through her Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18354/22]
View answer980. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the extent to which she has received requests for funding from various community-based organisations throughout the country; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18355/22]
View answer982. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the extent to which she and her Department have carried out an examination in respect of urban and or rural areas of social or economic areas of deprivation with a view to meeting the obvious concerns; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18357/22]
View answer984. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the extent to which all of the regions have been the subject matter of examination by her Department with a view to addressing issues of deprivation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18359/22]
View answer991. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the extent to which her Department continues to examine both urban and rural settings with a view to identifying shortcomings she and her Department may be able to assist with; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18366/22]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 979, 980, 982, 984 and 991 together.
A vital part of my Department's mission is to support the creation of vibrant and sustainable communities across this country.
The Department provides strategic interventions, funding programmes and supports which target and address issues of social and or economic deprivation in rural and urban communities throughout the country.
In the 2022 Revised Estimates, my Department was allocated €378 million. This funding ensures that we are in a position to further assist communities seeking funding and other supports for important local activities and projects.
The Programme for Government places a strong emphasis on balanced regional development through a range of measures. The Department supports this commitment through targeted investment that supports rural regeneration, facilitates new working opportunities and fosters regional enterprise growth.
We will continue to invest in, and support, communities across the country - through the various schemes such as the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund, LEADER Programme, Town and Village Renewal Scheme, Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme, Local Improvement Scheme, CLÁR Programme, Islands Capital Programme, Community Enhancement Programme, Connected Hubs initiative, Libraries Investment Capital funding, PEACE IV Programme and the PEACE PLUS Programme.
The supports provided by my Department to assist vulnerable communities are more important than ever. Details of funding allocations under specific schemes provided by my Department are available online at www.gov.ie/en/organisation/department-of-rural-and-community-development/
Funding of €2 million was secured to design and implement a new Empowering Communities Programme (ECP) in 2022 aimed at specifically targeting area-based deprivation through a community development approach. This initiative, in part, stems from a Programme for Government commitment to expand the Dublin North East Inner City model and will be informed by other initiatives such as the Community Development Pilot Programme, the Place-Based Leadership initiative and the Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme which operates across the country.
The ECP will focus on augmenting the community development efforts within a number of small geographic areas identified as experiencing particular disadvantage. The ECP is currently at a very early stage of development and the detail, including on the areas selected, has not yet been finalised. Further information will be shared once it is available.
My Department is also responsible for a number of important policies, including the National Policy on Social Enterprise, and Sustainable, Inclusive and Empowered Communities which is a 5 Year Strategy to Support the Community and Voluntary Sector 2019-2024. In March 2021 I launched Our Rural Future, a new whole-of-Government rural development policy. The policy which was underpinned by broad consultation, is an ambitious blueprint for the social and economic development of rural Ireland over the next five years. It has the potential to have a transformative effect on rural communities and positive impacts on the lives of people living and working in rural areas. The policy is supported by 150 commitments across Government, which will address the challenges facing communities and deliver new opportunities for people living in rural areas.
All my Department’s policies are underpinned by extensive consultation with a wide range of stakeholders including rural and urban stakeholder groups, community groups, young people, Government Departments and State Agencies.
This engagement process provides important insights into issues impacting on rural and urban communities and in identifying areas for response which are relevant to the work of my Department. Ongoing dialogue is maintained with rural and urban stakeholders in order to identify and respond to shortcomings and issues impacting on individuals and communities.
I will also continue to collaborate with my Government colleagues and will monitor the issues which impact our urban and rural communities in order to respond to emerging needs.
981. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the extent to which she expects to be in a position to further advance the cause of community development; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18356/22]
View answerIn 2019, my Department published Sustainable, Inclusive and Empowered Communities - A five year strategy to support the community and voluntary sector in Ireland 2019-2024. This Strategy is important in seeking to strengthen the community development, local development and community and voluntary sectors generally. The strategy reaffirms the Government’s commitment to supporting the sector, whilst also recognising the reality of finite resources and the need to ensure that available resources are focused on providing effective services.
Co-produced by Government and the Community and Voluntary Sector, the Strategy sets out 11 high-level objectives and associated actions which will empower communities, their representative organisations, and the community and voluntary sector, to inform and shape responses to their needs.
In furtherance of the strategy objectives and the Programme for Government commitment, last year I was pleased to announce the introduction of a €1 million pilot Community Development Programme, promoting an autonomous approach to community work with marginalised communities. It is expected the programme will continue for three years.
During 2022, my Department will continue to deliver a wide range of measures to support community development as a task, a process and a profession, to grow sustainably and to address emerging needs.
This will include, amongst other work, continued implementation of the measures set out in the five year strategy; collaboration with the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage to equip Local Community Development Committees (LCDCs) with the required knowledge and skills for the preparation of their Local Economic and Community Plan (LECP); and funding to directly support community development activities – including the support of pilot community development projects.
In January of this year, I attended the induction day of a Place-Based Leadership Development Programme in Darndale. Funded by my Department, this important Programme is being delivered in Darndale and Drogheda, following recommendations in the Nolan and Geiran reports. The Programme is an investment in local leaders to help them address the challenges experienced in those areas.
The Place-Based Leadership Development programme will strengthen the capacity of those already working hard to improve the quality of community life in Darndale and Drogheda. The programme will encourage and facilitate collaboration that will positively impact the culture of the area. It will build the capacity of new community leaders to empower communities to address the issues they face. This approach will make a lasting impact and bring forward the solutions required.
Place Based Leadership will open up new perspectives and possibilities and provide opportunities for mutual learning that can be built upon and expanded to other communities in Ireland going forward.
My Department has committed to providing financial support to the All Ireland Endorsement Body (AIEB) for the three year period 2020 – 2022 inclusive. AIEB was established in 2010 as an all island body to support and promote quality community work/community development and ensure standards and quality in practice. It seeks to support and promote community development education and training and ensure quality and standards in practice by the:
- Development and delivery of endorsement frameworks for community work qualifications, procedures, and processes for community work education providers.
- Development of standards and support for education and training at all levels.
- Development and maintenance of standards for practitioners, community work organisations, for programmes and policy makers.
- Development and maintenance of appropriate links and exchanges with national and international quality assurance and educational bodies.
I am confident that the funding supports and policies provided by my Department are delivering, and will continue to deliver, tangible benefits for both urban and rural communities, supporting economic development, and enabling the local and community development sectors to continue to provide valuable much needed services and supports to all communities throughout the country.
