Written Answers Nos. 122-141
122. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the actions she is taking to ensure that the large volumes of Ukrainian refugees being accommodated in small communities are supported to achieve the best outcome for those refugees and the communities themselves; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17928/22]
View answerI have witnessed first-hand the great work being done by the community and voluntary sector to welcome new arrivals from the Ukraine. One local development company has welcomed over 200 families and provided them with services such as English language classes, translation services, access to computers, and assistance with setting up bank accounts.
Building on structures developed during the COVID-19 pandemic, new Community Response Fora are also being repurposed in each local authority area. These will enable all those involved at a local level to work together to support the integration of Ukrainian refugees. The role of each Forum will be to coordinate the community-led response in the provision of assistance and support to Ukrainian refugees as they are accommodated around the country.
My own department's Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme (SICAP), is our country’s primary social inclusion intervention. SICAP aims to reduce poverty and promote social inclusion and equality. It is delivered in both rural and urban areas by Local Development Companies (LDCs) who work with the most disadvantaged and the hardest to reach in communities.
SICAP staff have valuable experience and knowledge of supporting migrants, asylum seekers and refugees in their areas and will continue to ensure the emerging needs of their locality are responded to also. Every flexibility is being offered by the Department in relation to SICAP and approximately 600 Community Development Workers have been tasked with prioritising work around supporting people arriving from the Ukraine into their locality.
123. Deputy James O'Connor asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if there are plans to further increase the number of broadband connection points available across the country; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17968/22]
View answerThe Broadband Connection Points (BCPs) identification and selection process closed at the end of 2020 resulting in 300 public sites identified for a broadband connection. Since then approximately 259 Public BCPs have been connected by National Broadband Ireland (NBI) and are now in operation, with a further 41 Public BCPs due to come on stream in the coming months.
As the selection process for NBI-connected BCPs is now closed, my Department cannot directly increase the number of BCPs across the country by providing connectivity. However, it is our intention allow appropriate facilities and premises that are able to secure their own connectivity to join the nationwide BCP network in 2022.
The addition of sites to the national network will form part of the 2 year development strategy for Public BCPs currently being developed. This development strategy will also support the scaling up of successful pilot projects that commenced this year, including eHealth, remote working, arts and culture and digital skills programmes.
Membership of the network will provide new BCPs with access to a range of supports including a peer network, development programmes and activities, and specific funding opportunities available only to BCPs.
I would strongly recommend that interested communities engage with their local authority Broadband Officer and should also feel free to contact officials at my department for further information via rdi@drcd.gov.ie.
124. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if she can outline a pathway forward for a proposed marine training facility in west County Clare, which was unsuccessful in an application for funding. [17861/22]
View answerThe project referred to by the Deputy was the subject of an application to the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund (RRDF) under the 3rd call for Category 2 applications in 2021.
Calls for applications to the RRDF 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 smaller grant funding to enable the development of project proposals suitable for future calls for Category 1 applications
On foot of the aforementioned call for applications, in January 2022 I announced that 27 projects had been successful and approved €21.5m in development funding for the projects.
The application for the marine training centre for Kilrush, which was led by Clare County Council, was indeed unsuccessful and my Department provided feedback to the Council, as well as other unsuccessful applicants, following the conclusion of the process.
It is now a matter for the Council and its key partners to develop an appropriate funding strategy to progress the project. In terms of the RRDF, my Department is currently accepting Category 1 applications until April 29th 2022 and a further call for Category 2 applications will be opened later this year.
126. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if she will provide further information on the pub as community hubs pilot programme; the way the pubs in the four counties involved in the pilot will be selected; the length of time the pilot will run for; the way funding will be allocated; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17893/22]
View answerIn line with a commitment given in “Our Rural Future”, funding of €50,000 has been allocated to the Vintners Federation of Ireland (VFI) to support a “Pubs as Community Hubs” pilot programme.
"Pubs as Community Hubs" will explore how the rural pub can be utilised as a space for community activities and services which may not be currently available locally.
Funded under the CLÁR Innovation Programme, the initiative is being rolled out on a pilot basis. The process of selecting five rural pubs in Cavan, Donegal, Clare, Cork and Kerry is now underway and is being undertaken by the VFI. The VFI will agree activities with the respective proprietors and submit funding recommendations to my Department for consideration and approval. The allocation of the €50,000 between projects will be agreed between my officials and the VFI.
The aim of the initiative is to assist and support rural pubs to diversify their facilities during quiet trading times for the benefit of local communities. A rural pub, may for instance, act as a community cinema, become a meeting space for local community groups, or host a book club or arts and craft classes. It might set aside space to promote remote working, show-case local artisan products or highlight local tourism and heritage places of interest.
The pilot is set to run for one year, with a review expected to be undertaken in 2023 before any decision is taken in respect of next steps.
127. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if she will provide an update on the north-east inner city initiative. [9691/22]
View answerIn 2021, my Department provided €6.5 million to the North East Inner City Initiative (NEIC) and I am pleased that the funding has been increased by a further €1 million in 2022. This year under the NEIC Initiative, my Department will be providing €7.5 million towards the regeneration of the Dublin North East Inner City area to help ensure that the recommendations of the Mulvey Report and the actions contained in the NEIC Strategic Plan 2020 - 2022 are implemented.
On 2 December last, the 2021 Progress Report for the North East Inner City Initiative was launched by the Taoiseach highlighting all of the work progressed throughout the year. This Report, along with all of the Progress Reports since 2017, is available on the NEIC website, www.neic.ie/news/neic-progress-report-2021.
The Government remains committed to supporting and investing in the North East Inner City community and ensuring that the Chairperson and Programme Implementation Board have the necessary resources to help make the area a better place in which to live and work.
129. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if she has engaged with the Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications in relation to supporting island communities such as on Achill Island to develop community-owned renewable energy projects; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18048/22]
View answerThe Climate Action Plan 2021 contains a number of measures to increase the rollout of renewables on the grid to help reduce emissions. A key priority within these measures is enabling citizen and community participation in the energy transition across the country, including in rural communities.
Whole-of-government collaboration requires us all to work together across our organisations to develop better co-ordinated public services and policy which enables delivery of the Programme for Government. This is a key element not just of national policies, such as the National Planning Framework, but also in the achievement of sectoral strategies, for example the rural development policy, Our Rural Future and Sustainable, Inclusive and Empowered Communities, a five-year strategy to support the community and voluntary sector.
In relation to energy generation projects, the Climate Action Plan 2021 sets a clear goal for renewable energy delivered through local community-based projects. These projects will be delivered through the dedicated Community category in the Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (RESS) as well as through the forthcoming Microgeneration & Small-Scale Generation schemes.
My colleague, the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications, has responsibility for energy matters and provides funding, through the SEAI, to support the development of community projects.
The Deputy may be aware that my Department's remit with regards to the islands function does not include islands which are connected to the mainland with a bridge. Therefore, within my Department's remit, Achill Island would be considered in terms of the broader supports available for the development of sustainable communities.
130. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if she will extend the place-based leadership development programme to include Cherry Orchard. [17874/22]
View answerFunded by my Department, the Place-Based Leadership Development (P-BLD) Programme is being delivered in Darndale and Drogheda further to recommendations from the Nolan and Geiran reports. The Programme is an investment in local leaders to help them address the challenges experienced in those areas.
The P-BLD 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 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.
I hope that the Place Based Leadership pilot programme 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 once we see the results from Darndale and Drogheda.
131. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the status of funding for the cable car to Dursey Island in County Cork; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17864/22]
View answerAs the Deputy may be aware, I have agreed that once-off emergency funding will be made available to Cork County Council to provide a temporary ferry service for Dursey Island.
This funding for the service ensures that Dursey Island residents and the local farming community will continue to have reliable mainland connectivity while Cork County Council repairs the existing cable car infrastructure.
Cork County Council is responsible for all aspects of the temporary service including its procurement, operation, timetabling and frequency of the sailings.
I am delighted that my Department and Cork County Council were able to come to an agreement on the temporary service, and it will greatly benefit the residents and farmers of Dursey island.
132. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if she has received the report on rural-proofing; and when she intends to bring forward proposals to enable same, as committed to in Our Rural Future: Rural Development Policy 2021-2025. [17901/22]
View answerOur Rural Future is the most ambitious and transformational policy for rural development in Ireland for decades.
The policy contains more than 150 measures for delivery across the whole of Government, with the underlying theme of economic, environmental and societal sustainability. The policy has a vision of ensuring vibrant and thriving rural towns and villages, with a key objective to maximise opportunities for individuals, communities and businesses in rural areas. It recognises that rural areas play an integral role in the economic, social and cultural recovery and wellbeing of the country.
The policy commits to developing an effective rural proofing model. This will ensure that all Departments fully consider the effects of new proposals on rural communities, as well as the need to address the particular challenges and opportunities facing rural areas and will support the identification of impacts that may arise.
Following a competitive tender process, my Department has engaged independent consultants to fully examine the issue of rural proofing in Ireland in order to provide a strong evidence basis for further action. Their work will include consideration of rural proofing initiatives internationally so as to inform our approach based on the experiences of others.
I am expecting a report on the matter shortly, which will present a series of recommendations on approaches to rural proofing to my Department. Once received, the report will be given full and due consideration to determine the next steps.
133. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development when the design and delivery of the next Leader programme will be completed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18049/22]
View answerThe LEADER Programme is one of the key interventions of Our Rural Future, the Government’s Policy for rural development launched last year.
The draft CAP Strategic Plan, which includes LEADER, was submitted to the EU Commission by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine at the end of December 2021. This is in line with the timelines set by the EU Commission.
The process of negotiating and agreeing the plan with the EU Commission has thus commenced. The timeline for implementation of the new LEADER Programme is closely linked to this process.
Accordingly, my officials will continue to work closely with colleagues from the Department of Agriculture, Food and Marine and the EU Commission over the coming months with a view to obtaining approval for the CAP Strategic Plan, as a matter of priority.
Preparations for the design and delivery of the next LEADER programme from 2023-2027 are underway and my officials are also engaging with stakeholders in this regard.
The ongoing engagement and consultation combined with the funding allocation ensures that the LEADER programme from 2023 will continue to support and further develop our rural communities and businesses.
134. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if she will report on the anticipated Our Rural Future strategy work programme for 2022; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17891/22]
View answerOur Rural Future 2021-2025 is the most ambitious rural development policy for Ireland in decades.
It was published in March 2021 and contains more than 150 measures across the whole of Government, for both short-term recovery and longer-term development.
Delivery of the Our Rural Future rural development policy is monitored through a series of Work Programmes and Progress Reports - the First Our Rural Future Progress Report was published in February and provides updates on the actions contained in the 2021 Work Programme.
The development of annual work programmes allow for priorities to be updated in light of emerging opportunities and challenges.
A new Work Programme for 2022 is currently being finalised in conjunction with Departments and I expect to publish this shortly. However, I can say that it will demonstrate continued commitment to realising the ambitions of Our Rural Future, including the development of some new measures and actions under the policy.
Many of these actions are already underway, and updates on these will be provided in further Progress Reports to be produced every six months, as per the commitment in the policy.
135. Deputy James O'Connor asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the way the new community centre fund can be utilised to improve and maintain community centres, which are vital to local communities; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17967/22]
View answerThe Community Centres Investment Fund is a new capital fund with a budget of €15m to support community groups with the upgrade and refurbishment of existing Community Centres. This is an investment in both rural and urban communities across the Country.
The Community Centres Investment Fund will support community groups, particularly in disadvantaged areas, with the upgrade and development of their community centre facilities.
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.
136. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if she will report on 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. [18051/22]
View answerThe 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 2021 scheme prioritised 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 was also increased with funding of up to €500,000 available.
On 25th February last I announced funding of almost €18.5 million for 99 projects under the 2021 scheme, and a further €850,000 for 19 project development measure projects. This include 28 remote working projects, where the majority of these seek to bring vacant / derelict buildings and sites 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 shortly.
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.
137. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the extent to which she continues to have dialogue with urban and rural communities in the context of strengthening and supporting their existence; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17923/22]
View answer139. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development her programme for rural and community development throughout the country in 2022; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17922/22]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 137 and 139 together.
My Department delivers a range of programmes and schemes to assist in rural and community development, which are available to eligible community groups and organisations throughout the country. In the 2022 Revised Estimates, my Department was allocated €378 million.
My Department's programme supports include:
CLÁR 2022: providing funding for small-scale infrastructural projects in rural areas that have suffered the greatest levels of population decline.
Community Centres Investment Fund: a capital grants programme for the maintenance, improvement and upkeep of community centres.
Community Services Programme (CSP): supports over 420 community organisations to provide employment opportunities and local services through a social enterprise model.
Dormant Accounts funded Social Enterprise Measure: provides capital grants for the scaling up of social enterprises.
Community & Voluntary Supports programme: provides a cohesive framework of support for the community and voluntary sector.
LEADER: a multi-annual funding programme delivered through 29 Local Action Groups (LAGs) around the country.
Town and Village Scheme (T&V): designed to rejuvenate small rural towns and villages.
Town and Village Renewal Scheme – Streetscapes: supports the enhancement of streetscapes and shopfronts.
Local Improvement Scheme: provides funding to help local authorities carry out improvement works on private and non-publicly maintained roads.
Connected Hubs Call: supports the development of remote working facilities joining the National Connected Hubs Network.
Rural Regeneration and Development Fund: supports large-scale, ambitious projects which can achieve sustainable economic and social development in rural areas.
Community Activities Fund: provides small scale grants to assist community groups. (Closed 25 February 2022).
Community Enhancement Programme: provides capital funding to community groups in disadvantaged areas across Ireland.
Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme: provides funding for the development of new outdoor recreational infrastructure. (Adventure Tourism type projects, Blueways, Walking Trails, Boardwalks, etc).
Empowering Communities Fund: a new targeted scheme to address area based disadvantage.
The Scheme to Support National Organisations: provides multi-annual funding towards core costs of national community and voluntary.
Further information on opening and closing dates for the investment programmes for 2022 available at www.gov.ie/en/news/bd3c5-government-supports-for-thriving-rural-areas-and-vibrant-communities/.
Ongoing dialogue is maintained by my Department with rural and urban stakeholders in order to identify and respond to issues impacting on individuals and communities.
I am confident that the funding supports and policies provided by my Department 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.
140. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the provisions that are in place within the outdoor recreation infrastructure scheme to ensure that funding is allocated to groups that provide infrastructure which is accessible for disabled persons; if her Department consulted with disabled persons organisations in the formation of this scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18037/22]
View answerThe Outdoor Recreation and Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS) provides funding for the development and enhancement of outdoor recreational infrastructure such as trails, walkways, cycleways, blueways and bridleways in rural areas. The scheme is funded by my Department in partnership with Fáilte Ireland.
The scheme objectives include facilitating the development of outdoor recreational facilities that are accessible to people with disabilities and older people. In developing the scheme my Department has worked with Cara, a national pan-disability sport organisation providing a collaborative and partnership platform to increase sport and physical activity opportunities for people with disabilities across Ireland.
Project applicants under ORIS are required to indicate how the proposed project is inclusive of people with disabilities and older adults, and this forms part of the assessment criteria used to evaluate applications under ORIS.
Cara has developed an extensive range of guidance for the development of outdoor recreation infrastructure e.g. trails, greenways waterways, beaches. ORIS applicants are advised to refer to these resources when they are developing their project proposals.
My Department also hosted and funded an Outdoor Recreation Disability Awareness Workshop in June of last year for local authority and local development company staff which covered disability awareness delivered through the headings of the Cara Sports Inclusion Disability Charter – openness, people, activities, facilities and promotion. The workshop also informed participants of training and education resources that are available through Cara’s training framework and examined a number of workshops that could benefit individuals in this sector.
141. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the measures that will be rolled out under the CLÁR programme in 2022; the total amount of funding allocated to the programme in 2022; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17915/22]
View answerAs the Deputy is aware, the CLÁR programme provides funding under a number of different measures for small-scale infrastructural projects in designated rural areas that have experienced significant levels of de-population over a defined period.
In February, I launched this year's programme, with a total budget of €7 million, an increase of €1.5 million on the previous year.
The measures being funded under CLÁR 2022 are:
Measure 1: Developing Community Facilities & Amenities
Measure 2: Mobility, Cancer Care and Community First Responders Transport
Measure 3: Our Islands
Measure 1 is being administered directly by the local authorities and will support a variety of capital interventions that contribute to the enhancement of existing and/or the development of new accessible community recreation facilities.
Measure 2 is being administered directly by my Department and is open to established organisations that operate entirely on a voluntary basis and provide:
- transport to/from day care or other medical/therapy/respite services for those with significant mobility issues; or
- transport to/from designated cancer treatment hospitals/centres under the National Cancer Care Programme; or
- community first response support or search and rescue operations.
Measure 3 is being administered directly by my Department and will fund community transport vehicles and outdoor community recreation amenities on the islands.
The 2022 CLÁR programme scheme outlines, application forms and submission deadline dates for Measures 2 and 3 can be found on my Department's website.
