Written Answers Nos. 1944-1963
1944. Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the status of each individual project approved under the CLÁR Programme in County Donegal in 2019, 2020 and 2021; the grant approved for each project; the current status of each project; the completion date for each project; if the funding has been drawn down from her Department for each project in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19675/22]
View answerThe CLÁR programme is a targeted investment programme, funded under 'Our Rural Future', which provides funding for small-scale infrastructural projects in rural areas that have suffered the greatest levels of population decline.
Since the programme was relaunched in October 2016, funding of €45 million has been approved for over 1,750 projects. The 2022 CLÁR programme was launched on the 24th February last with an increased budget of €7 million. The measures being funded this year are:-
- Measure 1: Developing Community Facilities & Amenities;
- Measure 2: Mobility, Cancer Care and Community First Responders Transport and
- Measure 3: Our Islands.
Over the past 3 years, 32 projects have benefited from funding of over €1 million in Donegal under CLÁR. Last year, €383,470 was approved in respect of 8 projects. These are progressing, with the deadline for draw down set for 31st August 2022.
In 2020, funding of €339,680 was approved in respect of a further 12 projects. 9 of these projects are complete and 3 remain to be drawn down.
In 2019, CLÁR funding of €295,134 was approved in respect of 12 projects. All of these projects are now completed, with the associated funding drawn down in full.
The following table below details individual projects and is set out in the format as requested by the Deputy.
1945. Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the status of each individual project approved under measures 1, 2 and 3 of the outdoor recreation infrastructure scheme in County Donegal in 2019, 2020 and 2021; the grant approved for each project; the current status of each project; the completion date for each project; if the funding has been drawn down from her Department for each project in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19676/22]
View answerThe Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS) is funded by my Department under Our Rural Future in partnership with Fáilte Ireland. ORIS provides funding under a number of measures for the development of new outdoor recreational infrastructure and for the necessary repair, enhancement or promotion of existing outdoor recreation infrastructure in countryside areas across Ireland. Such infrastructure includes for example trails, walkways, cycleways, blueways and bridleways in rural areas. Measures include:
- Measure 1 for small scale projects requiring funding of up to €30,000,
- Measure 2 for medium scale projects with funding of up to €200,000,
- Measure 3 for large scale projects seeking funding of up to €500,000, and
- Project Development Measure funding of up to €50,000 for development costs for strategic large scale projects
To date, the Scheme has provided funding of over €87 million in respect of 1,200 projects nationwide. I launched the 2022 Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme in February this year with a fund of €15 million.
I have set out in the following table details of the approved ORIS projects in Donegal over the time period requested by the deputy.
1946. Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the status of each individual project approved under the town and village renewal scheme in County Donegal in 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2021 including; the grant approved for each project; the current status of each project; the completion date for each project; if the funding has been drawn down from her Department for each project in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19677/22]
View answerThe Town and Village Renewal Scheme was first introduced in 2016 and is one of a series of national and local support measures designed to rejuvenate small rural towns and villages throughout Ireland under my Development’s rural development investment programme.
The Scheme provides supports for projects that revitalise Ireland's rural towns and villages. The projects supported range from public realm improvement, community parks, digital hubs, as well as the regeneration of derelict buildings, enhancement works at tourism attractions and other important local amenities.
Since the launch of the Town and Village Renewal Scheme, over €113 million of funding has been approved for more than 1,400 projects across Ireland. I will shortly announce the details of the 2022 Town & Village Renewal Scheme.
The table at the link outlines the status of each individual project approved under the Town and Village Renewal Scheme (TVRS) in County Donegal in 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2021.
1947. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if funding can be made available to a rural sports club outside of the Sports Capital Grant process in cases in which the club intends to extend its clubhouse (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19679/22]
View answer1949. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if the recently announced Community Centre Investment Fund can be applied for in the case of a new extension to an existing sports club’s clubhouse in cases in which the purpose of this extension is to provide a community centre, function room and kitchen in a rural area; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19694/22]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 1947 and 1949 together.
I launched the Community Centres Investment Fund on the 15th April 2022. This 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:
- works to improve communal facilities such as kitchen and toilet facilities
- energy retrofitting, new windows / doors / heating systems
- upgrades to lighting systems and stage areas
- works to address safety concerns, including as a result of fire safety audits
- works to improve disability access
- improvements to assist in providing additional or better services to the community such as meals for the elderly and youth facilities
- works to develop Community Centres as Social Hubs through the development of Community Cinemas, Youth Hubs and Community Libraries
- essential maintenance works, repairs to roof, and so on
Funding will be available under 3 Categories, with grants of between €10k and €300K available:
- Category 1: Small scale projects/improvements to facilities €10,000 - €25,000.
- Category 2: Larger scale projects - €25,001 to €100,000.
- Category 3: Major projects. €100,001 to €300,000.
I would advise the group mentioned by the Deputy to review the fund guidelines prior to application. All applications will be part of a competitive assessment process based on the assessment criteria as set out in the fund guidelines. It is expected that this fund will be over subscribed and it will not be possible to fund all proposals with the budget available.
Guidelines and a sample application form are available on my Department’s website at www.gov.ie/en/service/fec91-community-centres-investment-fund/
1948. Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the status of each individual project approved under the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund in County Donegal in 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2021 including; the grant approved for each project; the current status of each project; the completion date for each project; if the funding has been drawn down from her Department for each project in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19680/22]
View answerThe Rural Regeneration and Development Fund provides funding for the development and construction of capital projects in towns and villages and rural areas across Ireland. To date, €277 million has been approved for 191 projects costing over €375 million.
In January 2022, I announced funding of €24.5 million for 27 projects from the third call to for Category 2 applications to the RRDF, including two projects located in Donegal.
I announced the opening of the fourth call for Category 1 applications in under the Fund in December 2021. The closing date for applications is 29th April 2022. A guidance document and application form relating to the call can be accessed on my Department's website.
The table below sets out the details requested by the Deputy.
1950. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the salaries and expenses paid to advisers, Ministers and-or Ministers of State in her Department in 2020, 2021 and to date in 2022, in tabular form. [19752/22]
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.
I can confirm that the salaries and expenses paid to advisers, Ministers and/ or Ministers of State in my Department in 2020, 2021 and to date in 2022 are as set out below.
Please note that the Department of Rural and Community Development paid the salary and expenses of the previous Minister but currently does not pay my salary. As I also have responsibility for the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection, that Department pays my ministerial salary and expenses. Please note that TD salaries are paid from the Oireachtas.
|
- |
Date |
Salary |
Expenses |
|
Minister Michael Ring |
Jan 2020 - June 2020 |
€40,053* |
€11,415 |
|
Minister Heather Humphreys |
Jun 2020 - Dec 2020 |
€0 |
€0 |
|
Minister Heather Humphreys |
Jan 2021 - Dec 2021 |
€0 |
€0 |
|
Minister Heather Humphreys |
2022 Year to Date |
€0 |
€0 |
|
Ministers of State Seán Canney |
Jan 2020 - June 2020 |
€19,538* |
€7,538 |
|
Ministers of State Joe O'Brien |
Jun 2020 - Dec 2020 |
€18,976* |
€1,634 |
|
Ministers of State Joe O'Brien |
Jan 2021 - Dec 2021 |
€39,541* |
€11,110 |
|
Ministers of State Joe O'Brien |
2022 Year to Date |
€12,364* |
€1,651 |
|
Minister Advisors - Michael Ring |
Jan 2020 - June 2020 |
€155,777 |
€2,144 |
|
Minister Advisor - Heather Humphreys |
Jun 2020 - Dec 2020 |
€46,744 |
€0 |
|
Minister Advisor - Heather Humphreys |
Jan 2021 - Dec 2021 |
€100,395 |
€3,118 |
|
Minister Advisor - Heather Humphreys |
2022 Year to Date |
€32,229 |
€1,552 |
|
Minister of State Seán Canney Advisor |
Jan 2020 - June 2020 |
€0 |
€0 |
|
Minister of State Joe O'Brien Advisor |
Jun 2020 - Dec 2020 |
€0 |
€0 |
|
Minister of State Joe O'Brien Advisor |
Jan 2021 - Dec 2021 |
€72,329 |
€2,915 |
|
Minister of State Joe O'Brien Advisor |
2022 Year to Date |
€25,182 |
€4,337 |
*Ministerial salary allowance only. TD's main salary is paid by the Oireachtas.
1951. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the funding allocations and spending for each county with regard to the Interim LEADER programme funding for 2021-2022, in tabular form. [19785/22]
View answerIn December 2020, I launched the Transitional LEADER Programme, which came into effect on 1st April 2021 and will run to the end of 2022. A total of €70 million is being made available over this programming period. €65 million of this budget is available to Local Action Groups (LAGs) who deliver the programme and approve projects at local level. This funding is distributed between the LAGs on a pro-rata basis, commensurate with the allocations made at the start of the 2014-2020 LEADER programme.
A further €3 million of the funding has been allocated to support co-operation projects and innovation between LAGs, while the remaining €2 million will be provided to support strategy development for the next LEADER programme.
Table 1 below provides details of the allocation available to each LAG for the entire Transitional LEADER Programme period 2021-2022. The expenditure figures relate to funding drawn down to date in each LAG area relevant to the Transitional LEADER programme in the period 1st April 2021 to 1st April 2022. This includes payments in respect of completed project activity and the administration cost of the LAGs associated with the delivery of the Transitional LEADER programme.
Once a project is approved for funding the promoter is afforded time to complete the approved works and submit claims for payment of grant funding. In this regard it should be noted that throughout period in question, the LAGs have also draw down funding in respect of completed works for projects approved under the 2014-2020 LEADER programme.
The project funding available under the Transitional LEADER Programme continues to be allocated by the LAGs on an ongoing basis. Figures related to such allocations are not included in the expenditure column below as they have not yet resulted in a drawdown in funding. I am confident that the level of funding available will be sufficient to meet the demand from rural communities and businesses and to continue the effective operation of the Transitional LEADER Programme through to the end of 2022.
Table 1: Funding Allocations and Expenditure for the Transitional LEADER Programme
|
Local Action Group |
Transitional LEADER Programme Allocation |
Transitional LEADER Programme Expenditure 1st April 2021 – 1st April 2022 |
|
|
||
|
Carlow |
€1,895,874 |
€221,422 |
|
Cavan |
€2,517,948 |
€362,804 |
|
Clare |
€2,635,521 |
€423,491 |
|
Cork North |
€1,504,409 |
€471,579 |
|
Cork South |
€1,131,976 |
€314,746 |
|
Cork West |
€1,481,904 |
€260,959 |
|
Donegal |
€3,815,464 |
€774,186 |
|
Dublin Rural |
€1,882,175 |
€339,364 |
|
Galway East |
€2,261,956 |
€588,652 |
|
Galway West |
€1,341,373 |
€273,393 |
|
Kerry |
€3,019,507 |
€1,041,450 |
|
Kildare |
€1,554,564 |
€441,742 |
|
Kilkenny |
€2,302,056 |
€445,278 |
|
Laois |
€2,104,992 |
€443,066 |
|
Leitrim |
€1,772,277 |
€348,848 |
|
Limerick |
€2,740,812 |
€886,022 |
|
Longford |
€2,244,752 |
€626,875 |
|
Louth |
€1,802,823 |
€287,896 |
|
Mayo |
€3,285,878 |
€464,314 |
|
Meath |
€2,039,559 |
€385,722 |
|
Monaghan |
€2,243,303 |
€448,694 |
|
Offaly |
€2,374,498 |
€456,158 |
|
Roscommon |
€2,615,558 |
€271,429 |
|
Sligo |
€2,261,896 |
€351,868 |
|
Tipperary |
€2,985,108 |
€676,622 |
|
Waterford |
€2,222,644 |
€358,277 |
|
Westmeath |
€2,181,697 |
€378,126 |
|
Wexford |
€2,907,314 |
€602,099 |
|
Wicklow |
€1,872,162 |
€301,674 |
|
Total |
€65,000,000 |
€13,246,757 |
1952. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if she will outline all of the secondment arrangements within her Department; the conditions related to such secondments; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19875/22]
View answerI can confirm that my Department currently has eight staff who are seconded into the Department from other Government Departments.
There is currently one staff member who is seconded to the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth (DCEDIY) for six months to support the all of Government response in relation to the crisis in Ukraine. The staff member in questions salary is being covered by that Department.
Of the eight staff who are seconded in from other Government Departments, expression of interest notices were issued across the Civil Service to fill those positions. Candidates who applied, on foot of the expression of interest notices, were shortlisted and interviewed and the successful candidate, in each case, was offered a two year secondment period with my Department which is their employer and pays their salary for the period of their secondment with us. The grades of staff who we have on secondment with us are: One Executive Officer, three Higher Executive Officers, three Agricultural Inspectors and one Professional Accountant.
1953. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if a group that received CLÁR funding in the past can apply to the scheme a second time; the insurance implications of playground facilities that are funded through CLÁR which are situated on school grounds and that must remain open to the public; and if schools are liable for issues related to insurance outside of school hours. [19969/22]
View answerThe CLÁR programme provides funding for small-scale infrastructural projects in designated rural areas that have experienced significant levels of de-population over a defined period. The 2022 CLÁR programme was launched on 24th February with an increased budget of €7 million. The measures being funded this year are
- Measure 1: Developing Community Facilities & Amenities;
- Measure 2: Mobility, Cancer Care and Community First Responders Transport and
- Measure 3: Our Islands.
A group that received CLÁR funding in the past is not prohibited from reapplying under a subsequent round of CLÁR funding, although previous funding may be a consideration when selecting the successful project applications.
Under the 'Developing Community Facilities and Amenities' measure (measure 1), applications must be made through local authorities in the first instance. The relevant local authority must ensure that successful applicants make facilities accessible to the public and have clear arrangements in place to ensure the facility is adequately insured and managed properly. Furthermore, facilities on school grounds must be open to the public outside school hours.
I understand from the Department of Education and Skills that schools are required to have public liability and employer liability insurance in place in respect of their school, including outdoor areas of the school. The terms of such policies would be a matter between the school and its insurer.
The Department of Education's Guidelines on the Use of School Buildings Outside of School Hours provide information which schools should take into consideration where a third party is seeking to use school property or facilities. In such circumstances it is a matter for the owner of the school to decide whether a proposed use can be considered. Where a school does decide to make its property or facilities available, it should ensure that a legal agreement is put in place and that the third party user has appropriate insurance cover in place.
1954. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if her Department and public bodies and agencies that operate under her remit facilitate internships by students engaged in full-time or part-time further and higher education courses; if so, the number of interns her Department and public bodies and agencies that operate under her remit accept annually; if any or all of these interns receive remuneration of any kind; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20013/22]
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.
I can confirm that neither my Department or the agencies under its remit currently facilitate internships by students engaged in full-time or part-time further and higher education courses.
1955. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the number of persons currently employed in her Department who have been seconded in from the public sector; the number of departmental officials seconded where the moneys are recouped from the body the person is seconded to or where the Department pays for the person with no recoupment from the other organisation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20067/22]
View answerI can confirm that my Department currently has no staff members who are seconded in from the public sector or seconded out to the public sector.
1956. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if there is an application for a library (details supplied) with her Department. [20281/22]
View answerThe delivery of public library services, including the provision of library premises, is a matter for each local authority in accordance with the Local Government Act, 2001. Accordingly, the delivery of library services in the area referred to is primarily a matter for Cork City Council.
My Department has had discussions with Cork City Council regarding a new library in this location, but no application has been received to date. The Libraries Capital Programme administered by my department is currently fully committed. However, should Cork City Council submit an application for funding, it will be considered for support if additional capital funding becomes available. My Department has also advised the City Council to consider submitting an application for funding for this library to the Urban Regeneration and Development Fund (URDF), which is administered by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage. This fund was established to support sustainable development through the regeneration and rejuvenation of Ireland's five cities and other large towns.
In the event that the City Council submits an application for funding under the URDF, they have been informed of the requirement to simultaneously consult with my department and the Local Government Management Agency, prior to the development of plans for a new public library in this location. They will then be requested to submit a proposal to my department for technical assessment to ensure that the project complies with the 'Public Library National Standards and Benchmarks' which guides the development of the public library service.
1957. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the special measures her Department is taking to reduce energy usage in the scenario in which members of the public are being asked to do the same. [20299/22]
View answerMy Department is undertaking a number of measures to ensure energy conservation in our offices and in our own homes.
My Department’s internal Green, Energy and Organisational (GEO) Committee oversees a number of initiatives to ensure energy conservation and environmental sustainability, including the implementation of our Resource Efficiency Action Plan and our participation in the Optimising Power at Work initiative. The committee also actively engages with our staff to advise on how to encourage energy efficiency, both in the office and in the home working environment.
In furtherance of the Public Sector Energy Efficiency Strategy, my Department achieved an overall increase in energy efficiency of 37.8% by 2022. While this was undoubtedly driven to an extent by increased remote working, significant progress was nevertheless achieved through the work undertaken by the GEO Committee and the actions of our staff in progressing the energy efficiency and conservation agenda.
1958. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the date on which she will publish the outcome of the public consultation on the Control of Dogs Act 1986 pertaining to dog breeds; the reasons for the delay in doing same; the timeline for her plan to issue recommendations as a result of this consultation exercise; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20488/22]
View answerMy Department conducted a public consultation on measures relating to the control of dogs in Ireland. The issues raised in the approximately 1,000 submissions received were wide ranging, complex and required analysis, further consultation with stakeholders and an exploration of approaches in other jurisdictions.
This process has been completed and I expect the findings of this review will be published on gov.ie in the coming days.
Some of the issues raised may give rise to changes to existing legislation. Therefore, in association with this consultation report, my Department is developing legislative amendments to the Control of Dogs Acts with a view to inclusion in the Government's legislative programme.
1959. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if she will provide the budget allocated to develop a database (details supplied) that records the way in which State grant aid is distributed; and the timeline for the completion and roll-out of the database. [20489/22]
View answerMy Department is currently exploring options for the establishment of centralised grantee database for the community and voluntary sector in line with our Statement of Strategy.
Streamlining the compliance and reporting burden faced by the sector across many different agents of the State has been identified, via engagement with the sector, as a key requirement. The merits of proceeding with this proposal would be dependent on establishing a whole-of-government approach to governance reporting. Simply sharing access to an existing centralised data would not remove multiple reporting requirements.
The high-level purpose of this scoping exercise is to explore options for a database that would reduce the administrative burden on grantees and funders, as well as providing a single source of information and source of analysis on state funded community and voluntary grantees, and on the investment being made into these organisations.
This project is at a very preliminary and exploratory stage. It is not intended as a replacement for any organisation or database.
1960. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the funding streams and the application process for a community organisation to construct and host a work hub in a rural area; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20573/22]
View answerOur 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 recognition of this, my Department continues to invest heavily in the establishment and strategic development of remote work hub facilities through various funding streams and initiatives, including via the development of Broadband Connection Points (BCPs) as long-term, digitally-enabled community assets.
To date my Department has invested some €100m in the development of remote working facilities across a range of schemes. For example, 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. Similarly, funding for such projects is also available under the LEADER programme, where projects are approved via the Local Action Groups in each area in line with locally identified needs.
In December 2021, a call for applications under the RRDF was announced. The closing date for submissions is the 29th of April 2022. The lead party in an application must be a State funded body however a community organisation may partner in an application. A RRDF application pack is available on my Departments website.
In February of this year I announced almost €18.5m for projects under the 2021 Town and Village Renewal Scheme. This included support for 28 projects related to remote working and hubs. Details of the 2022 Town and Village Renewal scheme will be announced shortly. As in previous years, local authorities will be notified when the 2022 scheme is launched. They will then seek expressions of interest from rural communities for projects that meet the 2022 scheme criteria. Suitable projects will be developed into funding applications and then submitted to the Department for consideration.
In addition to these funding streams, I have also made available significant funding for hubs to develop their capacity and facilities. Last May, 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 members of the Network. There are currently 229 hubs live on the platform, with this number increasing on an ongoing basis. Details for the onboarded hub facilities can be obtained via the Connected hubs platform - www.connectedhubs.ie.
Last July, I also allocated almost €9 million through the 2021 Connected Hubs Fund, which supported over 100 hubs and BCPs, enabling applicants to develop and leverage the capacity and quality of existing remote working facilities across the country. In February this year, I launched the 2022 Connected Hubs Call, allocating a further €5 million in funding to add additional capacity to the existing remote working infrastructure in remote working hubs and Broadband Connection Points throughout the country. The closing date for this round of funding was 4 April. My officials are currently evaluating the applications submitted and I expect to announce the successful applicants in the coming weeks.
To support the ongoing strategic development of the National Hub Network, 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 under future iterations of the various available funding 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 ongoing strategic 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.
1961. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the number of staff within her Department who availed of a secondment from January 2019 to date on the basis that it was not the intention of the staff member to return to his or her position within the Department. [20648/22]
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.
I can confirm that no staff members employed in my Department went on secondment since January 2019 on the basis that they would not return to their position within the Department.
My Department currently has only one employee who is seconded out to another Government Department.
1962. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the progress that has been made between her Department and Cork County Council on the roll-out of WIFI4EU in County Cork; if submissions have been received from the council; the number of access points that have been applied for in the county; the reason that Cork County Council has not availed of the programme to date; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20731/22]
View answer1963. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the closing date that the European Union has set out for the receipt of applications from local authorities for the roll-out of WIFI4EU projects; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20732/22]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 1962 and 1963 together.
WiFi4EU is an initiative of the European Commission which is co-funded by my Department. The initiative funds the deployment of free to use WiFi in public spaces, such as town squares, public parks, libraries and other areas where the public congregate. The WiFi service is reliable and secure and does not harvest data for commercial purposes.
Under the WiFi4EU scheme, local authorities applied through a competitive process to secure vouchers worth €15,000 each to install WiFi hotspots. Local authorities could apply for up to 4 vouchers each throughout the lifetime of the initiative, and they must install a minimum of 10 access points per voucher.
Since the scheme was launched in 2018, Irish local authorities have secured 114 vouchers out of a maximum of 124 vouchers available. This makes Ireland one of the most successful countries to take part in the scheme. 30 of the 31 local authorities in the state, including Cork County Council, secured vouchers under the scheme. The last call for applications was in June 2020, and the application process is thus closed.
My Department is providing co-funding of up to €15,000 for each voucher secured by local authorities, effectively doubling the value of the investment. This funding is based on the completion of the project and validation of the network by the European Commission.
Cork County Council was successful in securing 4 vouchers in December 2019, with a date of 12 August 2022 for submission of all relevant documents to the EU for validation and closure of the project. Once validation of the network is completed by the European Commission, Cork County Council will be in a position to apply for co funding from my department for any qualifying additional work undertaken. No such submission has yet been received.
In general terms, officials at my Department do not see the WiFi4EU deployment plans of a local authority until they have been submitted in support of an application for co-funding. As such, I would advise the Deputy to seek such plans from Cork County Council directly.
My Department recognises the opportunity that this funding scheme represents for communities across the state, not least rural and under-served communities. As such, I would strongly recommend that all local authorities that have yet to do so, complete their WiFi4EU works well ahead of the deadline. This will allow time for the Commission to validate the work and for co-funding to be drawn down from my Department.
