Written Answers Nos. 91-119
91. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the amount of the €50 million community recognition fund, announced in May 2023, that has been spent to date; the projects on which it was spent; the counties in which the money was spent; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3979/24]
View answerThe Community Recognition Fund recognises the huge efforts made by communities in welcoming and supporting people coming to Ireland. Funding of €50 million for some 900 projects is supporting towns and villages nationwide that have welcomed people from Ukraine and other countries.
The Fund aims to support the development of facilities that will be used in the future by all members of the community. It is important to note that this is separate from other public funding streams which aim to address public service needs arising from the significant number of new arrivals into Ireland.
Through this initiative, communities are being assisted to develop projects such as large-scale multi-purpose sports facilities, walkways, cycle paths, playgrounds, equipment for sports clubs and community festivals. Vehicles have also been funded to address transport needs in communities.
381 projects have submitted a partial or final drawdown claim, of which some 200 of these projects are now complete. To-date, €10.2 million in project costs has been drawn down from the fund.
A key priority for me now is to ensure that the range of projects approved across the country are delivered in a timely manner and I look forward to seeing projects coming to fruition across the country in the coming months.
The attached table outlines the projects where funds have been drawn down to date.
94. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the way she is assisting communities across the country to organise; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3990/24]
View answerIn 2019, my Department launched Sustainable, Inclusive and Empowered Communities, the Strategy to support the community and voluntary sector in Ireland. The Strategy seeks to create a vibrant and active civil society, developing opportunities for all communities to contribute, engage and participate in decision-making and policy implementation.
As part of the strategy implementation, in November 2022, my Department held the first Civic Forum, for formal dialogue between the state and the community and voluntary sector. The second Civic Forum was held in November 2023 and was attended by 130 representatives from national and local government as well as a wide representation from across the community and voluntary sectors.
Another initiative under the Strategy, a two-year project working with local authorities and other local stakeholders to improve the engagement of marginalised communities in local planning and decision making concluded in December 2023. The project ran a number of pilots as well as developing resources and toolkits, including a resource guide, 'A Guide for Inclusive Community Engagement in Local Planning and Decision Making'. Training was also provided in engagement strategies, inter-cultural awareness, the Public Sector Duty and facilitation skills. The overall project was aimed at ensuring that marginalised and disadvantaged communities have opportunities to engage and participate in local planning and decision-making.
The Scheme to Support National Organisations (SSNO), funded and overseen by my Department, also plays a significant role in Government’s support to our national community and voluntary organisations.
In addition, my Department provides funding to the members of the Community and Voluntary Pillar to engage in dialogue and policy formation. The Pillar is a seventeen-member group representing community and voluntary organisations, which contribute to the social dialogue process.
My Department also has overall responsibility for the funding, governance oversight and development of Public Participation Networks (PPNs). The focus of the PPN is to empower and assist volunteer-led community representative groups to participate in local authority policymaking and decision-making. Where community representation is required on local authority committees, such as Strategic Policy Committees or Local Community Development Committees etc., it must be sourced through the PPN. This gives local community groups a greater say in local government decisions which affect their own communities.
PPNs were established following the enactment of the Local Government Reform Act 2014, section 46 of which sets out their legislative basis. There is now a PPN in each of the 31 local authority areas across the country. Membership of a PPN is open to all volunteer-led/not-for-profit groups in a local authority area, and over 18,000 groups nationwide are currently members. In 2022, 901 PPN representatives sat on 418 local authority boards and committees, bringing the voice of the community sector to the decision-making table.
96. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if additional funding under any scheme under the remit of her Department is being considered for areas, particularly in north Louth, that have been badly affected by recent flooding; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4008/24]
View answerThe Office of Public Works in conjunction with local authorities have the primary responsibility for preventive and emergency flood relief measures. Other Government Departments including the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment have also developed measures following the exceptional flooding in 2023 such as the Emergency Business Flooding Scheme and the Enhanced Emergency Business Flooding Scheme which provided support to small businesses, sports clubs, community and voluntary organisations who were unable to secure flood insurance and were affected by flooding in Counties Cork, Waterford, Limerick, Kilkenny, and Louth.
Under the remit of my Department of Rural and Community Development, the Local Improvement Scheme supports the improvement of rural roads and laneways that are not normally maintained by local authorities. The scheme makes an important contribution to connectivity in rural Ireland. As part of Our Rural Future, the Government is committed to ensuring that the Local Improvement Scheme (LIS) is funded into the future.
The scheme was re-introduced in 2017 following a number of years with no dedicated funding. Between 2017 and 2023, this Department has allocated almost €130 million towards improvement works on over 4,000 non-public roads and lanes. These works have benefitted over 20,000 landowners and residents in rural Ireland.
In 2023 alone, a record investment of almost €30 million was allocated to Local Authorities across the country. Of this figure €422,764 was allocated to Louth County Council to complete works on its list of priority roads.
I am glad to confirm that the allocation for the Local Improvement Scheme in 2024 is €13.55 million, an increase of €1 million on the initial funding allocated in 2023. In the interests of giving local authorities the maximum amount of time to carry out works on LIS roads I intend to announce the 2024 scheme imminently. My officials will be in contact with local authorities regarding the detail of the scheme as soon as it is announced.
97. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development further to Parliamentary Question No. 30 of 14 November 2023, the status of the monitoring committee for the implementation of the new policy for the islands; the terms of reference of the committee; the membership of the committee; the number of meetings held to-date and the dates of same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3980/24]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, Our Living Islands - the National Island Policy 2023-2033 was launched in June of last year. Our Living Islands is a substantial document – a ten-year policy backed up by rolling three year action plans. It has time-bound commitments so that Departments and agencies across Government can be held to account.
A coordinated and cohesive approach across a range of Government Departments will be required for the implementation of the policy, which is underpinned by the principle of the full engagement by island communities in the process.
In that regard, I approved the establishment of the Monitoring Committee, chaired by my Department, to engage with key Government Departments, agencies and local authorities in relation to progress on implementation and to report to me.
The inaugural meeting of the Monitoring Committee took place on 7 December 2023, and the next meeting has been provisionally scheduled for 6 March 2024.
The terms of reference and membership of the Monitoring Committee have been published on the Our Living Islands webpage on gov.ie and reflect the Government commitment to ensuring that island communities are key participants in the process.
There are representatives of island communities on the committee from counties Donegal, Mayo, Galway and Cork, nominated by Comhdháil Oileáin na hÉireann, along with a representative of Comhar na nOileán. The committee also includes representatives of both the Rural and Community divisions of my own Department, along with the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, the HSE, Údarás na Gaeltachta and the City and County Managers Association on behalf of Local Authorities, all of which have key roles in the delivery of the policy and action plan.
99. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development further to Parliamentary Question No. 23 of 14 November 2023, for an update on the work of the steering committee tasked with monitoring progress on the development of the piers on Inis Oírr and Inis Meáin; the date of the next meeting; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3981/24]
View answer106. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the progress made to date with the development of the pier in Inis Meáin, which is urgently needed, following the study carried out by the Marine College in Cork; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3955/24]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 99 and 106 together.
As the Deputy is aware, Galway County Council is the responsible authority for the maintenance and development of pier infrastructure on the Aran Islands.
A steering committee consisting of representatives from my Department and Galway County Council meets on a regular basis and is due to meet again on Tuesday 20th February to monitor progress on the development of the piers on Inis Oírr and Inis Meáin. Both projects are included in the National Development Plan and are at different stages of progress.
In July 2023 I gave approval to Galway County Council to issue a request for tender for the development of the Inis Oírr pier. Galway County Council is the contracting authority and is therefore responsible for all aspects of the procurement process. I understand that a two-stage tender process is currently underway. Galway County Council is currently evaluating the tenders received for stage one and is preparing to publish the documents for stage two. Subject to the successful completion of this procurement process, it is expected that a contractor will be appointed later this year.
I can assure the Deputy that I am determined that we maintain the momentum to get this project underway and completed.
With regards to Inis Meáin, it is my understanding that officials from Galway County Council have drafted the necessary documents to appoint a consultant to assist in preparing a Preliminary Business Case. These draft documents take account of the study carried out by the National Maritime College in Cork and are currently being reviewed to ensure compliance with the Public Spending Code in order to look at all viable options for providing safe harbour facilities on Inis Meáin.
My Department and Galway County Council agree that there will be clear engagement with island representatives and the independent consultant to be appointed, ensuring that the entire community has input into the process.
My Department will continue to engage with the local authority to ensure the process is progressed without delay and a consultant appointed as quickly as possible.
100. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if she would consider embodying initiatives to promote positive ageing within all the programmes of her Department, wherever practically possible; and if she will outline the specific areas of greatest potential. [4015/24]
View answerMy Department’s mission is to support vibrant, inclusive and sustainable communities throughout Ireland. In delivering on its mission, my Department provides a wide range of programmes, schemes, and policies to support individuals living in our communities, of all ages. Funding provided by my Department supports both urban and rural communities and includes supports for sports clubs, youth groups, and community and voluntary groups.
My Department seeks to provide flexible approaches to funding of such groups so that appropriate supports can be provided for all communities, and for people of all ages. With regard to supports that assist with positive aging, a number of schemes would be of particular importance.
The Senior Alert Scheme encourages community support for vulnerable older people in our communities through the provision of personal monitored alarms to enable them to live securely in their homes with confidence, independence and peace of mind. Funding is available under the scheme towards the purchase by a registered community-based organisation of a personal alarm or pendant. The Dormant Accounts Fund helps to support this scheme given the level of demand for it.
The CLÁR Programme provides capital support for projects which assist in positive aging, for example, community gyms, outdoor gyms and public walkways. The Community Centre Investment Fund is financing improvements to community centres throughout the country, many of which are used for community activities that promote and assist in positive aging. The Community Services Programme (CSP) supports over 2,000 positions in more than 420 community organisations to provide a vast range of local services through a social enterprise model. The CSP supports a range of services and activities that enhance the quality of life of older people, including the provision of meals within centres and via a meals-on-wheels service.
The Positive Ageing Strategy has a specific goal regarding removing barriers to participation. My Department contributes to this through supports for the Public Participation Networks (PPNs) across the country. The PPNs are important structures enabling and encouraging active participation at local level and give citizens a greater say in local government decisions which affect their own communities.
I would also note ongoing annual support for both Tidy Towns, and Men’s and Women’s Sheds, both of which are important outlets for people of all ages, but which make a particularly strong contribution to positive aging and ensuring our communities remain welcoming places for all.
Given the range of supports outlined, I am satisfied that our programmes and schemes make a strong contribution to assisting with positive aging, and that the flexibility offered by our schemes ensure all groups that need support can obtain it.
102. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the additional funding and resources paid out in County Cavan and County Monaghan in 2023, specifically to support the integration of asylum seekers and international protection applicants into the communities they are being accommodated in, in tabular form; if she has plans to increase this funding and resources in 2024; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3953/24]
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 to continue supports to arrivals from the Ukraine and also to International Protection Applicants in 2023. A breakdown in allocations for Cavan and Monaghan is outlined in table 1 below.
Table 1:
|
Lot Name |
Programme Implementer |
New Arrivals 2023 |
SICAP 2023 |
Total Funding 2023 |
|
Cavan County |
Cavan County Local Development |
€334,412 |
€907,049 |
€1,241,461 |
|
Monaghan County |
Monaghan Integrated Development CLG |
€84,838 |
€703,630 |
€788,468 |
For 2024, I was delighted to once again secure €10m for New Arrivals funding. The 2024 allocation of the €10m funding for new arrivals 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.
While some contract areas will see increases or decreases to their New Arrivals allocation compared to 2023, this approach ensures the distribution of funds is equitable and data-driven , with funding following the changes in population concentrations for each area. The allocations for Cavan and Monaghan for 2024 are outlined in table 2 below.
Table 2:
|
Lot Name |
Programme Implementer |
New Arrivals 2024 |
SICAP 2024 |
Total Funding 2024 |
|
Cavan County |
Cavan County Local Development |
€148,693 |
€968,229 |
€1,116,922 |
|
Monaghan County |
Monaghan Integrated Development CLG |
€100,416 |
€751,090 |
€851,506 |
104. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if she will provide an update on the roll-out of the Towns First policy; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4037/24]
View answerThe Town Centre First (TCF) 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.
The Town Centre First National Office is key to the success of the policy. It supports Town Regeneration Officers, funded by my Department in all eligible local authorities, in driving implementation at a local level. My Department collaborates closely with the National Town Centre Office as well as TROs and local authority officials and Town Teams.
Amongst the initiatives supported by my Department under TCF is the development of TCF Plans which help rural towns develop a vision for their local areas and identify viable projects to realise this vision. The pilot programme consisted of 26 plans, all of which are now complete. I am currently developing further support under the TCF policy, which I expect to announce shortly.
My Department is also providing a range of funding to support TCF such as the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund and the Town and Village Renewal Scheme. I announced the fifth RRDF Category 1 call for applications last November, with a focus on revitalising our rural towns and villages through planned and sustainable regeneration projects that will drive greater economic activity and footfall, address vacancy and dereliction and ensure the re-use of heritage and other existing buildings. The closing date for applications is Thursday 8th February 2024, and I would encourage all local authorities to consider submitting applications to my Department.
Under the Town and Village Renewal Scheme, in July 2023 I announced funding of €15 million for the scheme which is designed to support the revitalisation of rural Ireland. Applications are now undergoing the competitive assessment process and I look forward to announcing the successful projects by the end of Quarter 1 this year.
My Department remains committed to the success of the Town Centre First policy to deliver on the goal of revitalising rural towns and villages as set out in Our Rural Future.
105. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if there will be another round of the Community Recognition Fund in 2024. [4039/24]
View answer112. Deputy James O'Connor asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if a Tranche 2 of the community recognition fund will open in 2024; if a similar scheme will be rolled out for communities hosting large numbers of international protection applicants; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4018/24]
View answer113. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if there will be a Community Recognition Fund 2024; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3924/24]
View answer588. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if she will provide an update on when the community recognition fund will reopen for applications. [3720/24]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 105, 112, 113 and 588 together.
The Community Recognition Fund recognises the huge efforts made by communities in welcoming and supporting people coming to Ireland. Funding of €50 million for some 900 projects is supporting towns and villages nationwide that have welcomed people from Ukraine and other countries.
The Fund aims to support the development of facilities that will be used in the future by all members of the community. It is important to note that this is separate from other public funding streams which aim to address public service needs arising from the significant number of new arrivals into Ireland.
Through this initiative, communities are being assisted to develop projects such as large-scale multi-purpose sports facilities, walkways, cycle paths, playgrounds, equipment for sports clubs and community festivals. Vehicles have also been funded to address transport needs in communities.
A key priority for me now is to ensure that the range of projects approved across the country are delivered in a timely manner.
I have also been discussing the implementation of the Community Recognition Fund with Government colleagues in recent days, including the potential to introduce a second iteration of the scheme to further assist impacted communities. I have asked my officials to advance this work with the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform and, subject to the outcome of that process, I expect to make an announcement shortly.
107. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development when a new round of Leader funding will be announced; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3993/24]
View answerThe LEADER Programme is a key intervention of Our Rural Future, the Government’s Policy for rural development which aims to deliver a range of actions to rural communities over the lifetime of the policy. It supports a broad range of activities which aim to respond to the diversity of the local needs of our rural areas.
In October 2022 I announced funding for the 2023 - 2027 LEADER programme of €180 million. This is in addition to the €70 million in funding allocated for the transitional period 2021 to 2022 maintaining the level of funding of €250 million provided for the 2014-2020 programming period.
The process to select the Local Action Groups (LAGs) to deliver the 2023-2027 LEADER Programme is ongoing at present, with the selection complete in 18 sub-regional areas to date.
Strategies in areas where the process is not yet finalised are being considered by the Independent Selection Committee (ISC) with a view to completing the selection process in a timely manner.
Applicant LAGs will be notified of the outcome of the selection process in their sub-regional area once it is completed. Once a LAG is approved it can commence the delivery of the programme in their area.
While the process to select the LAGs is ongoing at the moment it should be noted that those bodies engaged in delivering the 2014-2020 LEADER programme will continue to do so in 2024 until the completion of that programme.
My Department’s focus now is to complete the selection of the remaining LAGs to ensure a timely and smooth transition from the 2014-2020 programme.
108. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development whether the Town Centre First initiative has succeeded in the pilot stage of one per county; if she will indicate the main areas of transformation; and if she will outline her plans over the next five years to extend the initiative. [4014/24]
View answerThe Town Centre First (TCF) Policy is a major cross-government policy that aims to tackle vacancy, combat dereliction and breathe new life into our town centres. The policy supports the development of TCF plans, through which local communities and businesses reimagine their towns and develop a vision for the future of their towns.
In December 2021, I announced funding to support the development of these plans and allocated €100,000 to each eligible local authority. The towns selected to complete these plans are:
|
County |
Town |
|
Carlow |
Tullow |
|
Cavan |
Bailieborough |
|
Clare |
Sixmilebridge |
|
Cork |
Skibbereen |
|
Donegal |
Milford |
|
Fingal |
Lusk |
|
Galway |
Gort |
|
Kerry |
Milltown |
|
Kildare |
Clane |
|
Kilkenny |
Urlingford |
|
Laois |
Rathdowney |
|
Leitrim |
Carrick On Shannon |
|
Limerick |
Abbeyfeale |
|
Longford |
Longford Town |
|
Louth |
Dunleer |
|
Mayo |
Killala |
|
Meath |
Enfield |
|
Monaghan |
Carrickmacross |
|
Offaly |
Clara |
|
Roscommon |
Strokestown |
|
Sligo |
Tubbercurry |
|
Tipperary |
Roscrea |
|
Waterford |
Portlaw |
|
Westmeath |
Moate |
|
Wexford |
New Ross |
|
Wicklow |
Blessington |
All 26 supported plans under this pilot initiative have now been completed.
Each plan is bespoke to the town, was developed in a bottom-up manner, and identifies specific opportunities, challenges and project interventions to regenerate the town. The main areas for the transformation of rural communities are in the areas of tackling dereliction and vacancy, promoting town-centre living, maintaining a strong local economy, creating high-value job opportunities and promoting compact growth.
Local authorities, through the Town Regeneration Officers (funded by my Department), have worked closely with local community groups, retailers and the other members of the Town Teams in devising and delivering on the plans.
Rural communities are already starting to see the benefits of these plans, as identified projects have applied for funding through my Department’s funding streams, including the 2023 Town and Village Renewal Scheme, to create vibrant town centres. In July last year, I announced funding of €15 million for this year’s Town and Village Renewal Scheme. A competitive assessment process is currently underway and I intend to announce the successful projects by the end of Quarter 1 this year.
I expect we will see TCF Plan projects also coming through the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund Category 1 Call which is currently open for applications. The closing date for applications is 12pm on Thursday 8th February 2024.
I must stress however, that central to the success of Town Centre First is the range of support funding in place right across Government.
My Department officials are also currently considering options to implement further TCF supports. I expect to announce these further supports shortly.
109. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the role her Department is taking in the National Drugs Strategy. [3987/24]
View answerThe national drug strategy, Reducing Harm, Supporting Recovery, sets out government policy on drug and alcohol use for the period 2017 to 2025. The strategy provides an integrated health-led approach to drug and alcohol use, focused on reducing the harms for individuals, families and communities and promoting rehabilitation and recovery.
The vision of Reducing Harm, Supporting Recovery is for a healthier and safer Ireland. Reducing the harms caused to individuals, families and communities by substance use is a core goal of the Strategy. Ensuring that every person is empowered to improve their health and wellbeing and quality of life is a further important goal. The vision highlights the importance of empowering people at the individual level and building strong communities for health and wellbeing.
To support and empower communities facing poverty and deprivation, work is being done on a number of programmes and initiatives in my Department, such as the Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme (SICAP), the Place-based Leadership Programme, the Community Development Pilot Programme, and the Empowering Communities Programme.
In order to ensure the combined involvement of the statutory, community, and volunteer sectors to deliver a coordinated response to drug and alcohol use in Irish society, the National Drugs Strategy is key to the work that my Department does in these areas.
My Department has two main goals within the National Drugs Strategy, which relate to providing community supports in collaboration with schools and other youth programmes, and improving the life chances of those that are marginalised in society. We continue to progress both goals in collaboration with communities and stakeholders. In addition, DRCD provides funding to Citywide Drugs Crisis Campaign, a national network of community activists and community organisations that are involved in responding to Ireland's drugs crisis
My officials also have regular engagement with the Department of Health regarding the National Drugs Strategy. My Department is represented on and provides the secretariat to, Strategic Implementation Group 4, which comprises sectoral, agency and Departmental officials.
110. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development what measures are being taken to encourage young people to participate in community development initiatives; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3985/24]
View answerThe Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme (SICAP), is our country’s primary social inclusion intervention. This is a national programme that is delivered in both rural and urban areas by Local Development Companies (LDCs) to help those in the greatest need. SICAP aims to address high and persistent levels of deprivation through targeted and innovative, locally-led approaches.
Disadvantaged children and families and disadvantaged young people (aged 15-24 years) were target groups for SICAP from 2018-2023.
The new SICAP programme 2024-2028 has 2 main goals - goal 1: supporting communities and goal 2: supporting individuals. Under Goal 1, SICAP supports collective community engagement and the development of more sustainable, stronger communities. This is achieved through providing direct supports to local communities and developing the capacity of Local Community Groups, to ensure that they can better engage with other groups and actively improve the lives of people in their communities.
Within SICAP 2024-2028, there are eight Thematic Focus Areas where SICAP staff can work with groups of individuals, Local Community Groups, Social Enterprises and Networks on specific themes. Youth is one of the named Thematic Focus Areas of SICAP 2024-2028.
In the context of young people, SICAP's specific focus is to support the development of youth groups, preventative early school leaving initiatives, youth focussed active citizenship and leadership programmes, and mental health and wellbeing programmes.
SICAP also meets the needs of local communities and groups that are identified, represented and integrated through local planning and service delivery. SICAP target groups and community groups are represented and actively participate in decision-making structures. In addition, SICAP 2024-2028 will support progression of individuals into volunteer placements, which is also a means of engaging young people in community activity.
111. Deputy Peter Fitzpatrick asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the measures being taken to tackle vacancy and dereliction in our towns and villages; the number of local authority requests to date under her Department's building acquisition measure to tackle vacancy and dereliction in County Louth; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3829/24]
View answerA key aim of Our Rural Future and the Town Centre First policy is addressing vacancy and dereliction in our rural towns and villages across the country and ensuring that the policies and schemes in place directly address and tackle these issues.
The Town and Village Renewal Scheme (TVRS) was introduced in 2016 and is one of several measures designed to rejuvenate rural towns and villages throughout Ireland. Since the launch of the scheme over €156 million has been allocated to more than 1,700 projects across Ireland.
In line with the policy commitments within the Our Rural Future and Town Centre First policy, priorities are reviewed at the end of each scheme year to ensure that funding schemes are structured in a way that delivers on key government commitments. The 2022 and 2023 TVRS prioritised projects that bring vacant and derelict buildings back into use and promote residential occupancy in town centres
In 2022, in recognition of the urgent need to transform and regenerate town centres, I introduced the Building Acquisition Measure (BAM). The purpose of this measure was to support local authorities to immediately acquire derelict or vacant buildings and use these projects for town regeneration.
I am happy to confirm that 29 properties were purchased by local authorities under the 2022 BAM with a total investment of over €6 million and 24 properties were purchased under the 2023 BAM with an investment of over €4.6 million. In 2022, Louth County Council was successful in its submission of an application for the purchase of the former Bank of Ireland Building in Dunleer for use as a multi-purpose community space.
Whilst it did not submit an application under BAM in 2023, in the lifetime of this Government Louth has benefitted from more than €2.2million under TVRS alone.
In addition, my Department's Rural Regeneration and Development Fund supports large scale rural regeneration projects across rural Ireland, and a key focus of the Fund is on the regeneration of our rural towns and villages. Since the Fund was established in 2018, funding of over €262 million has been approved to develop and deliver projects, many of which will address vacancy and dereliction in town centres. The Fifth Call for applications under the Fund is currently open for applications with a closing date of 8 February.
Finally, my Department continues to collaborate with our colleagues in the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage in the implementation of the Town Centre First Policy. The National Town Centre First Office is now fully established, and my Department is funding Town Regeneration Officers in 26 local authorities who will be key actors in helping towns to address challenges such as vacancy and dereliction.
114. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development how her Department will work with local authorities to encourage them to apply for new funding for the town and village renewal scheme; if there will be a minimum submission requirement for each local authority; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4040/24]
View answerThe Town and Village Renewal Scheme (TVRS) is one of several measures designed to rejuvenate rural towns and villages throughout Ireland. Since its launch in 2016, over €156 million has been allocated to more than 1,700 projects supporting towns and villages across the country. As committed in Our Rural Future, Ireland's rural development policy, TVRS priorities are reviewed at the end of each scheme year to ensure that funding is targeted effectively to support vibrant and attractive communities. The 2023 Scheme has a renewed focus on town centre economic and social vibrancy. This will be achieved through projects focusing on town regeneration, enhancing streetscapes and bringing vacant and derelict buildings back into use as community multi-purpose spaces through refurbishment and renovation. The TVRS Scheme is administered through local authorities, who work closely with local communities and businesses in developing proposals that can make a lasting impact on rural towns and villages.The 2023 Scheme was launched on 21 July 2023 with an overall fund of €15 million. The closing date for receipt of applications to the Department was 10th November 2023 and the competitive assessment process is currently ongoing. There was no minimum submission requirement. However, local authorities were invited to submit up to 5 applications to the value of €1.5 million per local authority. For areas with inhabited offshore islands, local authorities were permitted to submit up to 6 applications with a maximum value of €1.75 million.My Department officials regularly engage with local authorities and assist with any queries that may arise during the process including advertising, preparing and submitting applications. My officials also work with local authorities on an ongoing basis as projects are being delivered.I expect to announce the successful projects under TVRS by the end of Quarter 1 of 2024.
115. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the piers on islands and serving islands that are being progressed by her Department in tandem with local county councils towards design and construction; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3956/24]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, access between the islands and the mainland is the most fundamental requirement for those living on our offshore islands and is a lifeline for island communities. Access impacts on every aspect of island life, including health and welfare services, education, employment, social and family life, and business.
Affordable, frequent and safe transport services, by both sea and air, and safe piers and airstrips, are vital to island communities. They provide links to the mainland without which islanders could not survive. Cargo services are also essential, bringing supplies to the islands as well as transporting commercial products from the islands to markets on the mainland and beyond.
Physical connectivity to the mainland depends on the availability of safe harbours both on the islands and on the mainland. Notable improvements have been made over the years through State investment in major pier construction projects, though work is needed on other piers over the coming years.
The Government has given a commitment in Our Living Islands - the national islands policy and action plan which I launched last summer - to continue to invest in piers serving our islands.
This consists of the priority major infrastructure projects already identified in the National Development Plan, which includes pier developments on Inis Oírr and on Inis Meáin in Co. Galway and at Machaire Rabhartaigh, Co. Donegal serving Toraigh. All these projects are at varying stages of development.
Furthermore, my Department has provided funding to Mayo County Council to undertake preparation of a strategic development plan for the piers on Inishturk and Clare Island along with Roonagh Pier on the mainland. I understand preliminary discussions have also been held with Galway County Council regarding the Cleggan pier serving Inishbofin.
In addition, my Department will continue to fund an annual programme of minor capital works on the islands to be delivered in conjunction with the relevant local authorities. This work programme includes, amongst many other works, investment in piers and repairs to slipways. The relevant Local Authorities have recently been invited to submit their funding applications under this programme for 2024, with the deadline in mid-February.
116. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development what new measures are being considered under CLÁR funding for 2024. [3986/24]
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 almost €70.5 million being approved for almost 2,400 projects throughout rural Ireland.
Funding of almost €13 million for 302 projects was approved under CLÁR 2023. It included support for a vast array of projects that will benefit people of all ages and abilities such as sports facilities, playgrounds, sensory gardens, outdoor cinemas, walking tracks and community gyms.
The specific measures funded under CLÁR 2023 were:
• Developing Community Facilities and Amenities (Measure 1)
• Mobility, Cancer Care and Community First Responders Transport (Measure 2)
• Specific funding for projects located on the islands’ (Measure 3)
I will be reviewing the measures to be included in the 2024 CLÁR programme in advance of its launch in the coming months.
117. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development what support is available to volunteers looking to access the community centres investment fund – new builds measure. [3988/24]
View answerCommunity Centres are the cornerstone of community life in many towns, villages and urban areas around the country. I know the important role they play in community life in Ireland and I have provided funding for such facilities through a range of different funding instruments delivered by my Department.
In 2023, I announced a €20 million Fund to support communities with ‘shovel-ready’ projects on green or brownfield sites to build new community centres. The 2023 Community Centre Investment Fund targets areas which do not have an appropriate facility to meet the needs of their area.
Twenty-two applications under the Community Centre Investment Fund 2023 are currently being assessed by my Department and it is expected that successful projects will be announced in the coming weeks.
The new builds measure is currently closed for applications. Once the current round of funding has been finalised, I will then give consideration to the need for, and conditions that might be attached to, any further iterations of the scheme in the context of the available funding.
As the level of funding for individual new build centres is quite large (up to €6 million), applicants to the fund must be a state-funded body such as a local authority or local development company. However, it would be expected that any application would be submitted in collaboration with the community groups and volunteers in the locations where the centre is to be provided. I would advise any volunteer group to explore their options for funding with the local authority and local development company in their area.
My Department also supports and funds Public Participation Networks across the country. Public Participation Networks, or PPNs, provide representation for the community sector in Local Authority policymaking structures, giving local volunteers a greater say in local government decisions which affect their own communities. There is a PPN in each Local Authority area across the country, representing over 18,000 community and voluntary groups nationwide. The focus of the PPN is to empower and assist volunteer-led community representative groups to participate in local authority policymaking and decision-making.
118. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if she will provide an update on the Connected Hubs Network and the continued development of remote working facilities by her Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4012/24]
View answer605. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development to indicate her ambitions for the development of the national hub network in the future, the major beneficiaries to date; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4292/24]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 118 and 605 together.
Our 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.
My Department’s focus to date has been on strategically developing a national hub network, adding capacity to Ireland's existing remote working infrastructure and supporting the establishment of new hubs.
Over €150m has been invested by my department in the development of remote working facilities through programmes such as the Town and Village Renewal Scheme, the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund, and the Connected Hubs Call. Successful projects are developed in collaboration with local authorities and local communities with vacant and derelict buildings in rural towns and villages converted into community facilities with 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 on the platform shows the location and details of each remote working hub on the network and allows remotes workers to book and pay for desks and meeting rooms. There are currently 342 remote and co-working facilities across the country on-boarded to the platform, meaning we are well on track to achieving our target of 400 hubs in 2025.
Following strong progress on the establishment phase of connected hubs, my focus has now shifted to the next stage of development and my Department is currently leading, with colleagues from the Department of Enterprise Trade and Employment, in the formulation of a National Hub Strategy which I will bring to Government this year. This strategy has been developed in consultation with hub managers, local authorities and communities, and other stakeholders
The Strategy will inform the future strategic direction of the National Hub Network 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.
119. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if extra funding can be provided by Pobal through the community service programme to an organisation (details supplied). [3992/24]
View answerMy Department's Community Services Programme (CSP) supports over 430 community-based organisations, to provide local services through a social enterprise model.
The CSP contribution per full-time equivalent position is not aligned with the minimum wage and does not meet the full salary cost of supported posts. It is an annual contribution that must be co-funded by the organisations concerned from other sources, for example, from income generated from the use of facilities and services provided.
Following the independent review of the CSP programme in 2020 by Indecon International Economic Consultants, as part of the restructuring process, a needs-based, differentiated funding allocation model was introduced from January 2023, as an alternative to the previous flat rate payment model. This new model was designed to support those organisations most in need, providing a higher rate of funding to supported organisations that are identified as operating in areas of high disadvantage, employing individuals from the prescribed programme target groups and with evidence of limited earning potential. Organisations categorised as having a high or medium funding need benefited from increases of €4,000 and €2,000 respectively per Full Time Equivalent (FTE) and manager. I understand that the 13 local radio stations represented by the organisation in question received either the medium or high level funding allocations. The organisation in question is not currently supported by CSP.
In addition to these revised allocations, a reduction in full time hours from 39 to 37.5 hours was approved under the redesigned CSP programme, to narrow the co-funding gap for CSP supported employees even further.
Furthermore, my department reviewed the impact of the increase of €1.40 per hour to the minimum wage level which was introduced from 1st January 2024.. As a result of this review, the contribution per FTE at the higher rate of funding increased from €23,033 to €25,750 and the manager’s contribution at the higher level rose from €36,000 to €37,500. It also resulted in an increase in the FTE contribution on the medium level of funding from €21,033 to €23,175 and from €34,000 to €35,000 for a manager on the medium level of funding.
In 2023, the department also announced a new call for applications for Additional Funding Requests for organisations currently funded under the CSP programme. However, community radio services were deemed ineligible under this open call as they were not considered to be a priority area. These services were considered to be more appropriately supported by other departments and state agencies responsible for these specific policy areas. This approach reflected the findings of the Indecon Report which recommended that the department should explore the scope for alternative approaches to supporting specific areas, which come under the policy remit of other departments.
