Brendan Griffin
Question:271. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if she is considering any new funding streams for 2024; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [55805/23]
View answerWednesday, 13 December 2023
Questions (271)
Written answers
Budget 2024 provides my Department with the resources to continue our policy and programme priorities in 2024. The gross allocation of €431 million will provide €210 million for capital investment, with the remaining €221 million for current expenditure. These allocations represent a core funding increase of €4 million for capital and €12 million for current, compared to 2023.
Our most recent Statement of Strategy was published in August 2023, and this sets out the Department's mission as “to promote and support vibrant, inclusive and sustainable communities throughout Ireland” to 2025. The Department’s existing policies and funding schemes will support delivery of this mission, and my Department will continue to consider supports in response to emerging needs of communities right across the country.
The Rural Development Investment Programme will continue to support investment throughout rural Ireland in 2024 by delivering schemes including the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund (RRDF), the LEADER Programme, Town and Village Renewal, the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme and the CLÁR Programme. These schemes are having a huge impact throughout the country, and they offer local authorities and communities significant flexibility in the type of projects put forward for funding.
Applications are currently open for RRDF Category 1 projects. This call is for large-scale projects with planning and consents in place and ready to proceed. The minimum request for Category 1 projects is €500,000, with no maximum set. The closing date for applications is 8 February 2024.
With regard to community development, key funding programmes including the Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme (SICAP) and the Community Services Programme (CSP) will continue in 2024. I will be announcing successful projects for funding for new-build community centres under the Community Centre Investment Fund (CCIF) for the first time in 2024. I recently announced funding of €6 million for a new Local Enhancement Programme which will provide capital supports essential for the many small community groups and organisations, particularly those who serve disadvantaged areas in rural and urban areas. There will be a particular focus on small capital works/improvements, and the purchase of equipment for community use. The scheme is designed to ensure local priorities are identified and met and to improve and enhance community facilities for all. €1 million of this fund is reserved for Women’s Groups in recognition of the fact that there is a growing number of Women’s Sheds, groups and networks across the country. The funding is administered locally by Local Community Development Committees (LCDCs) across the country, and applications for funding can be made directly to the relevant LCDC.
Details of all funding schemes for 2024 will be made available on my Department’s website at www.gov.ie/drcd as they become available.