Written Answers Nos. 51-67
51. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the extent to which she expects the Leader Programme to address the multiple issues affecting urban and rural communities throughout the country in the coming years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10389/24]
View answerOur Rural Future contains a range of measures to support the sustainable economic and social development of rural Ireland. Under this policy, significant investment has been made in rural Ireland in recent years through various schemes such as my Department's Rural Regeneration and Development Fund, the Town and Village Renewal Scheme, and the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure scheme, to name but a few.
The LEADER programme is also a key intervention of Our Rural Future . The programme is based on a community-led approach to rural development and plays an important role in supporting communities and enterprises in progressing job creation, social inclusion and environmental projects at local level. The Programme is designed to support initiatives that will have the greatest impact on a community’s development.
A new LEADER programme for the period 2023-2027 has now commenced across the country. The emphasis of this new programme, which builds on the many successful previous programmes, will include the continued development of the rural economy. There will also be a strong focus on building the capacity of marginalised and new communities, particularly in areas that have not benefited from LEADER support in the past.
Recent years have seen unprecedented levels of financial support for rural Ireland across the range of schemes operated by my Department. I am confident that LEADER will continue to play a vital role in the coming years in delivering locally led projects which deliver very real impact for communities across the country.
53. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development her agenda for improving Ireland’s drowning rate, with regard to her responsibility for Water Safety Ireland; to provide details of any engagement with lifeguards and lifeguarding groups to this end; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10353/24]
View answerWater Safety Ireland (WSI) is the statutory, voluntary body and registered charity established to promote water safety and reduce drownings in Ireland. WSI has statutory responsibility for the promotion of public awareness of water safety; advancement of education related to the prevention of accidents in water; instruction in water safety; and the establishment of national standards for lifeguards.
In 2023 I launched WSI’s Strategic Development Plan 2023-2027. Goal 5, with its four corresponding objectives, specifically focuses on lifeguarding, both beach and pool.
WSI has been training lifeguards since 1945 and has thirty committees doing so nationwide. WSI training records show that 2,298 lifeguards were certified in 2023. The WSI lifeguard education syllabus meets the standards sets by the International Life Saving Federation, which is composed of national aquatic lifesaving organisations from around the world.
While WSI is an independent body under the aegis of my Department, the employment of lifeguards and the equipment provided to them are matters for the relevant local authority under the Local Government Acts. Neither my Department nor Water Safety Ireland have a remit in respect of local government employment or equipment provided for local government services.
Water Safety Development Officers (WSDO) are employees of the relevant local authority, and their duties typically include purchasing of water safety equipment for lifeguards, instructors and examiners, and employment of lifeguards at swimming areas during the summer season.
Guidelines for safety equipment and its use are agreed between WSI and the LGMA. WSI does not recommend a type or standard of equipment for Local Authorities and it provides risk assessments only on request from a local authority.
WSI's National Drowning Prevention Strategy aims to reduce the number of drownings in Ireland by targeting at-risk groups. The drowning rate in Ireland has been steadily declining over recent years. In 2012 the annual figure was 144 and in 2022 the number was reported at 84. Our five-year average is currently 91 drownings per year. Every drowning is a tragedy for all concerned and we must continue our efforts to reduce drownings in Ireland as far as possible.
56. Deputy James O'Connor asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if her Department plans to release further funding for local roads across east Cork; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10462/24]
View answer61. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development when she expects to announce LIS funding for 2024; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10355/24]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 56 and 61 together.
Under Our Rural Future, Ireland's 5 year rural development policy, Government has committed to increasing the level of investment in the repair of non-public roads thorough the Local Improvement Scheme. This reflects the important contribution which the scheme makes to connectivity in rural Ireland.
There is no other source of funding for these roads which provide vital access to agricultural lands and rural homes and other important community amenities. This is why I have sought to prioritise funding to the scheme in recent years.
As you know, the scheme was re-introduced in 2017 following several years with no dedicated funding. Between 2017 and 2023, my Department has allocated almost €130 million towards improvement works on over 4,000 non-public roads and lanes. These works have benefitted almost 20,000 landowners and residents in rural Ireland. This is a clear indicator of the positive impact that this investment is having right across the country.
From 2017 to 2023, a total of €10.1 million has been allocated to Cork to fund works carried out on over 200 roads. This is the third highest allocation nationally.
In 2023, more than €2.7m was allocated to Cork for repair and maintenance works on 47 roads benefitting 190 landowners and residents.
Last year alone, almost €30 million in Local Improvement Scheme funding was allocated to local authorities across the country in two tranches.
€13.55 million has been allocated to the scheme in 2024. This represents an increase of €1 million from initial funding announced in 2023.
My Department is currently finalising the scheme details for the coming year and an announcement on the terms and conditions of the scheme is expected shortly. This will allow local authorities to commence work on this important scheme.
Expenditure patterns will be closely monitored this year in my Department, and should savings emerge I will consider again allocating additional funding to the scheme. This is in line with the approach I have taken to funding the scheme in recent years.
Finally, I have made numerous representations to my colleague Minister Ryan in an effort to secure further financial support from his Department. While the Department of Transport has not indicated that they will make a contribution to the funding of the scheme for the time being, I will continue to work with local authorities to ensure that the Local Improvement Scheme continues to deliver real benefits in rural communities across Ireland.
57. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development further to Parliamentary Question No. 87 of 26 September 2023, the details of the successful projects under the €20 million fund for the construction of new community centres; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10402/24]
View answer65. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the closing date for applications last year under the 2023 Community Centres Investment Fund – New Builds Measure; when approvals will be given under the fund; the reason for the delay with same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10359/24]
View answer82. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the number of applications received under the 2023 Community Centres Investment Fund-New Builds Measure; when she expects allocations under this measure to be announced; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10458/24]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 57, 65 and 82 together.
In recent years, we have all come to appreciate our community facilities even more. I know we have all witnessed first-hand the positive benefits that can accrue by making greater use of our community centres.
Community centres are a vital resource for any community. They are where we go for community activities and events, and for social supports and social interaction. They are home to many of our cultural and sporting clubs. They are also where communities come together in times of difficulty and in times of celebration.
The community groups, clubs and charities that run these centres are the cornerstone of our communities, and I know that the Deputies will agree that they need our support. That is why I have been tailoring my Department's investment programmes to support these groups.
I have prioritised the development and enhancement of community centres across the country to improve access and provide suitable social spaces. This has been achieved through various schemes administered by my Department such as the CLÁR programme, LEADER, the Town and Village Renewal scheme and the Local Enhancement Programme. It is also why I introduced the new Community Centres Investment Fund with targeted support for these centres.
Under the 2022 Community Centre Investment Fund in particular, over €45.8 million was committed for improvement and refurbishment works on over 860 existing community centres across Ireland. There was a huge uptake of this funding and communities are now enjoying the improvements to the fabric of their community centres as a result of this Government initiative.
I understand many of these projects are now complete and others are progressing well. I've had the opportunity to see the work that is being done and I look forward to seeing many more of these revamped facilities opening their doors to the wider community in the coming months.
Following on from this investment, I wanted to assist community groups who are striving to build their own community centre to service their local needs. That is why, in 2023, the focus of the Community Centres Investment Fund moved to new builds.
Last year I announced a new €20 million fund to support communities with shovel-ready projects on green or brownfield sites for the construction of new community centres.
The scheme for new builds was open to applicants in both urban and rural communities. The minimum grant available was €1 million with the maximum being €6 million. As the grant funding is substantial, and for the purposes of compliance with public financial procedures, the lead party to an application must have been a State-funded body, for example a local authority, a local development company or a state agency.
The deadline for receipt of applications for the new build measure was 3rd July 2023. My Department received 22 applications to this fund from locations all around the country. I’m pleased to note that there have been some really good projects put forward.
Three of the applications refer to projects in County Galway which I am sure Deputies Connolly and Ó Cuív are aware of. I would also like to confirm to Deputy Stanton that there were also two applications submitted for County Cork.
I'm pleased to note that the project approval process is almost concluded. From the outset, I have indicated that the successful projects would be announced in Quarter 1 of this year and my Department is still on track to meet this commitment.
I know that this announcement is eagerly anticipated in these communities and the successful projects will no doubt make a big impact in their respective areas.
With regard to extending the scheme further this year, I would like to see the current round of funding finalised and the majority of the projects complete and in use by their communities. I will, of course, give consideration to the need for further rounds of funding and indeed any conditions that might be attached to any further iterations of the scheme in the context of available funding.
In conclusion, my Department is committed to building vibrant, inclusive and sustainable communities and I believe the funding provided under the Community Centre Investment Fund will serve the communities involved for many years to come. I would encourage people to make full use of their community centres; they are a wonderful asset to have and should be fully utilised.
58. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development to provide an update on the allocation of funding for Cork city and county through the Leader Programme for applications made in 2023; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10460/24]
View answerThe LEADER Programme is a key intervention of Our Rural Future, the Government’s Policy for rural development.
LEADER funding is available in all areas of Ireland with the exception of the five main cities of Cork, Dublin, Galway, Limerick and Waterford.
The programme is delivered through Local Action Groups and is based on a community-led approach to rural development. It supports a broad range of activities that aim to respond to the needs of our rural areas over the lifetime of the policy. LEADER plays an important role in supporting communities and enterprises in progressing job creation, social inclusion and environmental projects at local level.
There were 19 LEADER projects approved in County Cork during 2023, for funding of almost €750,000. This has brought the total number of projects approved in County Cork over the lifetime of the 2014-2022 LEADER Programme to 390 projects worth in excess of €17 million. Over €14 million of this has been paid to beneficiaries to date.
For the 2023-2027 LEADER programme County Cork has been allocated €16.8 million. When this is added to the €4.1million allocated to Cork during the transitional period from 2021 to 2022 LEADER funding to the county has increased by almost €7 million over the previous 7 year period, 2014-2020.
I am confident that this level of funding will be sufficient to support the continued growth and development of rural communities in the area and that the new LEADER Programme will continue to build on the success of LEADER over the last 30 years.
59. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development further to Parliamentary Question No. 99 of 30 January 2024, the status of the development of Caladh Mór on Inis Meáin; the status of the preparation of the preliminary business case; the timeline for the public consultation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10399/24]
View answerAs 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, with the most recent meeting taking place on 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.
With regards to Inis Meáin, it is my understanding that officials from Galway County Council have submitted a revised draft of the necessary documents to appoint a consultant to assist in the preparation of a Preliminary Business Case. This will look at all viable options for providing safe harbour facilities on Inis Meáin, taking account of the study carried out by the National Maritime College in Cork.
The revised draft is currently being reviewed by my Department to ensure compliance with the new Infrastructure Guidelines and Capital Spending Requirements published in December 2023 by the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform.
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.
62. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development what efforts are underway to increase library membership and participation; and to provide an update on membership numbers at local authority libraries each year over the last five years. [10549/24]
View answerIn July 2023, I launched the new Public Library Strategy 2023-2027 "The Library is the Place: Information, Recreation, Inspiration". This sets out 66 strategic actions under 9 strategic objectives and 3 strategic enablers for our public libraries, for the next five years. It is an ambitious forward-looking strategy which sets the direction of travel for the public library service and seeks to improve access, use and visibility of public libraries as an essential community service.
The strategy contains proposals to promote library use through national and local promotional campaigns and the provision of training to library staff on marketing and communications. The following initiatives will also help increase library membership and participation:
• Ireland Reads - a Government initiative funded by Healthy Ireland and supported by public libraries and many organisations that promote literacy and the arts. On Saturday 24th February, the people of Ireland were encouraged to take time out of their busy lives to ‘Get Lost in a Book’ and drop into their local library for Ireland Reads Day.
• Another such initiative is the first National Library Open Day which is planned for later this year.
• The First Five Little Library programme was started in 2021 and for 2022 and 2023, the My Little Library Bag initiative was delivered to support 4 and 5 year olds starting school and encourage them to join the library. In 2023, approximately 54% of the population of 4 and 5 year olds starting school availed of the programme..
The following table provides the numbers of registered library members over the past five years. It should be noted that a change in the duration of library membership in 2019, as well as the impact of an automatic re-registration process put in place during the pandemic in 2020 when library buildings were closed, mean that direct comparisons of membership figures in 2019, 2020 and later years would not be completely accurate. Nevertheless, the trend is increasing growth in membership since the pandemic period concluded.
|
2019 |
2020 |
2021 |
2022 |
2023 |
|
|
Members (registered) |
885,971 |
1,036,062 |
483,433 |
765,000 |
784,618 |
63. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the closing date for applications under the present round of applications to the Rural and Regional Regeneration Fund; when the next trance of approvals will be given under this fund; the total amount of money to be approved in this round; the total amount approved under this scheme to date from its inception and the actual expenditure under the scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10358/24]
View answerThe Rural Regeneration and Development Fund (RRDF) is a key capital investment scheme which directly supports the objectives of Our Rural Future and the Town Centre First policy.
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 that will drive greater economic activity and footfall, address vacancy and dereliction and ensure the re-use of heritage and other existing buildings. The call closed on the 8th February 2024. My Department received 60 applications to this call, seeking funding of over €334 million.
The application process for the Fund is highly competitive in nature. Applications are currently being assessed by my Department under the oversight of the Project Advisory Board, comprised of representatives from key Government Departments and independent experts. Once the assessment process is complete, my Department will prepare a report setting out recommended projects. My role as Minister will be to consider that report and make final decisions in relation to the allocation of funding.
I expect to be in a position to announce the successful projects before the end of the second quarter of 2024. The level of funding will be confirmed as part of the announcement based on the quality of the applications and in the context of the available budget in the coming years.
Since the RRDF was established in 2018, 215 projects have been approved for funding of €414 million. To date, €175 million of funding has been utilised.Projects supported by the RRDF have experienced delays due to the impact of COVID-19, supply chain issues and inflation, but in spite of these challenges strong progress is now being made with 40 large scale projects worth €104 million completed. I have officially opened many RRDF projects in counties across Ireland and I have seen first hand the huge impact that these projects are making to communities. Delivery is ramping up and there is a very strong pipeline of projects currently being progressed with a further 35 large scale projects worth €187 million currently on-site and under construction.
I am committed to ensuring that the RRDF can continue to support high quality and transformational projects across rural Ireland in line with the objectives of Our Rural Future.
64. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development her recent engagements with the board of Water Safety Ireland regarding recommended equipment guidelines for lifeguarding that it issues to local authorities; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10352/24]
View answerWater Safety Ireland (WSI) is the statutory, voluntary body and registered charity established to promote water safety and reduce drownings in Ireland. WSI has statutory responsibility for the promotion of public awareness of water safety; advancement of education related to the prevention of accidents in water; instruction in water safety; and the establishment of national standards for lifeguards.
In 2023 I launched WSI’s Strategic Development Plan 2023-2027. Goal 5, with its four corresponding objectives, specifically focuses on lifeguarding, both beach and pool.
WSI has been training lifeguards since 1945 and has thirty committees doing so nationwide. WSI training records show that 2,298 lifeguards were certified in 2023. The WSI lifeguard education syllabus meets the standards sets by the International Life Saving Federation, which is composed of national aquatic lifesaving organisations from around the world.
While WSI is an independent body under the aegis of my Department, the employment of lifeguards and the equipment provided to them are matters for the relevant local authority under the Local Government Acts. Neither my Department nor Water Safety Ireland have a remit in respect of local government employment or equipment provided for local government services.
Water Safety Development Officers (WSDO) are employees of the relevant local authority, and their duties typically include purchasing of water safety equipment for lifeguards, instructors and examiners, and employment of lifeguards at swimming areas during the summer season.
Guidelines for safety equipment and its use are agreed between WSI and the LGMA. WSI does not recommend a type or standard of equipment for Local Authorities and it provides risk assessments only on request from a local authority.
WSI's National Drowning Prevention Strategy aims to reduce the number of drownings in Ireland by targeting at-risk groups. The drowning rate in Ireland has been steadily declining over recent years. In 2012 the annual figure was 144 and in 2022 the number was reported at 84. Our five-year average is currently 91 drownings per year. Every drowning is a tragedy for all concerned and we must continue our efforts to reduce drownings in Ireland as far as possible.
66. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the degree to which her Department continues to assess the emerging needs of urban and rural communities throughout the country with a view to responding specifically as required; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10390/24]
View answerBudget 2024 provides the Department of Rural and Community Development 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. The capital increase reflects the expenditure ceilings set out in the National Development Plan. This will continue to support vibrant, inclusive and sustainable communities across Ireland with 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.
