Written Answers Nos. 302-304
302. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the 2023 budget allocation for outdoor recreation infrastructure scheme within her Department; and the expected 2024 budget allocation for same. [45431/23]
View answerThe Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS) is funded by my Department under Our Rural Future. The Scheme provides funding for the development and enhancement of outdoor infrastructure such as trails, walkways, cycleways, blueways and bridleways throughout rural Ireland. Since the launch of ORIS in 2016, funding of in excess of €106 million has supported more than 1,500 projects across the country.
I launched the 2023 Scheme on 1st June with an allocation of €16 million, an increase of €1 million on last year's scheme. The scheme is being delivered under four Measures. The deadline for applications under Measure 1 and the Project Development Measure has now passed and assessments are ongoing. The deadline for applications under Measure 2 and 3 is 27th October. Successful projects under the Project Development Measure will be announced in the coming weeks. Approvals under Measures 1, 2 and 3 will be announced in Quarter 1, 2024.
I'm pleased to confirm that I have secured an allocation of €16 million for next year's scheme as part of Budget 2024. This is a welcome investment that will support a range of outdoor recreation projects nationwide. I look forward to reviewing the scheme in anticipation of the launch next year.
303. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the status of an application by an organisation (details supplied) to Pobal for funding for an additional full-time worker; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45759/23]
View answerMy Department's Community Services Programme (CSP) supports over 420 community-based organisations, to provide local services through a social enterprise model. CSP provides an annual co-funding contribution towards each full-time equivalent (FTE) position being supported, and, where warranted, towards the cost of employing a manager.
A call for applications for additional staff support from organisations currently funded under the CSP programme was launched on 1st September with a closing date of 29th September. Pobal, who manage and administer the programme on behalf of my Department, provided organisations with application supports and hosted an online information session on 13th September.
Applications received are currently being assessed by Pobal. I can confirm that the organisation in question submitted an application for an additional post.
Due to the volume of applications received, the assessment process will take some time. it is expected that notifications will issue to organisations early in 2024.
304. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development how the people of Clare will benefit from her Department’s allocations in Budget 2024; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45780/23]
View answerMy Department, through Budget 2024, will continue to support vibrant, inclusive and sustainable communities across Ireland, including in Co. Clare.
The Budget provision of €431 million for my Department provides over €205 million for rural development and over €225 million for community development. This will support investment in regional, rural and local communities, investment in our islands, as well as a wide range of initiatives promoting social inclusion.
In addition to the core funding of €410 million, for my Department in 2024, €21 million of the total €431 million allocation with support our response to the Ukraine crisis. In that regard, €11 million is allocated to provide assistance to new arrivals from Ukraine through the Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme (SICAP), and €10 million is being provided to fund projects approved under the Community Recognition Fund, which acknowledges the contribution by so many communities in welcoming and hosting arrivals from Ukraine and other countries.
The overall funding provided by my Department will help promote social cohesion and support the development of rural and urban communities throughout the country and in Co. Clare through ongoing schemes such as the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund (RRDF), the Town and Village Renewal Scheme (TVRS), the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS) the Community Centre Investment Fund (CCIF), the CLÁR Programme, and the Community Services Programme (CSP).
Between 2020 and 2023, my Department approved almost €45 million for projects in County Clare. Approved projects include, for example; €3.9 million under the RRDF to re-purpose the Old Rectory House at Mountshannon as a community and visitor hub; €3.5 million under the RRDF for the redevelopment of a vacant building at Kilrush Marina to be used as a Maritime Training Centre; €500,000 through ORIS to repair and upgrade a section of the looped North Coastal Walk at the Cliffs of Moher, and; €200,000 under the TVRS to upgrade the Burren Centre at Kilfenora. The funding for my Department in 2024 will ensure that projects such as these are delivered in County Clare and throughout the country.
