Seán Sherlock
Question:67. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the measures she is bringing in to ensure the Public Participation Network is fit for purpose and operating efficiently. [19390/23]
View answerPublic Participation Networks
Questions (67)
Written answers
The Public Participation Networks (PPNs) were established under the Local Government Reform Act of 2014. They provide representation for the community sector in local policymaking, giving local groups a greater say in local government decisions which affect their communities.
There is a PPN in each of the 31 local authority areas, and membership of a PPN is open to volunteer-led and not-for-profit groups in each area. The network has grown substantially since its establishment, and a remarkable 18,000 groups nationwide are now registered with their local PPN and are contributing locally, including in terms of responding to the arrival of Ukrainian refugees fleeing war and also in terms of climate policy, bringing a local perspective into the national conversation.
In terms of future measures to enhance how the PPNs function, a review of PPN structures has been conducted by an independent contractor to ensure PPNs continue to be fit for purpose and to make recommendations to support their ongoing development. Following publication of the review in 2022, my Department set up a Working Group to oversee the development of a Roadmap of future actions to support the operation of PPNs. The Working Group is drawn from a range of PPN stakeholder groups, including PPN staff and volunteers, civil society groups, local authorities and relevant government departments. Participatory and co-design processes are being used to ensure that stakeholders are actively involved in designing the actions that will affect PPNs over the coming years.
A finalised Roadmap is expected to be submitted for approval later this year. The Working Group will remain in place to oversee the implementation of the Roadmap and ensure it enhances the effectiveness of the PPNs.
Departmental Funding
Questions (68)
Christopher O'Sullivan
Question:68. Deputy Christopher O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if the Community Centres Investments Fund would be available to community groups, where the existing community centre is deemed not fit for purpose; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19330/23]
View answerWritten answers
Community centres are the cornerstone of community life in many towns, villages and urban areas around the country. This Government recognises the important role they play in community life in Ireland, bringing people together and engaging with those who may be marginalised or disadvantaged.
With this in mind, my Department has put in place an integrated programme of supports for the establishment and development of community centres across schemes such as CLÁR, LEADER, the Community Support Fund, the Town and Village Renewable Scheme, and of course the new Community Centres Investment Fund.
The 2022 Community Centres Investment Fund was warmly welcomed the length and breadth of the country. Over €45.5 million has been committed to the improvement and refurbishment of existing community centres across the country.
Following on from this, I want to assist community groups striving to build their own community centre to service local needs so this year the focus of the Community Centres Investment Fund has moved to new builds.
In March I was delighted to announce a €20 million Fund to support communities with ‘shovel-ready’ projects on green or brownfield sites to build new community centres.
This Measure will target areas which do not have an appropriate facility to meet the needs of their area. The minimum grant funding available is €1 million with the maximum being €6 million.
The deadline for receipt of applications is 3rd July 2023 and I would encourage communities that have eligible projects with planning permission to submit an application under the Fund.
Departmental Funding
Questions (69)
Aindrias Moynihan
Question:69. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the level of funding her Department can make available for a project (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19326/23]
View answerWritten answers
The Rural Regeneration and Development Fund provides funding for the development and construction of capital projects in towns and villages and rural areas across Ireland. To date, 215 projects have been approved for funding of €395 million for projects costing €542 million. Calls for applications to the Fund 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.
The Coláiste Íosagáin Campus project was approved funding of €180,000 from the first call for Category 2 applications in 2019. This project will complete a masterplan for the Coláiste Íosagáin Campus which will set out the economic, planning and environmental case for the re-purposing of the building structure and the surrounding area.
Based on progress reports submitted to my Department by the lead party, Údarás na Gaeltachta, I understand that work on this project has been progressing well. The Community Engagement Partners have been preparing the economic and business case for the project and the report will be finalised in Quarter 2 of 2023. A Partner Advisory Group is currently being established to advise on the direction of the project. Earlier this month, the project was granted planning permission by Cork County Council.
RRDF funding of €44,052 has been drawn down for the project to date and the lead party is expecting the remainder of the RRDF funding to be drawn down by the end of 2023.
Cost of Living Issues
Questions (70)
Paul McAuliffe
Question:70. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the funding streams available to community centres to help deal with the increase in the cost-of-living, in particular electricity and gas. [19332/23]
View answerWritten answers
Not-for-profit and voluntary organisations in the Community and Voluntary sector are woven into the fabric of community life across Ireland, but they are vulnerable to the impact of challenges such as the increased energy costs in recent months.
In response to the rising energy costs during Winter 2022, Government introduced a number of supports to assist with those costs. My Department responded by introducing the Community & Voluntary Energy Support Scheme (CVESS) and the Community Support Fund (CSF).
CVESS was launched last November to provide for a once-off payment to eligible charities and community and voluntary sector organisations. I was pleased to announce Tranche 4 of funding on Friday last, which brought the total number of organisations supported under the initiative to 680, with over €918,000 now disbursed. While this scheme is now closed, applications continue to be assessed in batches.
The Community Support Fund was designed to provide support to community groups across the country for example, Parish Halls, Community Centres, Local Development Associations, Social Clubs, Senior Citizen Groups, and others. The fund, delivered locally through the LCDCs, aimed to deliver small grants to help groups with running costs and rising energy bills. Funding could also be used to carry out small upgrade works and to purchase equipment to support their activities such as laptops and printers, lawnmowers, training equipment, etc. The Community Support Fund is now closed to applicants and details of successful projects will be published on gov.ie in the coming weeks.
Departmental Schemes
Questions (71)
Bernard Durkan
Question:71. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the number of schemes operated by her Department likely to contribute to urban and or rural communities by way of support; if she anticipates an expansion of such schemes in 2023; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19271/23]
View answerWritten answers
My Department's mission is to promote rural and community development and to support vibrant, inclusive and sustainable communities throughout Ireland. We do this by delivering a wide range of strategic interventions and investments throughout the country.
In 2022 my Department had a budget allocation of €379 million which supported rural and community development, including investment in infrastructure and initiatives assisting the retention and attraction of jobs throughout the regions. This is continuing this year with an increased allocation of €429 million. I can assure the Deputy that all my Department’s schemes are designed to support and contribute to urban and rural communities across the country, including Kildare.
The Town and Village Renewal Scheme is one such measure that supports the revitalisation of rural Ireland. Last year, I was delighted to provide total funding of €28.5 million across the various strands of the Scheme to support a wide range of projects across rural Ireland.
This year schemes such as the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund, with funding of €60 million, and the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme, with an allocation of €16 million, will all ensure continued support for our communities.
Similarly, I was delighted to introduce significant new supports for the development of community centres across the country in 2022; this will be continued this year and will be targeted primarily at new build community centres. The new Community Recognition Fund will also invest €50 million in rural and urban communities.
The Deputy is also familiar with other programmes such as CLÁR, the Local Improvement Scheme, and the Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme which also continue to deliver important supports for communities across the country each year.
Question No. 72 answered with Question No. 56.
Economic Policy
Questions (73)
Brian Stanley
Question:73. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if she has read the Independent Report to Advance Community Wealth Building in Northern Ireland published in October 2022 by the Department for Communities; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19282/23]
View answerWritten answers
As the deputy is aware, the concept of Community Wealth Building refers to a range of approaches to local economic development, including community-led local development.
The report has been considered by officials in my department and I am pleased to confirm that my department has in place a wide range of policies and programmes which support local economic development and community-led local development.
The creation of an environment in which social enterprises can thrive is a key element of Community Wealth Building. My Department is leading on the implementation of a Social Enterprise Policy, and work is underway to develop a new social enterprise policy.
The LEADER Programme, which supports investment in rural resources that create employment and generate wealth in rural areas, is a prime example of community led local development. The SICAP programme supports integrated approaches to addressing disadvantage at local level, and supports community-led initiatives in urban and rural areas.
The Community Services Programme supports 420 community organisations to deliver services and provide community owned facilities in mostly disadvantaged areas. The Western Development Commission under the aegis of my department provides social financing to support community initiatives in its operational area.
The Guidelines for the development of Local Economic and Community Plans by local authorities, which I published in November 2021, contain a clear framework for local economic development, to be adapted to the needs of each local authority area.
Both the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund and the Building Acquisition Measure of the Town and Village Renewal Scheme have invested in the regeneration of rural towns and villages, including measures for the acquisition of buildings for community use, which aligns with the concept of Community Wealth Building.
My department also participates on the cross-government Strategic Procurement Advisory Group which promotes and facilitates the inclusion of social considerations in public procurement projects, for the benefit of local communities.
My department is committed to working with other departments and with the community and voluntary sector to review the processes by which state bodies commission or procure the provision of social and community services, largely delivered through the community and voluntary sector, in order to maximise societal value.
Cybersecurity Policy
Questions (74)
Paul Donnelly
Question:74. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if her Department will fund projects where needed to upgrade and protect the IT systems of not-for-profit organisations against ransomware attacks, in view of reports that Irish non-profit organisations have been put at risk following a ransomware attack on a data management company in Northern Ireland. [19263/23]
View answerWritten answers
IT security measures, including installation of software to protect against ransomware attacks, is generally a matter for not-for-profit organisations themselves to ensure are in place.
Some programmes and schemes managed by my Department allow for indirect costs to be included in the administration fees. This may include, as part of IT requirements, anti-virus software or security software to protect against ransomware attacks.
Funding may be available through the LEADER Programme to upgrade and protect the IT systems of not-for-profit organisations against ransomware attacks. Organisations should, in the first instance, contact their relevant Local Action Group (LAG), through its Implementing Partner, to discuss relevant funding that may be available. The list of all Local Action Groups, their Implementing Partners and their contact details, is available on the Gov.ie website.
The Scheme to Support National Organisations (SSNO) plays a significant role in Government’s support to our national community and voluntary organisations through the provision of multi-annual funding towards their day to day operations. The overall aim of the SSNO 2022-2025 is to provide multi-annual funding towards core costs of national organisations in the community and voluntary sector, to assist them to operate and fund core staff positions. The SSNO 2022-2025 included provision for organisations to make an application for a defined percentage of indirect costs for the applicant’s national office, which included IT costs.
Island Communities
Questions (75)
Catherine Connolly
Question:75. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the details of any engagement to date in 2023 between her Department and Galway County Council with regard to the transfer of the land on Inishbofin on which the airstrip is situated; the expected timeline for the transfer of the land to her Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19313/23]
View answerWritten answers
I have been informed by my officials that there has been correspondence between my Department and Galway County Council in relation to this issue in the past number of weeks.
I understand that Galway County Council had to address the registration of ownership and boundary matters in order to progress the transfer of the land in question on Inishbofin. I understand that a final survey is to be completed in the coming weeks, after which, the Local Authority will proceed to transfer the land to my Department.
Departmental Data
Questions (76)
Alan Dillon
Question:76. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if she will provide a progress update on each project funded under the Rural Regeneration Development Fund in County Mayo; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19134/23]
View answerWritten answers
The Rural Regeneration and Development Fund provides funding for the development and construction of capital projects in towns and villages and rural areas across Ireland.
The Fund is central to achieving the objectives and key deliverables of "Our Rural Future" – the Government's five year policy for Rural Ireland. The projects supported by the Fund assist in the regeneration of rural towns and villages by addressing vacancy and dereliction, and positioning them for further growth through regeneration and town centre renewal. The Fund also invests in strategic projects that contribute to further economic development in rural areas.
Calls for applications to the Fund 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
To date, 215 projects have been approved for funding of €395 million for projects costing €542 million.
In relation to projects located in Co. Mayo, to date the Fund has provided over €31.8 million for 17 projects worth a total of €43 million.
The table below sets out the current status of the projects based on the information submitted in the most recent progress reports by the lead parties to my Department.
|
Project Title |
Lead Party |
Call |
Cat |
Project Description |
Cost |
RRDF Funding |
Status |
|
Claremorris Indoor Sports Facility |
Sligo LEADER Partnership CLG |
1 |
1 |
This project involved the construction of a 150x100m Air Dome with a height of 26m in Claremorris. |
€3,000,000.00 |
€2,100,000.00 |
Project Completed |
|
GTeic Hubs |
Údarás na Gaeltachta |
1 |
1 |
The provision and redevelopment of Enterprise/Digital that form part of the gteic Gréasán Digiteach na Gaeltachta project, which is a network of 30 innovation and digital hubs under development by Údarás na Gaeltachta. |
€1,045,406.00 |
€784,055.00 |
Project Completed |
|
Ballinrobe Regeneration |
Mayo County Council |
1 |
1 |
This project will support the strategic regeneration of Ballinrobe through the development of the Market House, upgrade of the library and surrounding grounds, and upgrade of the Bowers Walk area. |
€1,300,000.00 |
€975,000.00 |
Implementation |
|
Digiwest |
Western Development Commission |
1 |
1 |
This project established Rural Digital Working Hubs at 4 sites including one at Swinford, Co. Mayo. |
€214,911.50 |
€161,183.00 |
Project Completed |
|
National Parks |
Dept Housing, Local Government and Heritage |
1 |
1 |
This flagship national project will provide a major upgrade of National Parks and Reserves in a number of locations. |
€1,058,333.33 |
€793,750.00 |
Implementation |
|
National Parks |
Dept Housing, Local Government and Heritage |
1 |
2 |
This will implement the recommendations of the Tourism Interpretative Masterplan for Ireland’s National Parks and Coole Park. |
€445,000.00 |
€333,750.00 |
Implementation |
|
Geopark Development |
Geological Survey Ireland |
1 |
2 |
This project will develop a Geopark in the Joyce Country and Western Lakes area of Galway and Mayo and prepare an application for full UNESCO Global Geopark status for the area. |
€595,883.00 |
€342,137.00 |
Implementation |
|
Cycle Network |
Mayo County Council |
1 |
2 |
This project will progress and develop plans for a cycle network in County Mayo which extends from Leenaun in County Galway to the Sligo county boundary. |
€100,000.00 |
€75,000.00 |
Implementation |
|
Tourism Experiences |
Mayo County Council |
1 |
2 |
This project will develop a plan for a number of standalone tourism experiences between Mayo’s principal existing tourism destinations. |
€200,000.00 |
€150,000.00 |
Implementation |
|
Áras Scéalta an Atlantaigh - Visitor Centre and Tourism Hub |
Údarás na Gaeltachta |
2 |
1 |
This project will develop a major tourism hub in Eachléim on the Erris Peninsula in the North Mayo Gaeltacht. |
€3,685,526.00 |
€2,469,213.00 |
Implementation |
|
Ballintubber Abbey Culture and Heritage Visitor Centre |
Mayo County Council |
2 |
1 |
This project will restore and reconstruct the east wing of Ballintubber Abbey to house a cultural and heritage centre telling the story of the Abbey and Monastic Ireland. |
€4,795,190.00 |
€2,677,352.00 |
Detailed Design |
|
Clew Bay Greenway Project |
Mayo County Council |
2 |
1 |
This project will deliver a 5km extension of the Great Western Greenway between Belclare and Murrisk, Co. Mayo and other infrastructure along the full extent of the Clew Bay route and will provide safe routes from the greenway to nearby points of interest. |
€4,176,000.00 |
€1,924,800.00 |
Detailed Design |
|
Newport Regeneration Project |
Mayo County Council |
2 |
2 |
This proposal will deliver a range of actions to upgrade and stimulate growth in the town. |
€474,352.00 |
€355,764.00 |
Implementation |
|
Ballyhaunis Community Vision |
Mayo County Council |
2 |
2 |
This proposal consists of linked elements to regenerate the town, including the redevelopment of the former convent school to provide a new community hub and the creation of a new public plaza adjoining the hub. |
€180,280.00 |
€135,210.00 |
Implementation |
|
Phase 1 Regeneration of Sisters of Mercy Convent Site and Adjacent Lands |
Mayo County Council |
3 |
1 |
This project will transform the former Sisters of Mercy Convent site and adjacent lands, creating an iconic and welcoming focal point which will include a new Public Library and Community Services Hub. |
€9,198,535.00 |
€8,278,682.00 |
Planning/Procurement |
|
Ballinrobe Community Arts and Amenity Centre - Regeneration of the iconic Valkenburg complex |
South West Mayo Development Company CLG |
4 |
1 |
This project will regenerate a vacant building located on the main street in Ballinrobe to provide a multi-purpose community facility, tourism accommodation, conference and meeting facilities and a café. |
€5,743,000.00 |
€4,594,600.00 |
Phase 1 -Due Diligence |
|
Newport Regeneration |
Mayo County Council |
4 |
1 |
Public realm works will enhance the streetscape in the town centre including dark skies friendly lighting. The demolition of derelict buildings will allow the construction of an Enterprise and Tourism Hub, providing potential for sustainable economic activity and job creation. |
€7,066,342.00 |
€5,653,073.60 |
Phase 2 |
Departmental Schemes
Questions (77)
Claire Kerrane
Question:77. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the way her Department will work with local authorities to encourage them to apply for new funding for the town and village renewal scheme; if there will be a minimum submission requirement for each local authority; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19346/23]
View answerWritten answers
The Town and Village Renewal Scheme (TVRS) was introduced in 2016 and is one of a number of measures designed to rejuvenate rural towns and villages throughout Ireland. Since the launch of the scheme over €149 million has been allocated to more than 1,600 projects across Ireland. The Scheme has supported towns and villages the length and breadth of the country.
In line with the commitment in Our Rural Future, Ireland's rural development policy, TVRS prioritises are reviewed at the end of each scheme year to ensure that funding is targeted effectively to support vibrant and attractive communities. The review process for the 2023 Town and Village Renewal Scheme is currently at an advanced stage and I intend to launch the 2023 scheme in June of this year.
My Department works with local authorities on an ongoing basis. For example, my officials facilitated a workshop on rural development investment programmes on 19 April 2023 for local authority staff which included a focus on the Town and Village Renewal Scheme. This was another important opportunity to encourage engagement with the scheme, to clarify any queries in relation to developing applications, and to consult with our key delivery partners in relation to the most effective operation of the scheme.
Further information and assistance will be available following the launch the 2023 scheme in June. As the details of the scheme have not yet been finalised, I am unable to confirm the submission requirements at present.
The TVRS Team in my Department is on hand to assist with any queries that may arise from local authorities during the process of advertising, preparing and submitting applications to the scheme to ensure the Scheme has the maximum impact.
Community Development Projects
Questions (78)
Fergus O'Dowd
Question:78. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if she will provide an update on the work she is doing to support the development of proposals for a new community hub at Moneymore, Drogheda, as recommended by the Geiran report; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19143/23]
View answerWritten answers
Community centres are the cornerstone of community life in many towns, villages and urban areas around the country. This Government recognises the important role they play in community life in Ireland, bringing people together and engaging with those who may be marginalised or disadvantaged.
In 2021, the Drogheda Report Implementation Plan was published and the Drogheda Implementation Board established. The Plan comprehensively addresses the ongoing challenges and needs experienced by communities in Drogheda and identifies opportunities to connect, support and strengthen services in the area.
The Plan was adopted by cabinet with 70 actions falling out of the recommendations. The Drogheda Implementation Board is the coordination structure for the delivery of these actions. They have been a driving force for change and I would like to acknowledge the work which has been carried out by the Board to date.
An action contained in the Plan recommended that a community hub facility be established in the Northside/ Moneymore are. I am delighted to say that my Department will be providing €80,000 to the Drogheda Implementation Board to progress the preparatory work which must be undertaken as a precursor to the development of any such project.
Question No. 79 answered with Question No. 63.
Departmental Funding
Questions (80)
Paul McAuliffe
Question:80. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the total funding that the constituency of Dublin north west will receive under the social inclusion community activation programme in 2023; the amount received in 2022; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19331/23]
View answerWritten answers
My Department's mission is to promote rural and community development and to support vibrant, inclusive and sustainable communities throughout Ireland.
My Department's Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme (SICAP), is our country’s primary social inclusion programme. The current programme began on 1 January 2018 and will run until the end of 2023. The programme provides funding to tackle poverty and social exclusion at a local level through local engagement and partnerships between disadvantaged individuals, community organisations and public sector agencies.
SICAP is managed at a local level by 33 Local Community Development Committees, with support from local authorities. It is implemented nationally by 46 Local Development Companies across 51 Geographical areas (Lots).
Dublin North West Area Partnership administer the SICAP Programme across the Dublin North West constituency Lot area Dublin Ballymun, Whitehall & Tolka (Lot area 2-2).
In 2022, Dublin Ballymun, Whitehall & Tolka Lot area received a total of €1,754,776; €1,654,813 for SICAP and €99,963 for the Ukrainian response.
In 2023, the SICAP budget increased and Dublin Ballymun, Whitehall & Tolka Lot area received €1,810,818 in total; €1,704,457 for SICAP and €106,361 for the Ukrainian response.
Telecommunications Infrastructure
Questions (81)
Ruairí Ó Murchú
Question:81. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if she will provide an update on the work of the Broadband Mobile Phone Task Force, particularly the work being carried out to provide alternatives for people who are waiting for broadband connection for up to five years under the National Broadband Plan; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19283/23]
View answerWritten answers
The Mobile Phone and Broadband Taskforce was re-established in December 2021 with an inaugural meeting co-chaired by myself and Minister of State Ossian Smyth TD, involving participation from all key State stakeholders. In April 2022 we held a full meeting of the Taskforce with both State and Industry representatives. After this meeting the Terms of Reference and Work Programme for 2022-2023 were agreed and published on www.gov.ie.
The actions in the Work Programme relate to improving mobile phone coverage in rural areas, examining issues around planning permissions and licensing for, and sharing of, telecoms infrastructure, the use of public assets for telecoms purposes, and improving the quality and availability of information for consumers of telecoms services and products.
On February 15th 2023 the Mobile Phone and Broadband Taskforce Annual Stakeholder Forum was held with a focus on the human impact of improved connectivity. The forum presented an opportunity for state and industry to come together and take part in panel discussions, presentations and to meet in a less formal setting than the biannual Taskforce meetings.
The next meeting of the Mobile Phone and Broadband Taskforce will take place in Athlone in late April 2023. At this meeting updates will be presented on the status of each action, including those which have been completed and can be removed from the Work Programme. An updated Work Programme and an Annual Report of the Taskforce for the period April 2022 to April 2023 will be published after this meeting.
Under the National Broadband Plan, I note that, as of 7 April 2023, design work is completed in townlands across every county in Ireland. Over 146,100 premises across 26 counties are now available to order or pre-order a high-speed broadband connection from National Broadband Ireland, with over 131,000 premises passed and available for immediate connection.
In addition, I understand that Eir are in the process of extending their fibre services to 1.9m premises, that Siro has passed 450,000 premises with fibre services with another 320,000 premises planned, and that Virgin Media plan to bring gigabit broadband to 1m premises.
Notwithstanding these achievements, Minister Smyth and I are determined to see future-proofed high-speed broadband services available to all premises as quickly as possible. Accordingly, through the Taskforce, officials of both Departments are engaging proactively with public sector and industry representatives to identify obstacles to improved services and taking action as appropriate.
Lastly, I would highlight the role of the local authority Broadband Officers. These officers, co-funded by my Department and arising from an early action of the Taskforce, are tasked with supporting local residents, their elected representatives and telecoms operators to accelerate telecommunications development where appropriate.
The most recent data from ComReg shows a marked increase in fibre to the premises (FTTP) connections in Ireland (+36% year on year); data that speaks to the work of Broadband Officers but also the investments made to date by this Government and industry.
Departmental Strategies
Questions (82)
Thomas Gould
Question:82. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the role her Department is taking in the National Drugs Strategy. [19279/23]
View answerWritten answers
My officials have regular engagement with the Department of Health regarding the National Drugs Strategy. My Department is represented on the Strategic Implementation Group (4) of Reducing Harm and Supporting Recovery. This group comprises sectoral, agency and Departmental officials.
The strategy is relevant to my Department's work in the community and voluntary sectors as it is vital in ensuring the collective input of the statutory, community and voluntary sectors, to provide a coordinated response to drug and alcohol use in Irish society.
The strategy also involves mobilising communities and building their resilience to respond to the drug problem, particularly in marginalised communities. This links well with my Department’s Social Inclusion & Community Activation Programme (SICAP 2018 - 2023), which supports those hardest to reach, and those who are most at risk of marginalisation.
My Department has two main goals within the National Drugs Strategy, which relate to providing community supports in collaboration with schools and other youth programmes, and improving the life chances of those that are marginalised in society.
My Department will continue to assist with the important work of the National Drugs Strategy into the future.
Question No. 83 answered with Question No. 56.