Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 14 November 2023
632. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the extent to which she continues to maintain contact with community-based groups involved in the promotion of community support services with particular reference to ensuring that communities continue to receive the level of support and encouragement required and in keeping with modern requirements; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [49986/23]
View answer634. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the extent to which she continues to liaise with urban and rural community groups with a view to developing an ongoing strategy to meet their needs insofar as is possible; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [49988/23]
View answer636. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the extent to which she has received communications from various voluntary groups who may be seeking assistance for projects in their respective areas; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [49990/23]
View answer637. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the extent to which she expects the recent budget to facilitate those seeking assistance from her Department with particular reference to community-based activity in urban and/or rural settings; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [49992/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 632, 634, 636 and 637 together.
My Department, through Budget 2024, will continue to support vibrant, inclusive and sustainable communities across Ireland.
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 delivering on our remit my Department liaises with stakeholders in communities around the county on an ongoing basis, including through the Local Authorities, Local Community Development Committees, Public Participation Networks and the Local Development Companies, to ensure that supports provided are timely and appropriate to the needs of those communities.
While the schemes administered by my Department have a consistent, ongoing focus, they are regularly adapted and supplemented in response to emerging needs. Such examples are the Community Call Initiative, the Covid-19 Stability Scheme, the Accelerated Town and Village Renewal Scheme, the Community and Voluntary Energy Support Scheme and the Community Recognition Fund.
My Department will continue to engage with rural and urban stakeholders to identify issues impacting on communities and respond to emerging needs. I am confident that the funding supports and policies provided by my Department will continue to deliver tangible benefits for both urban and rural communities.
