Written Answers Nos. 1087-1100
1087. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he has enquired as to what the cause of the delay in the allocation of funding (details supplied); and what is currently being done with these funds. [40739/23]
View answerThe matter referred to by the deputy relates to EIB Loan Approval for capital works at UCC. Section 38 of the Universities Act, 1997 sets out the basis for borrowing and loan guarantees by universities. It provides for such borrowing in accordance with a framework agreed between the universities and the Higher Education Authority. The current borrowing framework provides for universities to engage in borrowing within agreed parameters including that such borrowings are in accordance with the objects and functions of the university and the university is able to meet the annual servicing costs without recourse to additional Exchequer funding.
As an autonomous body, it is a matter for UCC to prioritise its capital projects accordingly. There have been two rounds of capital funding made available to Higher Level Institutions under the Higher Education Strategic Investment Fund (HESIF) in the years since the loan approval was received by UCC. Each institute was permitted to submit one project per funding round and the Dental School would have been eligible for funding under HESIF. UCC has not chosen to submit the Dental School for consideration. However, UCC did lodge two successful applications in that time, one for the Business School and one for an upgrade to the Kane Building, projects which have received €50 million in direct exchequer funding from this Department .
1088. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the status of a project (details supplied); the amount awarded; the amount drawn down to date; the contractors engaged; and the minutes of all meetings relating to the fund under the Rural Regeneration Development Plan. [39466/23]
View answerThe Rural Regeneration and Development Fund provides funding for the development and construction of capital projects in rural towns and villages across Ireland. To date, 215 projects have been approved for funding of €403 million for projects costing almost €551.7 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 funding to enable the development of project proposals suitable for future calls for Category 1 applications. The Fermoy Town Centre Renewal Project was approved for funding of €1,540,000 from the Third Call for Category 2 applications in 2022. The lead party is Cork County Council. This project will develop plans for the adaptive and sustainable reuse of vacant town centre buildings to accommodate a range of uses that will address the social, economic, cultural and physical needs of the town, the development of an exemplar Craft Makers Hub, the provision of enhanced recreational facilities and place making and public realm enhancements. A multidisciplinary team has been established to bring the project to a stage where planning is in place and it is ready to be submitted to a call for Category 1 applications. Preliminary site investigations, including the desktop traffic public realm enhancement plan, have been completed. Cork County Council are currently awaiting the outcome of a report from Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) in order to progress the Part 8 approval of the public realm plans. Public consultation will be carried out once the Part 8 process begins. RRDF funding of €200,000 has been drawn down to date towards the purchase of a property. The lead party to the project has advised that the project's estimated completion date is Quarter 4 of 2024.
1089. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if a fund for urban-village signage is available in Cork city. [39509/23]
View answerThe Town and Village Renewal Scheme was introduced in 2016 and is one of a number of measures designed to rejuvenate rural towns and villages throughout Ireland. The programme is funded under Project Ireland 2040 as part of Our Rural Future, Ireland's Rural Development policy.
The Scheme is administered through local authorities, who work closely with local communities and businesses to develop proposals that can make a lasting impact in revitalising rural towns and villages across the country. Since the launch of the Scheme in 2016, almost €156 million has been allocated to more than 1,700 projects across Ireland. The Scheme is part of a suite of supports to support rural communities across Ireland as part of my Department’s Rural Development Investment Programme.
In the first instance, it should be noted that the focus of the Town and Village Renewal Scheme is to provide support for projects located in rural towns and villages throughout the country with a population, in the main, of less than 10,000 people. The scheme has to date funded projects in eligible towns which aim to enhance the appearance and attractiveness of rural towns and villages, and as part of such wider projects funding has been provided for enhanced signage. However, funding for signage as a stand-alone item has not formed part of the scheme to date.
Should the Deputy’s question related more to signposting, under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 the operation and management of individual national roads, including signposting, is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland, in conjunction with the local authorities concerned.
1090. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development to detail the preparations being undertaken by her Department in advance of the European Accessibility Act (Directive (EU) 2019/882); the guidance that is being issued by her Department to organisations and businesses in advance of the enactment of the directive; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39674/23]
View answerThe European Accessibility Act is an important EU Directive that will introduce mandatory minimum accessibility requirements for certain products and services across the European Union, applicable to economic operators in both the public and private sectors. The Act is currently being transposed by the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, with the Act covering a range of products and services which have been identified as important for those with disabilities. These will be subject to the Act if they are brought onto the market after June 28 2025. In the context of the scope of the Act, I do not envisage specific guidance being required for the sectors and organisations supported by my Department.
I would note that my Department is committed to meeting its obligations on accessibility, and ensuring that the public have full access to our services and that this access is available to all equally. Among the steps taken in this regard are:
• My Department has appointed an Access Officer in accordance with Section 26 of Disability Act 2005. The role of the Access Officer is to co-ordinate the provision of assistance and guidance to persons with disabilities in accessing our services.
• My Department’s website operates under the Gov.ie banner. Amongst the work undertaken to date has been the ongoing improvement of content, particularly in terms of the use of Plain English. In that regard, Gov.ie partially complies with Level AA Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 standards and has a compliant accessibility statement available at www.gov.ie/en/help/accessibility
• My Department is committed to providing easy access to our services by offering a range of different ways for our customers to contact us, including in-person contact, by email, phone, and through our CallPal service.
• My Department has a Disability Liaison Officer (DLO) in place to ensure that the Department meets its obligations under relevant employment legislation as well as adhering to best practice guidelines in relation to the employment of people with disabilities. The core function of the DLO is to assist and support staff with disabilities and their line managers by the provision of necessary information, appropriate contacts, guidance, suggestions and advice and they ensure reasonable accommodation is place for those staff who require it. In addition, the DLO also plays an important role in promoting awareness about disability across the department and liaising with the National Disability Authority (NDA).
The Department of Rural and Community Development will continue to progress relevant accessibility requirements, including any future requirements which may emerge.
1091. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if she will consider including provision for local history projects in one of her Department's funding streams; if she sees the value of such projects for communities; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39726/23]
View answerIreland is renowned around the world for our heritage, culture and history and this immense cultural capital draws visitors to our island and sustains communities. Our Rural Future recognises the important contribution of culture, history and heritage to communities and to tourism development, and I am pleased to say that local history projects are, and have been, eligible to apply for funding under a number of schemes managed by my Department. Schemes such a CLÁR, Town and Village Renewal, and the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund have provided funding for works ranging from small scale improvement to local historical sites, to full regeneration of important historical buildings.
In addition my Department is an Accountable Department under the PEACE Programmes. Some of the key investment areas supported under the existing programme span a broad range of areas of focus, including history. Full details on all PEACEPLUS investment areas are available on the Special EU Programmes Body website - www.seupb.eu/ .
The LEADER programme is a key intervention implemented by my Department which will help to underpin the Government's rural development goals as outlined in Our Rural Future. In October last, I was happy to announce the process to select new local action groups (LAGs) to deliver the next LEADER Programme. At the end of August I announced the first two LAGs selected to deliver the 2023-2027 LEADER Programme, with more LAGs coming on stream as they are selected. As LAGs are appointed, applications for approval for LEADER funding will be open in the given sub-regional area. In order for a project to be eligible for LEADER funding, it must be compatible with the actions outlined in the approved Local Development Strategy for the area concerned, and it must comply with the Operating Rules and EU Regulations in place for the programme. In this context, local history projects may be considered eligible for funding under the LEADER programme. However, decisions on the nature of the projects to be supported and the funding to be awarded are solely a matter for each LAG.
1092. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development for an update on an organisation (details supplied); the services the organisation provides in counties Cavan and Monaghan; how many persons are provided with a service; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39728/23]
View answerFirstly, I want to acknowledge the wonderful work the Meals on Wheels Network does at a local and national level in supporting people to remain in their homes and communities and in supporting individuals in their recovery after hospitalisation or periods of illness.
In 2020 I announced funding under Measure 3(a) of the CLÁR programme to enable community-based organisations which deliver Meals on Wheels and linked services to purchase equipment and make adaptations to existing vehicles to support the provision of their services. This initiative was in recognition of the critical role played by community groups in responding to COVID-19, with a particular focus on those groups providing Meals on Wheels services. Funding of almost €340,000 was approved for some 45 projects nationwide with funding approved for two groups in Monaghan, namely Truagh Development Association (€14,000) and Clones Development Society (€9,337).
In addition, under Measure 2 of the 2023 CLÁR programme my Department approved €22,400 to the Castleblaney Trust for Homeless, Needy & Unemployed for the provision of a vehicle to deliver meals on wheels in the Castleblaney area.
Notwithstanding the supports mentioned above, it should be noted that the National Meals on Wheels Network operates under the umbrella of Irish Rural Link, and is funded from a number of sources. While my Department has provided some funding, including that outlined above, the main source of funding for Meals on Wheels providers is through the HSE Section 39 funding process. My Department does not have access to the level of information which the Deputy is requesting in relation to how many persons are provided with a service within individual counties.
I recognise the important value to communities throughout the country, and particularly for isolated or vulnerable members of our communities, of the continued provision of the Meals on Wheels service. My Department will, therefore, continue to provide supports through our relevant existing funding streams, such as the CLÁR Programme.
1093. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if she will confirm the date when funding will be allocated (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39739/23]
View answerThe LEADER Programme is a key intervention of Our Rural Future, the Government’s Policy for rural development which aims to deliver a range of actions to rural communities over the lifetime of the policy.
€250 million has been made available for the LEADER programme for the period 2021 to 2027. This is comprised of €70 million for the transitional period 2021 to 2022 and an additional €180 million from 2023 to 2027, thus maintaining the level of funding provided for the 2014-2020 programming period
Funding of €6,844,812 has been allocated to County Clare to deliver the 2023-2027 LEADER Programme. The funding will be made available when the Local Development Strategy selection process is completed in the Clare area.
Since my recent announcement of the approval of the first two successful Local Action Groups (LAGs) to deliver the 2023-2027 LEADER programme my Department’s focus now is to complete the selection of the remaining LAGs to ensure a timely and smooth transition from the 2014-2020 programme.
1094. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development to provide clarity on a matter (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39800/23]
View answerMy Department's mission is to promote rural and community development and to support vibrant, inclusive and sustainable communities throughout Ireland. The Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme (SICAP) our country’s primary social inclusion programme, aims to reduce poverty and promote social inclusion and equality by supporting disadvantaged communities and individuals.
SICAP’s structure, with its emphasis on ‘bottom-up’ local community development approaches within the framework of a national programme, enabled flexibility to respond to the needs presented as a result of the impact of the Ukrainian crisis. To assist in the community response to support people arriving from Ukraine, an additional €5 million was announced in 2022 to support the Local Development Companies, through SICAP. A further €10 million is also being provided under SICAP in 2023 to allow Local Development Companies to continue their work to support arrivals from the Ukraine.
I acknowledge the vital work SICAP does in helping so many Ukrainian individuals and community groups with 5,000 Ukrainian people receiving one-to-one supports through SICAP in 2022. In addition 65 Local Community Groups likewise received supports and 496 events were held throughout the year focusing on provision of support for new arrivals from Ukraine.
The funding for SICAP and additional funding for Ukrainian supports is subject to the annual budgetary process. I can assure the Deputy that I review the level of funding of all programmes each year as part of the budgetary process and it remains my intention to continue to prioritise funding for SICAP and additional funding to enable continuity of supports to Ukrainian nationals.
1095. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if the social inclusion and community activation programme (SICAP) budgets will be increased to reflect the exorbitant inflation experienced over recent years and with due consideration given to the demands on SICAP, which have grown considerably; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39801/23]
View answerThe Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme (SICAP), is our country’s primary social inclusion programme that aims to reduce poverty and promote social inclusion and equality by supporting disadvantaged communities and individuals.
I believe SICAP is a hugely important programme and was delighted to secure a 10% increase for SICAP for 2022, the largest increase since the programme was launched. For 2023 I secured a further increase of €1.3m. This represents a total increase of €5.3 million for the programme increasing its annual funding allocation to €44.4m.
The arrival of Ukrainians to communities across Ireland has had a significant impact on the demands on SICAP and SICAP workers have been to the forefront of local responses in this context. To assist in the community response to support people arriving from Ukraine, an additional €5 million funding was announced in 2022 to support the Local Development Companies, through SICAP. An further €10 million is also being provided under SICAP in 2023 to allow Local Development Companies to continue their work to support arrivals from Ukraine.
I recognise the vital work SICAP does in helping so many individuals by improving the life chances of those who are marginalised in society, living in poverty or unemployed.
Funding for SICAP is subject to the annual budgetary process. I can assure the Deputy that I review the level of funding for all programmes each year as part of the budgetary process and it remains my intention to continue to prioritise funding for SICAP.
1096. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if, with respect to Government policy, specifically within 'DRCD: Sustainable, Empowered and Inclusive Communities, Action Point 4.1' on page 27, which commits to moving towards a multi-annual funding model for organisations in the community and voluntary sector, on the basis that annual funding arrangements create uncertainty and inefficiencies within the voluntary sector, she will detail how this area is to be developed over the coming years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39803/23]
View answerIn August 2019, the Department of Rural and Community Development launched Sustainable, Inclusive and Empowered Communities: a five-year strategy to support the community and voluntary sector in Ireland. The Strategy sets a general direction of travel for government policy in relation to community development, local development and the community and voluntary sectors for the coming decade.
The strategy was co-produced by Government and representatives from the community and voluntary sectors. This was facilitated through a cross-sectoral group that oversaw the strategy design process and continues to oversee its implementation. This group set the priorities and agree the annual workplan. Work is currently in progress across all objectives within the strategy.
Some progress has been made by my department under Action 4.1 in the area of sustainable funding models for the sector through, for example, the redesign of the Community Services Programme (CSP), including a differentiated funding model targeted at meeting assessed funding needs. This followed a series of engagements with a broadly representative consultative group. CSP organisations have now been re-contracted under the redesigned programme for a period of up to five years.
The new iteration of the Support Scheme for National Organisations (SSNO) commenced in July 2022, with the aim of providing multi-annual funding towards the core costs of national organisations in the community and voluntary sector, to assist them to operate and fund core staff positions. This new Scheme builds on the developments of the 2019-2022 programme, to help strengthen and consolidate the administrative and operational capabilities of recipient organisations, which is integral to the provision of essential services on the ground.
Under Action 4.3 of the strategy, work is underway in mapping the national practice on commissioning with a view to reviewing the current practice and developing a new model, incorporating a set of principles and best practices reflecting a collaborative, partnership and whole-of-government ethos and prioritising societal value and community need. Information on contracting arrangements (including the provision of multi-annual funding) will be gathered in the context of the mapping exercise which will assist in the further implementation of Action 4.1 over the coming years.
1097. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if she will provide a schedule of applications received by municipal districts in Wicklow County Council’s local authorities under the 2023 allocation; if she will provide a breakdown, by the library branch that was allocated funding and amount, in the local authority under the libraries capital programme in 2023; if she will provide a schedule of the proposals received for a small-scale capital works programme in public libraries to date in 2023 under the new libraries capital programme by each municipal district in County Wicklow and/or by Wicklow County Council, by amount; and to provide an outline of the proposed project. [40102/23]
View answerMy Department issued a call for proposals on the 3 April 2023 for Local Authorities to submit projects to be funded under a new Libraries Capital Programme which will run from 2023 to 2027. The closing date for receipt of proposals was 16 June 2023 and one application was received from Wicklow County Council. The application requested funding of €3m for Ballywaltrim Library which is in Bray Municipal District.
It is not possible to provide a breakdown of Libraries Capital Programme funding at this time because proposals are currently being assessed by my Department. It is expected that successful projects, including the amount of Libraries Capital Programme funding being awarded, will be announced in Q4 2023.
A Small Scale Capital Works Programme was funded by my Department in 2020. This supported small scale capital projects, generally with a maximum value of €111,000, in each local authority area. The call for proposals that issued to Local Authorities in April 2023 stated that only library capital projects with a total value of more than €500,000 would be considered eligible for funding under the new Libraries Capital Programme. There will be no small scale capital projects funded, arising from this call for proposals.
1098. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development how much of the budget allocated towards the community centres investment fund has been spent to date. [40117/23]
View answerCommunity 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.
The 2022 Community Centres Investment Fund saw over €45.8 million being committed to the improvement and refurbishment of existing community centres across Ireland. As of today, I can confirm that over €32 million has been spent under the 2022 Community Centre investment fund. I expect the majority of the remaining funding for the Community Centre Investment Fund 2022 to be drawn down by the early months of 2024.
Following on from this funding, I wanted 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 has moved to new builds.
I was delighted to announce a €20 million fund in March for ‘shovel-ready’ new build community centre projects on green or brownfield sites. The Measure was open to both urban and rural communities. The minimum grant funding available was €1 million with the maximum being €6 million.
Following the July 3rd deadline for applications, I can confirm that 22 applications have been submitted. These are currently being assessed by my Department and it is expected that successful projects will be announced in the coming months.
1099. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development to provide details on the measures her Department has taken to implement specific action points (details supplied) of the action plan to support the National LGBTI+ Inclusion Strategy 2019-2021. [40238/23]
View answerThe Department of Rural and Community Development is committed to supporting empowered, inclusive and resilient communities. Details on the measures undertaken and delivered by my Department to implement specific actions points, referred to by the deputy, of the action plan to support the National LGBTI+ Inclusion Strategy 2019-2021 are outlined below:
• Since 2019, my Department has provided funding through the Dormant Accounts Fund to support LGBTI+ community organisations across the country. The main purpose of this funding is to help the organisations make the existing community infrastructures inclusive and welcoming to the LGBTI+ community and to provide pop-up LGBTI+ services in areas not currently serviced.
• My Department is leading, with assistance from Pobal, on a Dormant Accounts Funded project which seeks to build capacity, as well as provide resources and toolkits to support the engagement of marginalised communities in consultation and decision-making processes at local level. As part of that project, training has been provided on a number of areas, including on the Public Sector Duty. That training was delivered by IHREC to local authorities and other relevant local stakeholders. As part of the project a resource guide, entitled ‘A Guide for Inclusive Community Engagement in Local Planning and Decision Making’ was launched in February 2023. A second version of that guide is currently being finalised which includes an input from LGBT Ireland on how to create an inclusive environment for people from the LGBTQI+ community.
• AMACH! LGBTI+ Galway is one of the organisations receiving funding from the Community Development Pilot Programme. This funding allows the organisation to continue their work in implementing specific measures in the action plan to reflect equally the diversity within the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community by encouraging positive participation from the community. AMACH! actively advocates to achieve a solid and safe support structure for the LGBTI+ community and raise awareness, provide educational and training events and workshops, and endeavour to support and promote a socially inclusive society.
• The Scheme to Support National Organisations (SSNO) provides multi-annual funding towards core costs of national, community and voluntary organisations. Two organisations with a direct focus on LGBTQI+ supports are being funded under the current iteration of the SSNO, Belong to Youth Services and LGBT Support and Advocacy Network Ireland. In addition, there are other organisations funded under the SSNO programme, while not having a specific focus on LGBTQI+ supports, may provide related supports and advocacy.
• Library authorities have selection policies in place for purchasing books. This requires public libraries to compile an LGBTI+ reading list under the ‘Healthy Ireland at your Library’ collection. A working group with representation from BeLonG To, HSE Sexual Health and Crisis Prevention, Irish National Teachers' Organisation LGBTI+ Group, public libraries and Transgender Equality Network Ireland were brought together to input to a reading list, update it on an ongoing basis and examine opportunities for the enhancement of stock to support the LGBTI+ community.
In addition, my Department supports LGBTI+ visibility through the encouragement of staff to attend events that include Dublin Pride under the banner ‘Proud to Work for Ireland’ along with other themed events held in the Department’s offices during Pride month.
There is also a dedicated Equality, Diversity and Inclusion section on the intranet where staff can access LGBTQ+ information, supports and resources from the CSEAS, PAS and IHREC. Equality, Diversity and Inclusion is a key goal in Our People Strategy 2022-2025 and has working groups comprising a mix of grades and genders to drive forward its work on the People Strategy. The Learning and Development Manager is involved in the Civil Service LGBTQ+ network and encourages DRCD staff to join the network and attend events.
1100. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development to provide a list of all studies, research and reports commissioned by her Department that were outsourced, in each year since the formation of this Government, in tabular form; the names of the companies to which each study, research and report was outsourced; the total cost for each; the number of reports finalised and presented to her that have yet to be released by her Department; the dates on which any such reports yet to be released were first provided to her; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40377/23]
View answerInformation on all studies, research and reports commissioned by my Department that were outsourced in each year since the formation of this Government are set out below:
2020
|
Company |
Description |
Cost incl. VAT |
|
Maynooth University |
CLÁR Programme Review |
€20,086 |
|
Social Justice Ireland |
Development of 2019 Annual Report of PPNs |
€10,000 |
|
Indecon International Economic Consultants |
Review of the Community Services Programme |
€112,422 |
|
RPS |
Guidance document relating to the rollout of the National Broadband |
€83,537 |
|
Future Analytics |
Feasibility study RE Digiwest network of rural digital working hubs throughout the AEC region |
€19,919 |
|
Doonane Construction Services Ltd |
Cost report on works re LEADER Project Claim |
€1,476 |
|
Space Engagers |
The Town Centre Living InitiativeSix Pilot Towns: Synthesis Report |
€12,880 |
|
Acrux Consulting |
Investigation for confidential HR staff case |
€12,984 |
|
Economic and Social Research Institute |
Evaluation of SICAP Pre-Employment Supports |
Output under joint ESRI D/RCD research programme 2019-2023 with total value €210,000 |
2021
|
Company |
Description |
Cost |
|
Social Justice Ireland |
Development of 2020 Annual Report of PPNs |
€10,000 |
|
Indecon |
The Landscape of Philanthropic Giving in Ireland. |
€80,000 |
|
Outdoor Recreation Northern Ireland |
Review of the Delivery, Funding and Strategic Development of the Walks Scheme |
€66,545 |
|
Venture International Limited |
Review of the Rural Economic Development Zone (REDZ) Scheme |
€41,350 |
|
Economic and Social Research Institute |
Review of International Approaches to Evaluating Rural and Community Development Investment and Supports |
Output under joint ESRI D/RCD research programme 2019-2023 with total value €210,000 |
|
OECD |
Review of Implementation of Social Enterprise Policy in Ireland – Not completed (Estimated Q4 2023) |
€130,000 |
|
Pobal |
The Community and Voluntary Sector Skills Audit (2021-2023) |
€109,216 (No Vat Charged) |
|
Pobal |
National Volunteering Strategy: Research for Action 20 (2021-2023) |
€70,000 (No Vat Charged) |
2022
|
Company |
Description |
Cost |
|
Curran Futures |
Investment Fund Consultant contributed to the Periodic Critical Review of the Western Development Commission |
€22,140.00 |
|
NorthPoint Aviation |
Consultation service in publishing a EU compliant PSO air service Tender document for the Aran Islands air service |
€5,000 |
|
Onside |
Support with the renewal of sponsorship for the SuperValu TidyTowns competition for the period 2023-2027 |
€27,675 |
|
Crowe Advisory Ireland |
To facilitate the design, planning and hosting of a national civic forum event including preparatory focus groups, a mid-project progress report with recommendations and a project outcomes report. |
€19,931.54 |
|
Grant Thornton |
Support with the development of Our People Strategy 2022-2025, DRCD Values, and a Leadership Development Programme. |
€103,960 |
|
Amárach Research, Social Enterprise Republic of Ireland, Irish Local Development Network. |
To administer Baseline Data Gathering Exercise of Social Enterprise in Ireland. To develop a methodology, carry out a survey and draft a report. |
€100,318.80 (80% paid in 2022, final payment held until project completion in 2023) |
|
Venture International Limited |
Independent Review of LEADER Delivery Models for the 2014-2020 LEADER Programme |
€21,817 |
|
William Parnell and Ciaran Lynch |
Developing an Effective Rural Proofing Model For Ireland |
€5,000 |
|
Mazars |
PPN structural review |
€74,000 |
|
Social Justice Ireland |
Development of 2021 Annual Report of PPNs |
€10,000 |
|
Values Lab |
Evaluation of Pilot Community Development Programme (over 3 years) |
€19,680.00 (2 payments made to date of €6,560 each) Final payment of €6,560 due in December 2024 on completion of evaluation) |
|
Quality Matters |
Ability Programme Evaluation 2018-2021 |
€62,361 |
|
.IE & Dublin City University |
Digital Town Blueprint Reports |
€206,532 |
2023
|
Company |
Description |
Cost |
|
Grant Thornton |
Staff training programme |
€65,472 |
|
Crowe Ireland |
Civic Forum – design, planning, hosting and reporting (contract commenced in 2022) |
€14,311.05 |
|
Crowe Ireland |
Facilitation of a round table discussion with DRCD and Volunteer Centres |
€5,842.50 |
|
Amárach Research |
To conduct a Baseline Data Gathering Exercise of Social Enterprise in Ireland (Commenced 2022). Published May 2023 |
€25,079.70 (final 20% payment, first payments in 2022) |
|
KPMG |
External review and broad national stakeholder consultation regarding SICAP 2018-2023 |
€92,250 |
|
National University of Ireland |
First Government of Ireland-NUI Post-Doctoral Fellowship in Rural Development. ‘Mapping Social Enterprises and their Impact on Sustainable Rural Development in Ireland’[Commenced 2022, funded over 2 years] |
€62,300 (Tranche 1 Paid February 2023) €55,600 ( Tranche 2 paid September 2023 |
|
TASC Ireland |
Mapping of national commissioning practice in Ireland |
€31,812 |
|
Consortiaco |
Research into Socially Responsible Public Procurement & Buy-Social. Not completed. (Joint project between the Department of Rural and Community Development, Department of Justice and Pobal.) |
€27,860 |
|
Social Justice Ireland |
Development of 2022 Annual Report of PPNs |
€10,000 |
|
Method Consultants |
Upcycling of Bicycles and e-Bikes Pilot Initiative Evaluation Report |
€7,995 |
|
ESRI |
Civic and Political Engagement Among Young People in Ireland: The research is a collaboration with DCEDIY and is co-funded by both Departments at a cost of €64,585. DCEDIY paid half in 2022. DRCD will pay the remaining half in 2023 in the amount of €32,292.50. |
€64,585 |
There are currently no reports submitted to the Minister or awaiting immediate release.
