Written Answers Nos. 353-354
353. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if there will be professional forester involvement in the small scale tree planting proposal as outlined by him in the Licensing Plan 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36961/22]
View answerAs the Deputy may be aware, an amendment to the Forestry Act 2014 has passed through the Houses of the Oireachtas through the vehicle of the Animal Health and Welfare (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2022.
On 4th April 2022, the new legislation was signed into law by the president. This amendment was necessary to remove the licensing requirement for the planting of native woodland in areas not greater than one hectare. It is my objective to increase and encourage interest in small scale planting and I am confident that this change to the Act will remove a barrier to such planting.
The exemption for the creation of up to one hectare of native woodland would be available through a scheme which my Department now intends to design and implement. The involvement of a professional forester is something that will be considered in the design phase. The development of the scheme will be undertaken following the completion of a Strategic Environmental Assessment and Appropriate Assessment, subject to the findings of both assessments.
354. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if the Community Centre Investment Fund will be opened again in 2023; if there are any other funding streams available to groups that were unable to submit their application for the Fund before the deadline; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36780/22]
View answerI announced the Community Centres Investment Fund on the 15th April 2022. This is a new capital fund of €15 million for 2022 to support community groups, particularly in disadvantaged areas, with the upgrade of their community centre facilities.
The closing date for applications is Thursday 14th July 2022 at 3:00pm. I would urge any community group that still has questions about their application, to submit any queries to CCIF@drcd.gov.ie and attend the final online support clinic which is taking place on Monday, 11th July from 12:30pm – 2:00pm. Applicants must register to attend this support clinic and details are available at www.gov.ie/drcd. No decision has been made to date regarding the opening of this fund for further applications in 2023.
Funding for community centre projects may also be available through the LEADER Transitional programme. This covers the period 2021-2022, and came into effect on 1 April 2021 for new project applications. The LEADER programme is administered by Local Action Groups (LAGs) in each of the 28 LEADER sub-regional areas around the county.
I encourage all organisations to check my department’s website www.gov.ie/drcd and to keep in touch with their Local Community Development Committee for information on funding opportunities.
