Written Answers Nos. 68-90
69. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the number of derelict or vacant properties that have been brought back into use and notified to her Department, by county, since 2022, in tabular form. [4028/24]
View answerThe Town Centre First Policy is a major cross-government policy that aims to tackle vacancy, combat dereliction and breathe new life into our town centres. It supports the Our Rural Future vision for a thriving rural Ireland which is integral to our national economic, social, cultural and environmental wellbeing and development.
Central to the Town Centre First approach is the range of support funding in place, including my Department’s Rural Regeneration and Development Fund and the Town and Village Renewal Scheme, which both aim to prioritise addressing vacancy and dereliction throughout rural Ireland.
In 2022, in recognition of the urgent need to transform and regenerate town centres, I introduced under the Town and Village Renewal Scheme a new Building Acquisition Measure. The purpose of this measure was to support local authorities to immediately acquire derelict or vacant buildings with the intention of using these projects for town regeneration in line with the aims of the overarching Town and Village Renewal Scheme.
I am happy to confirm that 29 properties were purchased by local authorities under the 2022 Building Acquisition Measure utilising €6.1m, and 24 properties were purchased under the 2023 Measure utilising €4.6m.
The 2023 Town and Village Renewal Scheme which was launched last July with funding of €15 million is also designed to support the revitalisation of rural Ireland. The closing date for applications was 10th November 2023, and the assessment process has now commenced. I expect to announce successful projects by the end of Quarter 1 of 2024.
The fifth call of the Rural Regeneration Development Fund is also currently open for applications, with a closing date of 8 February. I would expect to again see issues of vacancy and dereliction featuring in the applications received.
As requested by the Deputy I have attached a table to this answer outlining the projects funded by my Department since 2022 which focus on the challenges of vacancy and dereliction.
72. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if she will provide an update on the legislative programme. [3504/24]
View answerThe current legislative programme for my Department relates to the Charities Amendment Bill, 2023, which was published on 22 December 2023, and concluded Stage 2 of the legislative process on 25 January 2024. In addition, there is initial work on amendments to the Dog Breeding Establishments Act 2010 and the Control of Dogs Acts .
The Charities Amendment Bill revises and updates the 2009 Charities Act, and is a key step that needs to be implemented in order to allow for the appropriate regulation, particularly financial regulation, of the sector. The aim of the Bill is to improve the ability of the Regulator to conduct its statutory functions, providing greater transparency, clarity and fairness in terms of the regulation of charities. It provides for amendments to existing charity law and delivers on a Programme for Government commitment to ensure that the Charities Regulator has the necessary powers to further build trust and confidence in the management and administration of charities.
Among the reforms included in the Bill are the establishment of a new charitable purpose, the advancement of human rights, and measures to strengthen the Charities Regulator’s powers in relation to the protection of charitable organisations.
It should be noted that while the Bill contains significant reforms, the intention is to ensure, at all times, proportionate regulation of a vital sector of Irish society. I look forward to working with Government colleagues in progressing this Bill in the coming months.
With regard to the amendments to the Dog Breeding Establishments Act 2010 and the Control of Dogs Acts, the establishment of a stakeholder group to begin the consultation process for legislative change has been approved by the Minister. This group is currently being convened, and a first meeting of the group is expected to take place shortly.
75. Deputy Peter Fitzpatrick asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if she will provide an update on all current National Development Plan 2021-2030 projects under her Department being progressed in County Louth, including the current status of each project and the planned completion date; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3827/24]
View answerThe National Development Plan (NDP) has set out funding envelopes for my Department that have allowed significant and sustained capital funding for rural and community development throughout the country, with capital expenditure of €213 million achieved in 2023.
As detailed in the NDP, the key rural development schemes are the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund, LEADER, Town and Village Renewal, the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme, CLÁR and the Local Improvement Scheme. These have been supplemented by new schemes to address particular emerging demands, in particular the Community Centre Investment Fund and, more recently, the Community Recognition Fund.
Since 2021, my Department has allocated almost €23.5 million in capital funding to County Louth through the NDP funding envelopes. Specific examples of funding for County Louth include:
• Funding of €276,079 since 2021 under ORIS for five projects all of which have been completed. These projects include the Louth Blue Flag Beach Accessibility Project and the Carlingford Omeath Greenway Enhancement Project.
• Funding of €422,764 allocated in 2023 under the Local Improvement Scheme for improvements to 10 non-public roads. All projects were completed and a total of €415,741 was drawn down, leaving a saving of €7,022.32.
• Finally, the Community Centre Investment Fund has approved funding of €928,206 for 21 projects and the Community Recognition Fund has approved funding of €1.56 million for 11 projects in 2023.
With regard to status of projects funded under these NDP supported schemes in County Louth, a table is attached to this PQ response which details this information in full.
80. Deputy Peter Fitzpatrick asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the details on the total amounts of monies awarded to Louth County Council by her Department in 2023; the total monies drawn down and spent by Louth County Council over the same year; if not spent, the total monies that were returned to her Department respectively over the same year; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3826/24]
View answerI can confirm that in 2023 over €6.5 million was allocated to County Louth through the wide range of programmes and schemes administered by my Department. I can also confirm that total funding drawn down across County Louth in 2023 was €6.8 million, with €6.5 million of that drawn down by Louth County Council.
In some instances, projects approved for funding are delivered over a multi-annual period. This means that funding allocated in one year may not be drawn down until the following year or later, at the point that the project has completed satisfactorily.
Some of the key allocations approved for County Louth in 2023 included:
• €1.7 million for the Community Services Programme;
• €1.7 million for the Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme;
• €1.5 million for the Community Recognition Fund; and
• €422,764 for the Local Improvement Scheme;
In 2023 the following amounts were de-committed in County Louth due to projects being completed for less than originally anticipated and approved:
• €34,451 under Town and Village Renewal;
• €7,022 under the Local Improvement Scheme;
• €16,767 under the Town Centre First initiative, and;
• €415 under Dormant Account Fund Libraries scheme;
In addition, there was one project under the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme, which was pre-funded by my Department, and for which Louth County Council returned €1,033 as it was completed for less than the amount planned.
Budget 2024 provides my Department with a gross allocation of €431 million. This 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. My Department will continue to work closely with local authorities, including Louth County Council, to ensure that our resources are put to best use, which is reflected in the level of expenditure incurred each year by my Department.
82. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development to outline what funding options/calls for funding her Department will run this year. [3923/24]
View answer95. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development to outline what calls for funding her Department will launch in 2024. [3994/24]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 82 and 95 together.
My Department provides funding through a range of highly impactful schemes and programmes aimed at supporting sustainable, inclusive and thriving communities.
In 2023 my Department's outturn of €417 million supported a range of policy priorities across the country. This funding has seen community centres revitalised, outdoor amenities established and community supports rolled out to combat poverty and social exclusion.
Significant funding approvals were made in 2023, including €3.4 million for Longford, €5.9 million for Westmeath and €16.5 million for Cork. These allocations included funding towards the costs of taking on and rejuvenating vacant and derelict buildings and repurposing them for community use.
Through funding from the Town and Village Renewal Scheme Building Acquisition Measure, both Kanturk in Cork and Moate in Westmeath were supported to secure unused premises with allocations of €250,000 and €300,000 respectively.
Budget 2024 provides my Department with a gross allocation of €431 million. Included in this is €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. The capital increase reflects the expenditure ceilings set out in the National Development Plan, but also Government’s continuing commitment to rural and community development.
This year, over €205 million in funding is available for the Rural Development Investment Programme, which includes schemes such as Town and Village Renewal, LEADER and the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund.
Also included in this year’s allocation is additional funding for the Local Improvement Scheme and CLÁR, bringing their funding levels up to €13 million and €8.7 million respectively. These schemes provide much needed funding for capital projects that improve the quality of lives of those living in rural Ireland, and the experience of those visiting our wonderful rural hinterlands.
Under Budget 2024, over €225 million has been secured for my Department’s Community Development Programmes. These include the Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme (SICAP), and the Community Services Programme. These two programmes will have combined core funding of over €100 million.
The allocation for Community Development also provides funding of €21 million to support the Community Centre Investment Fund in 2024 – delivering upgrades to existing centres and allowing investment in new centres where they are needed, in both rural and urban areas.
Budget 2024 also provides €11 million in current funding to assist with the community response to the Ukraine crisis under SICAP and through volunteering supports.
As is evident, the ambition of my Department remains high and we have much to deliver in 2024.
With regard to specific schemes, funds and the timelines to their launch, these details will be released in due course throughout the year. It should be noted that applications under Category 1 of the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund may be submitted up to 8 February.
I would encourage anyone interested in my Department’s funding schemes to visit our website at gov.ie where details of future calls will be posted.
84. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the full extent of supportive measures she has taken in 2023 and proposes to take in 2024 to support urban and rural community issues; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3982/24]
View answer87. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the extent to which she continues to remain in contact with various urban and rural community organisations, with a view to identifying to the maximum extent to which she can see potential for supportive measures in the coming year; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3983/24]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 84 and 87 together.
My Department operates a range of programmes and schemes that support rural development, and urban and rural communities throughout the country. The targeted investment and supports which my Department provides to all communities contributes to rural regeneration, facilitates new working opportunities, and fosters regional enterprise growth.
Capital schemes including the Town and Village Renewal Scheme, LEADER, the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund, the Local Improvement Scheme, and the Community Centre Investment Fund are delivering projects throughout the country. Current funding supports such as the Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme and the Community Services Programme are helping to tackle social exclusion and support thriving communities.
In addition to our long standing funding supports, over the course of 2022/2023, my Department has introduced a number of new schemes to meet the emerging needs of communities. These include the Community Centre Investment Fund, providing investment of €20 million in 2023 for new build multi-functional community centres. A further tranche of funding under the Community and Voluntary Energy Support Scheme (CVESS) was also provided during 2023 to assist the community and voluntary sector with payment of increased energy costs. I would also note that in 2023 my Department established the Community Recognition Fund, which approved projects worth €50 million to help support communities welcoming new arrivals.
The provisional outturn for my Department in 2023 was €417 million – and this demonstrates the scale of support and investment now available to communities right across the country.
Budget 2024 provides my Department with a gross allocation of €431 million. This funding will allow me to maintain the excellent supports in place, and to provide some targeted increases, for example increasing funding for LIS to €13 million and for CLÁR to €8.7 million. I am also providing €21 million to support the Community Centre Investment Fund in 2024.
This increased level of funding availability will further support investment in regional, rural and local communities, investment in our islands, as well as a wide range of initiatives promoting social inclusion.
Already this year I have announced investment of over €6.2 million in funding for schools, community and sports facilities nationwide under the 2023 CLÁR Programme. This funding will support the delivery of 152 high quality community and sports projects nationwide.
In addition, €4.5 million has been allocated under the Town and Village Renewal Scheme’s Building Acquisition Measure, to enable local authorities to purchase and re-develop 24 vacant and derelict buildings in rural towns and villages across Ireland. These buildings will be developed for a range of community purposes.
My Department prioritises timely, meaningful and open engagement with community groups, local government and other interested parties. This engagement process provides important insights into issues impacting on communities and assists my Department in identifying and responding to emerging needs. Accordingly, we maintain continuous contact with all stakeholders to ensure that the most relevant supports are administered to the maximum extent in our communities.
I would encourage anyone interested in my Department’s funding schemes to visit our website at gov.ie where details of future and current calls can be found.
86. Deputy Christopher O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development when the CLÁR scheme will open for applications; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4011/24]
View answerThe CLÁR Programme provides funding under a number of different measures for small-scale infrastructural projects in designated rural areas that have experienced significant levels of depopulation over a defined period.
Since the programme was relaunched in 2016, it has supported a wide range of measures with over €70 million being approved for almost 2,400 projects throughout rural Ireland. This funding is making a real difference in many of our smaller and more remote communities.
The CLÁR 2023 programme was delivered under 3 separate measures. The first measure provided support for developing new community facilities and amenities, and I expanded this last year to include infrastructure facilities at sports clubs. There was a huge response to this addition and I was delighted to announce funding for 113 sports clubs through this new initiative. This was alongside 152 other projects approved for communities under measure 1.
Last year CLÁR also provided specific funding for projects located on our islands and continued to support the purchase of vehicles for the transport of patients to cancer care treatment and for community first responders.
In total, funding of almost €13 million was provided for over 300 projects under CLÁR 2023. It included supports for a vast array of projects that will benefit people of all ages and abilities such as playgrounds, sensory gardens, outdoor cinemas, walking tracks, and community gyms.
Every year I review the focus of the scheme and I will shortly be giving consideration to the measures to be included in the 2024 CLÁR programme in advance of its launch in the coming months.
88. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if she will outline the total funding for local community development committees for each of the past five years; if she will commit to significantly increasing it this year; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4009/24]
View answer103. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if she is satisfied with the level of resources available to local community development committees; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4010/24]
View answerLocal Community Development Committees (LCDCs), as created under the Local Government Reform Act, 2014, bring together local authority members and officials, state agencies, people actively working within local development and community development and economic, cultural and environmental organisations with a view to implementing a joined-up, cross-sectoral approach to local and community development programming through the medium of a Local Economic and Community Plan (LECP).
My Department has strategic responsibility for the local and community development governance structures introduced on foot of the local government reform process, namely the LCDCs and LECPs. This involves supporting the operation of the LCDCs and the development and implementation of the LECPs on an ongoing basis.
In this context, my Department provides annual financial support to local authorities to support their community function, including the work of the LCDCs. Total funding to the local authorities, known as the 'Additional Staff Resource' or ASR, over the past five years, is set out in table below.
|
Year |
Total Funding for LCDC |
|
2019 |
€1.878m |
|
2020 |
€2.058m |
|
2021 |
€2.040m |
|
2022 |
€2.040m |
|
2023 |
€2.110m |
A review of the ASR has recently concluded and has re-affirmed a clear and continuing need for this funding. Budget 2024 has provision for an additional €1m for the relevant sub-head and I have committed to a significant increase in funding for the LCDCs for 2024.
The review of funding of LCDC-related functions via the ASR also forms part of a wider consideration of how DRCD can support local authorities to deliver on DRCD funded capital schemes and programmes more generally.
89. Deputy Peter Fitzpatrick asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the number of hubs that have joined the connected hubs network and have been onboarded onto the connectedhubs.ie platform; her future plans for the development of additional hubs; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3830/24]
View answerOur Rural Future recognises the opportunity for rural rejuvenation that remote working presents and commits to establishing a comprehensive and integrated national network of 400 remote working hubs by 2025.
Substantial funding has been invested by my department in the development of remote working facilities through a variety of programmes. Successful projects are developed in collaboration with local authorities and communities with many vacant and derelict buildings converted into remote working hubs.
In 2021, I launched connectedhubs.ie, a shared online booking and payments platform for member hubs and their users. An interactive map shows the location and details of each remote working hub on the network. There are currently 342 facilities across the country on-boarded to the platform, with 10 located in Co Louth.
Following strong progress on the establishment of the Connected Hub Network and on achieving the initial critical mass, I am now focusing on the next stage of development of this network. My Department, together with the Department of Enterprise Trade and Employment, is leading the development of a first National Hub Strategy in consultation with hub managers, local authorities, communities and other stakeholders. I intend to bring this strategy to Government this year.
The Strategy will inform the future direction of the National Hub Network a and ensure the strategic development and sustainability of Ireland’s Hub Infrastructure.
I am committed to ensuring that the National Hub Network will continue to make a central contribution to the achievement of the Government's vision for rural Ireland, as set out in Our Rural Future.
90. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development what collaboration is taking place between her Department and the Department for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth to ensure adequate supports are put in place to support communities who are accommodating asylum seekers and international protection applicants; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3954/24]
View answerThe Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme, or SICAP, is our country’s primary social inclusion intervention. SICAP aims to reduce poverty and promote social inclusion and equality.
SICAP workers have valuable experience and knowledge of supporting migrants, asylum seekers and refugees in their areas. I was happy to secure €10m in 2023 to continue supports to arrivals from the Ukraine and also to International Protection Applicants .
This funding supported approximately 88 Local Community Groups who focused on supporting the New Arrivals. Approximately 7,936 individuals were also supported by provision of translation services and English classes, transport services and labour market supports.
For 2024, I was delighted to once again secure €10m in funding for New Arrivals. The 2024 allocation has been revised to take account of changes and data revisions since the 2023 allocation. The revised model allocates funding based on the proportion of Ukrainian arrivals and IPAS Candidates in each SICAP Contract Area, using data provided by the Central Statistics Office and the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth (DCEDIY).
€9m of the €10m will be distributed quarterly to each SICAP Contract Area. €1m has been held as a contingency to enable my Department to respond to emerging issues throughout the year. I am particularly conscious of the potential for situations to rapidly evolve as the year progresses, and my officials will continue to engage with officials in DCEDIY, SICAP Programme Implementers and Local Community Development Committees to address any matters that may arise over the course of 2024 and to ensure that supports continue to be in place.
In addition my Departments administers the Community Recognition Fund which recognises the huge efforts made by communities going to great lengths in welcoming and supporting people coming to Ireland. Funding of €50 million for some 900 projects is supporting towns and villages nationwide that have shown such generosity in welcoming people from Ukraine and other countries . My Department is currently looking at further ways to support communities in this regard.
