Written Answers Nos. 679-681
679. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if her Department, or any body under the aegis of her Department, has facilitated in-person or remote briefings on any issue by organisations (details supplied) from 2020 to date; if so, the topic discussed; the fees paid to the organisations for these briefings; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52197/23]
View answerI can confirm to the Deputy that neither my Department nor the four agencies under the remit of my Department - the Charities Regulator, Pobal, Water Safety Ireland, the Western Development Commission - have facilitated in-person or remote briefings on any issue with the organisations referenced.
680. Deputy Marian Harkin asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if there are any current open funds for women’s shed projects; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52218/23]
View answerMy Department provides a range of supports which are available to Women’s Sheds, depending on the works being completed.
The Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme (SICAP) has provided supports to 60 Women’s Sheds, for example in facilitating training courses and holding focus groups. To date the programme also awarded small grants totalling over €9,000 to 6 Women’s Sheds. This support remains available through SICAP.
Last October, I was delighted to announce funding of €100,000 to support Women’s Sheds throughout the country with running costs, such as electricity and insurance bills. This funding was ring-fenced under the €10 million Community Support Fund 2022.
Women's Sheds were also eligible to apply for funding under the Community Support Fund (CSF) that was announced last November under the Community Enhancement Programme (CEP). The €10 million CSF was set up to help small community groups with their energy/running costs but also to provide funding for small capital works projects. The fund was administered by Local Community Development Committees on behalf of the Department and is now closed. Details of successful Women’s Sheds is available at www.gov.ie/DRCD .
There is likely to be a new iteration of the CEP in late 2023, however, details of the fund, the allocations available and the focus have not yet been confirmed. I would encourage all groups to check my department’s website www.gov.ie/drcd , and to engage with their Local Community Development Committees (LCDCs), Local Development Companies and Public Participation Networks (PPN) to ensure they are aware of funding opportunities as they become available.
Separately, funding under the LEADER programme is not targeted at any particular group or sector in rural communities. It is, rather, focused on a thematic approach to rural development. The budget for the LEADER programme is allocated for the duration of the programme rather than on an annual basis to allow more flexibility to the LAG in the allocation of funding.
Organisations, such as Women’s Sheds, may be eligible for LEADER funding but in the first instance contact should be made with the local implementing partner. Contact details for the Implementing Partners are available on my Departments website at www.gov.ie/en/publication/c45498-local-action-groups/.
681. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if there are funding schemes provided by her Department that can support the establishment of local arts centres; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52285/23]
View answerA vital part of my Department's mission is to support vibrant and sustainable communities across this country. While funding for arts and culture would mainly be the responsibility of the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sports and Media, I am happy to confirm that there are competitive funding streams provided by my Department which could contribute to supporting the establishment of local arts centres, details of which are set out below.
• The Rural Regeneration and Development Fund (RRDF) provides funding for the development and construction of capital projects in towns villages and rural areas across Ireland. The aim is to drive economic growth, combat dereliction and breathe new life into town centres. There is a strong focus on converting old buildings into remote working hubs, libraries, e-learning, cultural, enterprise, youth and community spaces. For example, in 2021 funding was approved for a project in Portumna, County Galway for the re-purposing the vacant courthouse into a new multi-purpose arts, performance, remote working and social space.
The Fifth Call for applications for Category 1 projects was announced earlier this month. This call is for large scale projects with planning and consents in place and ready to proceed. The minimum request from the Fund for Category 1 projects is €500,000 with no maximum set. The closing date for applications is 8th February 2024.
• Support under the LEADER programme is currently provided under a broad range of themes, including the Social Inclusion theme. Support under the 2023-2027 LEADER programme may be provided under the Economic Development and Job Creation, or Rural Infrastructure & Social Inclusion themes, and funding for local arts centres may be available under these themes.
Prospective applicants should, in the first instance, contact their relevant Local Action Group (LAG) or Implementing Partner to discuss the eligibility of the project and the funding that may be available. The 2023-2027 LEADER Programme is due to commence shortly and the list of all LAGs, their Implementing Partners and their contact details will be available on my Department’s website at www.drcd.gov.ie
• The Town and Village Renewal Scheme (TVRS) is one of a number of measures designed to rejuvenate rural towns and villages throughout Ireland. The current scheme is designed to support the revitalisation of rural Ireland through a renewed focus on town centre regeneration and enhancing economic and social vibrancy in line with the Town Centre First policy. This can be achieved through the purchase and/or renovation of derelict and vacant buildings being brought back into use as multi-purpose spaces, which includes use by the arts.
The 2023 TVRS closed for applications on 10th November 2023, and the assessment process has now commenced in the Department. The announcement of successful applications will be made in quarter one 2024.
