Written Answers Nos. 474-478
474. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if the ReAct (Renewable Energy for self-sustainable Island Communities) is still open for applications or if there are similar schemes available for solar panels on Ireland’s offshore islands; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23729/23]
View answerI understand that ReACT is a research programme and forms part of the EU’s framework for the delivery of research and innovation programmes in the area of developing energy management and storage systems. I understand that a number of State bodies are involved with the programme, including the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI), ESB Networks and Údarás na Gaeltachta.
As the Deputy will be aware, my Department has no remit in relation to energy, which is a function of the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications. I understand that Department and the SEAI operate a number of schemes to support the installation of solar panels
475. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development for a timeline on the implementation of rural proofing; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23751/23]
View answerOur Rural Future is the most ambitious and transformational policy for rural development in Ireland for decades. It commits to developing an effective rural proofing model to ensure the effects of significant new proposals on rural communities are fully considered, and better target the particular challenges and opportunities facing them.
To advance this measure, my officials commissioned a research report on rural proofing which was published in January 2023. It outlines options that could be applied in the Irish context and assesses the merits and potential barriers to their implementation.
The report makes clear that all the international evidence in relation to rural proofing is that no ‘one size fits all’ approach can be quickly and successfully implemented. This international experience is an important factor in shaping our approach to rural proofing, and I was happy to have recently met with Lord Richard Benyon, Minister of State for Biosecurity, Marine and Rural Affairs to discuss the experience of implementing a rural proofing approach in the United Kingdom.
Informed by the conclusions of the report, my Department is developing a nationally applicable rural proofing approach by first applying rural proofing concepts to a number of pilot test initiatives.
As part of this approach, my officials have engaged with a number of key Government Departments. Officials are now working with the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media in relation to rural proofing and the development of the new Sustainable Tourism Policy. Similarly, work is also underway on the development of the new National Hubs Strategy, and the incorporation of the rural perspective is a key part of this work. Officials have also engaged with colleagues in the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage in relation to their ongoing work on the National Planning Framework.
My officials will continue to work collaboratively with relevant Departments to progress work in this area in 2023 to ensure that our approach to rural proofing incorporates an appropriate ‘rural lens’, is sustainable over the longer term and adds value.
476. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if her Department will provide funding for towns in rural areas to develop remote working hubs; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23781/23]
View answerOur Rural Future, Ireland's rural development policy 2021 - 2025, commits to investing significantly in remote working infrastructure to provide an opportunity for more people to live in rural communities while following their career ambitions. There are a number of measures in my Department which support the development of remote working hubs.
The Town and Village Renewal Scheme was introduced in 2016 and is one of a number of measures designed to rejuvenate rural towns and villages, making them more attractive places in which to live, work, visit and invest. In line with the commitment in Our Rural Future, the 2022 Scheme prioritised projects that bring vacant and derelict buildings back into use.
Since it was first introduced over €149 million has been allocated to more than 1,600 projects across Ireland. It has supported a range of activities from improving public realm areas to initiatives such as the development of enterprise hubs and remote working facilities. To date the TVRS has supported almost 130 hubs across Ireland, some 60 of which are dedicated towards co-working or remote working. The priorities for the 2023 TVRS scheme are currently under review and will be announced in due course.
The Rural Regeneration and Development Fund provides investment to support suitable projects in towns and villages with a population of less than 10,000, and outlying areas, which will deliver on the National Strategic Objective of Strengthened Rural Economies and Communities.
The funding from the RRDF is provided to further the aims of Our Rural Future, which highlighted the need to build strongly on existing investment and to strive for even greater ambition and progress on the objective of balanced regional development. Projects supported include those that will deliver remote working facilities in rural areas. In total the Fund has now provided over €397m for 215 projects across Ireland, worth a total of €544m. An RRDF Category 1 call is due to open in Quarter 4 of this year.
Funding for the development of remote working hubs in rural areas may also be available under the LEADER programme, and arrangements for the new LEADER programme are now at an advanced stage.
Through the work of the Interdepartmental Steering Group for the National Hub Network, officials are now working on a new strategy for the development of the network. This strategy will, inter alia, examine the most appropriate and effective approach to funding for the hub network in the coming years to ensure that value for money continues to be delivered.
477. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if the development of second level education on the island of Inishbofin, County Galway will be included in the island policy to be announced soon in view of affording the young people on the island the maximum chance of getting as much as possible of their education there; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23892/23]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, my Department is currently finalising a new National Islands Policy. This policy will set out the Government's vision for supporting and sustaining our island communities.
The responsibility for development of schools is within the remit of the Department of Education. That Department is represented on the Inter-Departmental Committee which has been overseeing the development of the islands policy. In addition, officials from my Department have engaged bilaterally with officials in the Department of Education to agree commitments for the policy and its accompanying action plan, which is currently being finalised.
478. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if she will provide an update on the town and village scheme funding application by a community group (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23967/23]
View answerThe Town and Village Renewal Scheme (TVRS) is part of a range of measures to support the revitalisation of rural Ireland. The programme is funded under Project Ireland 2040 as part of Our Rural Future, Ireland's Rural Development strategy.
The Scheme is administered on behalf of my Department by the local authorities. Since the introduction of the Scheme in 2016, over €149 million has been approved for more than 1,600 projects across the country.
In 2017, €96,000 was awarded to Balla under TVRS for enhancement works. This funding was drawn down in stages in 2018 and 2019 and this project is fully completed.
On 14 December 2022, I announced funding of over €27m under the Town and Village Renewal scheme for 2022. This included funding of €120,000 for Balla, for the development of a community park at Woodlands Estate and for Community and Enterprise hub in the courthouse building.
Following this announcement, my Department sought additional clarification from Mayo County Council. This has been received and the Letter of Offer and Funding Agreement issued on the 8th March 2023.
A signed funding agreement was received from Mayo County Council on 21st March 2023 which confirms that the local authority were in agreement with the terms and conditions of the Funding Agreement. Therefore, works on the development of a community park at Woodlands Estate and for Community and Enterprise hub in the courthouse building have been eligible to commence from 21 March 2023.
