Written Answers Nos. 68-87
68. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the support available through her Department for the establishment of community associations in areas identified on the Pobal Deprivation Index. [10454/24]
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. The 2024 Forum is scheduled to take place in December.
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 funded under the Dormant Accounts Fund 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.
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.
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.
The 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.
The new iteration of the Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme (SICAP 2024 - 2028) has a renewed focus on building capacity in community representative structures, establishing new community groups and social enterprises, and empowering communities to lead out on identifying their own needs, through a new dedicated core area of work called Community Animation. The supports are provided by community development workers based on needs identified at a local level. I have secured increases of €8.3 million for the programme over the last 3 years, with annual funding for 2024 now totalling €47.4m.
My Department also oversees implementation of the Empowering Communities Programme. The selection of the 15 programme areas for participation in the programme was informed by data from the Deprivation Index. The programme targets 15 of the most deprived and disenfranchised small areas in Ireland, each with their own unique communities and challenges, and has put in place supports to cultivate an environment for people to own their community’s response to tackling deprivation through locally-led community groups, resident’s associations and so on. Overall funding for the programme totals €2m per annum.
69. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the status of the Government commitment to introduce a rural proofing model. [10406/24]
View answerOur Rural Future commits to developing an effective rural proofing model to ensure the needs of rural communities are fully considered in the development of Government policies.
Last year, my Department published a body of research including the international experience of rural proofing. The international evidence is very clear that effective rural proofing has been difficult to successfully achieve and there is no ‘one size fits all’ approach. Informed by this, and to inform the development of potential approaches in Ireland, my Department initiated Rural Proofing Pilots of the following significant initiatives:
• Revision of the National Planning Framework being led by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage;
• Development of the new Sustainable Tourism Policy being led by the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media; and
• Development the new National Hubs Strategy by my own Department.
The development of the new Social Enterprise Strategy also benefited from a rural proofing process which included;
• Hosting a ‘Rural Proofing’ Rural Ideas Forum for rural stakeholders to ensure that the consideration of their perspective was central to the development of the new policy,
• A specific baseline data analysis and census of the Rural vs Urban Social Enterprises
• Sponsored academic research which will culminate in policy options to support regional and rural social enterprise.
I want to ensure a new model for rural proofing is practical and easy to implement and will help Government Departments deliver major policy initiatives that take full consideration of the needs and perspectives of rural Ireland.
Informed by these pilots my Department intends to finalise a report on Rural Proofing by the end of Quarter 1 of 2024, which will include guidance materials to support the rural proofing process.
70. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development when she expects to announce successful ORIS applications; if her attention has been drawn to the strand 3 application from Kerry County Council in respect of Kilderry looped amenity walk; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10354/24]
View answerThe Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS) provides funding for the development and enhancement of outdoor recreational infrastructure throughout rural Ireland.
Under the 2023 ORIS scheme, applications were invited under the following four measures:
• Measure 1: small scale projects requiring funding of up to €30,000,
• Measure 2: medium scale projects with funding of up to €200,000,
• Measure 3: large scale projects seeking funding of up to €500,000, and
• Project Development Measure: funding of up to €50,000 for development costs for strategic large scale projects.
Last November, I approved funding of almost €2.3 million under the Project Development Measure of the 2023 scheme. This funding will support preparatory work required to bring large scale outdoor recreation projects to a shovel-ready stage. This investment will ensure a strong pipeline of outdoor amenity projects right across the country in the coming years.
Applications submitted under measures 1, 2 and 3 of the 2023 scheme are currently being assessed. I can confirm that the application referred to by the Deputy has been received under measure 3 of the scheme. I hope to be in a position to begin announcing successful projects under these measures in the coming weeks.
71. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if she will provide an update on any engagement her Department has had with the Department of Transport and the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage in relation to the enhancement of the LIS allocations for counties affected by recent flooding, particularly County Louth; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10356/24]
View answerAs part of Our Rural Future, the Government is committed to ensuring that the Local Improvement Scheme (LIS) is funded into the future.
In 2023 alone, a record investment of almost €30 million was allocated to local authorities nationwide, bringing the total amount invested in LIS since its re-introduction in 2017 to almost €130 million. €422,764 was allocated to Louth County Council in 2023 to complete works on their list of priority roads.
In 2024, €13.55 million has been allocated to the scheme, an increase of €1 million on the initial funding allocated in 2023. An announcement on county allocations for 2024 will be made shortly.
Whilst my Department is pleased to support efforts to ensure a high standard of roads in rural areas, primary responsibility for the upkeep and repair on public roads remains within the remit of the local authorities and the Department of Transport. Flood relief initiatives and associated schemes are funded via the Office of Public Works and local authorities. Eligible households can also apply for assistance under the Humanitarian Assistance Scheme through the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage.
I would also like to confirm that I have made numerous representations to my colleague, the Minister for Transport regarding contributing to a jointly funded Local Improvement Scheme. I will continue to engage with the Minister and in the meantime I will work with local authorities to ensure that the LIS continues to deliver maximum benefits in rural communities across Ireland.
72. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if she will provide the up to date position for a project (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10362/24]
View answerThe Rural Regeneration and Development Fund (RRDF) supports capital projects in towns, villages and rural areas across Ireland. To date, 215 projects have been approved for RRDF funding of €414 million for projects costing €571 million. Calls for applications to the Fund are sought under two categories – Category 1 and Category 2. Category 1 relates to large scale ambitious capital projects with all necessary planning and other consents in place, and which are ready to proceed to construction. Category 2 provides smaller grant funding to enable the development of project proposals suitable for future calls for Category 1 applications. RRDF funding of €180,000 was allocated to the Coláiste Íosagáin Campus in 2019 for a Category 2 project costing €268,000. This project will complete an overall Coláiste Íosagáin Campus masterplan which will set out the economic, planning and environmental case for the re-purposing of the building structure and the surrounding area. Údarás na Gaeltachta is currently finalising the masterplan. The fifth call for Category 1 RRDF applications closed on 8 February, and I can confirm that an application for funding has been received from Údarás na Gaeltachta for the Category 1 stage of this project.
The application process for Category 1 proposals is highly competitive in nature. All applications are considered on merit by my Department in line with strict eligibility criteria, under the oversight of a Project Advisory Board.
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 under the Scheme.
73. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development to set out the total amount of money allocated to each project in the Cork area under community development programmes; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10461/24]
View answerSome of the key Community Development funding allocations approved by my Department for County Cork include:
• €4.9 million for the Social Inclusion & Community Activation Programme.
• €2.96 million for the Community Services Programme.
• €344,000 for the Community Support Fund.
The 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 is delivered in Cork by 7 LDCs with funding in excess of €4m allocated for 2024. A further €881,000 is allocated through SICAP to support the LDCs to continue their work to support Ukrainian and International Protection Applicants.
The Community Services Programme (CSP) currently supports 27 organisations in County Cork with funding of €2.96m for 2024, supporting 17 managers and 98 full time equivalent positions.
In excess of €344,000 was provided under the Community Support Fund to a large number of groups/ organisations in Cork between December 2022 & March 2023.
Public Participation Networks (PPNs) provide representation for the community sector in Local Authority policymaking structures, giving local volunteers a great say in local government decisions. Funding of €171,400 has been allocated in Cork for 2024.
Volunteer Centres provide a placement service between individuals and groups who want to undertake voluntary activity and organisations that are seeking to involve volunteers. Their primary function is to match individuals and groups interested in volunteering with appropriate volunteering opportunities.
In 2024 DRCD allocated €146,393.50 in grant funding to Cork Volunteer Centre to carry out their work.
Additionally, funding of €142,200 is allocated to Cumann na Daoine from Dormant Accounts for 2024. This funding supports the main community development and social inclusion project in Youghal by providing funding towards three posts: Developmental Manager, Project (Centre) Co-ordinator and an Administrator. It also provides funding towards 2 Community Development workers to support the Youghal Blue and Green Community Network which addresses environmental issues and engages the local communities in climate change actions.
€80,000 in match funding has been committed over 4 years to Ballyhoura Development towards the Citizen Centred Social Services (CITICESS) project. This is a collaboration with a number of European municipalities interested in developing holistic approaches to service delivery for vulnerable groups.
Funding of €140,000 is allocated to Cork City Partnership LDC through Cork LCDC for delivery of the Empowering Communities Programme (ECP) in the Knocknaheeny area. The ECP aims to enhance community access to key services, and empower local communities to craft their own response to area based poverty, social exclusion and the resulting consequences, with the support of the relevant LCDC.
Tables outlining funding allocations to individual organisations are attached.
The below tables outline the Current funding allocated to Community Development Organisations in Cork
74. Deputy James O'Connor asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development her plans for an enhanced community benefit fund for towns that have large IPAS accommodation centres; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9659/24]
View answerIn May 2023, together with Government colleagues, I announced details of €50 million in funding for some 900 projects under the Community Recognition Fund.
This Fund recognises the efforts of communities who have gone above and beyond during what has been a very challenging period for our country. It will support towns and villages nationwide that have shown such generosity in welcoming 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. Projects approved under this funding include enhancement works to community and sports facilities, and improvements to recreational amenities such as the provision of lighting and outdoor gym equipment. Support has also been provided to address transport needs in communities.
The Fund has been allocated across all local authorities based on the number of new arrivals located there, including international protection applicants based in state-provided accommodation. Local authorities are currently submitting funding drawdown requests to my Department in respect of these projects and my officials are assessing these for payment.
I have been discussing the implementation of the Community Recognition Fund with Government colleagues, including the potential to introduce a second iteration of the scheme to further assist impacted communities. I expect to make an announcement in this regard shortly.
75. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if she is aware of the negative impact of the new qualifying criteria on rural roads under the local involvement scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10363/24]
View answerThe Local Improvement Scheme, or LIS, supports the improvement of rural roads and laneways that not normally maintained by local authorities. As part of Our Rural Future, the Government is committed to ensuring that the LIS is funded into the future.
The Local Improvement Scheme is governed by the Local Government Act of 2001 legislation. Section 81 part (3) provides that:
(3) A road authority may provide assistance by way of the carrying out of works, a financial contribution or otherwise towards the construction or improvement of a non-public road which—
(a) provides access to parcels of land of which at least 2 are owned or occupied by different persons or
(b) provides access for harvesting purposes (including turf or seaweed) for 2 or more persons or
(c) Shall in the opinion of the road authority, be used by the public.
The legislation provides that the Scheme is subject to other terms and conditions that are considered appropriate and as such, these are reviewed each year. The Scheme conditions include a requirement that the two parcels of land accessed by the road must also be owned/occupied by persons engaged in separate agricultural activities.
The Scheme outline gives examples of the type of documentation that may be submitted in order to satisfy scheme requirement, although this is not an exhaustive list. Local authorities are advised by my Department to show a degree of flexibility in accepting alternative, verified documentary evidence when assessing eligibility criteria.
There is significant demand for the scheme and my Department reviews the scheme criteria each year prior to launch. No new qualifying criteria have been introduced to the scheme in recent years. This year's review of the scheme criteria is currently nearing completion and an announcement on this year’s scheme will be made shortly.
76. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if she will provide additional funding to local development companies to support the demand they are facing for services at present; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10194/24]
View answerThe Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme (SICAP) is a national programme overseen by my Department that aims to reduce poverty and promote social inclusion and equality by supporting disadvantaged communities and individuals. Delivered in both rural and urban areas by Local Development Companies (LDC’s), the supports provided are based on needs identified at a local level.
I believe SICAP is a hugely important programme and I was delighted to secure a total increase of €8.3 million for the programme over the last 3 years, increasing its annual funding allocation to €47.4m for 2024.
The arrival of Ukrainians and International Protection Applicants to communities across Ireland has had a significant impact on the demands of SICAP, and SICAP workers have been to the forefront of local responses in this context. To assist in the community response, an additional €10 million in SICAP funding was announced in 2023 and again in 2024 to support the Local Development Companies to continue their work to support New Arrivals.
The Department is conscious of the potential for situations to rapidly evolve as the year progresses, and it will engage with Local Development Companies and Local Community Development Committees to address any matters that may arise over the course of 2024.
Funding for SICAP is subject to the annual budgetary process. I can assure the Deputy that I review the level of funding for all programmes each year as part of the budgetary process and it remains my intention to continue to prioritise funding for SICAP.
77. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if the Social Inclusion Community Activation Programme will reopen for applications in 2024; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10257/24]
View answerMy Department’s 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 to help those in the greatest need. SICAP aims to address high and persistent levels of deprivation through targeted and innovative, locally-led approaches.
Following significant engagement with various stakeholders it was determined that a procurement process would be required under EU competition rules for the next iteration of SICAP 2024-2028. The approach selected involved two phases – an initial tender, followed by a negotiation phase, where appropriate, to allow tenderers to refine their bids.
The procurement process for delivery of SICAP 2024-2028 was run on a national basis, with the responsibility for each of the 53 individual SICAP Contract Areas resting with the relevant Contracting Authorities, the 33 Local Community Development Committees (LCDCs). Formal requests for tender for 53 Contract Areas were published by the 33 LCDCs via eTenders on Monday 17th July 2023. This process was open for application to any company, group, commercial entity or other organisation that could provide the services to deliver the new Programme.
Of the 53 Contract Areas, 48 have completed their procurement processes and contracts for service delivery have now been signed. Regarding the 5 outstanding areas, extensions have been granted to ensure continuity of service delivery while procurement concludes.
Funding for SICAP totals €47.4m in 2024. Additionally, in recognition of the vital inclusion supports SICAP provides, my Department has secured additional funding of €10m in 2024 to ensure Programme Implementers are resourced to deliver supports to New Arrivals.
78. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development for an update on the LEADER programme in County Carlow. [10258/24]
View answerThe LEADER Programme is a key intervention of Our Rural Future, the Government’s Policy for rural development.
The programme is delivered through Local Action Groups(LAGs) 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.
The Carlow Local Community Development Committee has been selected as the LAG to deliver the 2023-2027 Programme with Carlow County Council acting as the Lead Financial Partner. Carlow Local Development will be the Implementing Partner. This is the same LAG that has successfully delivered the previous programme.
Funding of over €4.9m is being made available in Carlow for the 2023-2027 LEADER Programme.
I look forward to the implementation of the new LEADER Programme and am confident that it will continue to build on the success of LEADER over the last 30 years.
79. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development how her Department intends to support the rural road network under the LIS scheme throughout County Cork in 2024; if she will ensure the necessary upkeep and maintenance of rural minor roads in view of recent flooding and adverse weather which resulted in major deteriorating of rural roads; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10193/24]
View answerThe Local Improvement Scheme, or LIS, supports the improvement of rural roads and laneways that are not normally maintained by local authorities.
Since the scheme was re-introduced in 2017 my Department has allocated almost €130 million towards improvement works on over 4,000 non-public roads and lanes. Last year alone, almost €30 million in funding was allocated to local authorities across the country which represents a record investment in the scheme and highlights my commitment to funding the scheme into the future.
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 alone, more than €2.7m was allocated to Cork for repair and maintenance works on 47 non-public roads.
A total of €13.55 million has been allocated to LIS in 2024, an increase of €1 million from last year. My Department officials are currently finalising the scheme details for the coming year and an announcement will be made shortly.
80. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development for an update on the Library Capital Grant made by (details supplied). [10453/24]
View answerThe provision of library services, including the provision of library buildings, is primarily a matter for local authorities in their capacity as library authorities under the Local Government Act 2001. Accordingly, the delivery of library services in Mayfield is primarily a matter for Cork City Council.
I am advised that the extension and refurbishment of the Frank O’Connor Library, Mayfield, incorporating St Joseph’s Community Centre, is a priority project for Cork City Council. The library element of the project is currently being progressed through my Department’s Four Stage Capital Management Process. This ensures that the library complies with my Department's Public Library National Standards and Benchmarks which guide the development of the public library service.
In April of last year, my Department invited all Local Authorities to submit proposals for the development of public library infrastructure, facilities and mobile library vehicles under the Libraries Capital Programme 2023-2027. My Department has assessed all proposals received. I look forward to shortly announcing details on the projects that will be approved for funding under the Libraries Capital Programme 2023-2027.
81. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development for an update on CLÁR 2024 and when it is likely to open; whether she has any plans to review the CLÁR areas in counties Cavan and Monaghan to include areas not currently included; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10175/24]
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.
Funding in excess of €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.
Each year I review the focus of the scheme and that process is currently underway. I expect that process to conclude shortly and to launch the 2024 CLÁR programme in the coming weeks.
A national review of CLÁR areas was undertaken in 2021 using the 2016 Census of Population data, reviewing the most recent changes in population patterns throughout the country.
It also examined the approach to developing the existing CLÁR designations, which is based on 2002 data and it considered how changes in population since then impacted on designations.
Many areas will have seen population growth in the relevant period, and indeed the most recent census data published by the Central Statistics Office point to population growth across all counties since 2016.
The details of the review are being considered by my Department, taking into account the availability of more recent CSO data, in advance of any decisions being taken on changing the areas throughout Ireland which are to be designated as eligible for CLÁR. Any consideration of amendments to the current designations will be undertaken on a national basis.
83. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if she or her Department officials have had discussions with Cavan County Council on dog control matters, given that it was recently reported that no dog control fines were issued by the local authority last year; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8278/24]
View answerMy Department of Rural and Community Development has overall policy responsibility for the Control of Dogs Acts 1986 to 2014. Local Authorities have responsibility for all operational matters under the Control of Dogs Acts including licensing and enforcement. Local Authorities are well placed to target measures in their areas.My Department publishes annual statistics in respect of a range of the dog control responsibilities of local authorities. Information up to and including 2022, including the numbers of on-the-spot fines issued, by county and in tabular form, is available on the dog control statistics page on gov.ie. (www.gov.ie/en/collection/879d4c-dog-control-statistics/ ). The Local Authority in question have reaffirmed the figures provided previously to my Department and which are published on Gov.ie, indicating the number of fines issued in each of the years to 2022. The most recent figure available from 2022 states that 14 on-the-spot fines were issued in the Cavan area that year. My officials have requested 2023 statistics from all Local Authorities and I look forward to publishing these on Gov.ie once available. I very much appreciate all the work of local authorities in collating and making statistics available. These statistics form the evidence base needed for better policy making and I look forward to continuing to work collaboratively with them in improving national policy.
84. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if she will provide an update on the progress of ‘Our Rural Future’; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10375/24]
View answerOur Rural Future is the whole of Government policy for sustainable rural development in Ireland. Published in March 2021, it contains more than 170 measures for delivery, for both short-term recovery and longer-term economic and social development as well as environmental and cultural wellbeing.
Structured updates on policy implementation are regularly provided through six-monthly Progress Reports and annual Work Programmes. The development of Annual Work Programmes allows for revised priorities, including new measures and actions, in light of emerging opportunities and challenges.
The Fifth Progress Report to year end 2023 and the 2024 Work Programme are currently being finalised, and will be published over the coming weeks. Previous progress reports, including the latest published report to June end 2023, along with the annual work programmes are available on my department's website: www.gov.ie/en/campaigns/c6f5d-our-rural-future/.
We have now entered year 4 of the implementation phase of Our Rural Future, and I am delighted at the level of progress to date across all contributing departments. This provides an ongoing demonstration of this Government’s continued commitment to rural Ireland. I am grateful to my colleagues in Government for the high and sustained level of engagement across their departments to support the policy’s ambition.
As we draw closer to the conclusion of Our Rural Future at the end of 2025, my Department is beginning the process of developing a successor policy. To support and inform this process, in December last I commissioned the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) to conduct an independent review of rural policy in Ireland. The review will be undertaken between now and Quarter 2 of 2025, with officials in my Department liaising with the OECD for the duration of the review.
85. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development for an update on the Community Recognition Fund; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10376/24]
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. 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. Support has also been provided to address transport needs in communities.
The Fund has been allocated across all local authorities based on the number of new arrivals located there. It follows an extensive consultation process by local authorities who submitted their individual list of projects for approval. The full €50 million was allocated in a single tranche with the aim of having all projects completed by the end of this year.
Local authorities are submitting funding drawdown requests to my Department in respect of these projects and my officials are assessing these for payment.
Over €12.4 Million has been paid out to over 440 projects, with approximately 220 projects now fully completed. A key priority now is to ensure that the range of projects approved across the country are delivered as quickly as possible.
I have also been discussing the implementation of the Community Recognition Fund with Government colleagues, including the potential to introduce a second iteration of the scheme to further assist impacted communities. I expect to make an announcement in this regard shortly.
86. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development to provide a further update on the work her Department has carried out with regard to progressing the pier projects on Inis Oírr and Inis Meáin; what the next steps are in relation to these projects,; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10183/24]
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.
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 has completed the evaluation of the tenders received for stage one and is preparing to publish the documents for stage two within the next fortnight. 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 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.
87. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development for an update on the uptake of the Local Enhancement Programme 2024 and how much of the €6 million has been allocated. [10404/24]
View answerLast December, I launched the 2024 Local Enhancement Programme (LEP), with capital funding of €6 million to assist community groups across the country. The Local Enhancement Programme is targeted to the specific challenges facing local community groups and delivers immediate, tangible supports where they are needed most and will provide capital supports essential for the many small community groups and organisations, particularly those who serve disadvantaged areas in rural and urban areas.
Support under the LEP is available to, for example, Parish Halls, Community Centres, Local Development Associations, Social Clubs, Senior Citizen Groups, Men’s and Women’s Sheds.
The funding was allocated to each LCDC by providing a baseline amount and allocating the remainder based on the population and disadvantage level in each local authority area. Details of the individual LCDC allocations can be seen in Table 1.
There will be a particular focus on small capital works/improvements, and the purchase of equipment for community use. The funding may be used, but is not limited to; improved access for persons with a disability; enhancing community participation for disadvantaged and marginalised groups, and improving energy efficiency of community facilities to reduce ongoing costs.
The LEP is administered on behalf of my Department locally by Local Community Development Committees (LCDCs) across the country, with support from their Local Authority. The LEP is currently active and Community Groups should engage with the relevant LCDC for further information and details regarding the LEP in their area. Each individual LCDC set their own closing date but this must be prior to March 8, 2024. The relevant LCDC receive and appraise applications, making determinations on how the funding can best support their communities.
Details of successful projects under the 2024 Local Enhancement Programme will be published on my Department’s website www.gov.ie/drcd in quarter 2 of 2024.
TABLE 1: LEP 24 ALLOCATIONS
|
LCDC Area |
LEP Allocation |
Women's Groups Allocation |
Total Allocation |
|
Carlow |
€119,056.15 |
€23,811.23 |
€142,867.38 |
|
Cavan |
€120,917.23 |
€24,183.45 |
€145,100.68 |
|
Clare |
€138,380.55 |
€27,676.11 |
€166,056.66 |
|
Cork City |
€193,504.02 |
€38,700.80 |
€232,204.83 |
|
Cork County |
€204,632.59 |
€40,926.52 |
€245,559.11 |
|
Donegal |
€215,647.39 |
€43,129.48 |
€258,776.86 |
|
Dublin City |
€419,324.48 |
€83,864.90 |
€503,189.38 |
|
Dun Laoghaire |
€149,273.40 |
€29,854.68 |
€179,128.08 |
|
Fingal |
€184,035.81 |
€36,807.16 |
€220,842.98 |
|
Galway City |
€111,935.52 |
€22,387.10 |
€134,322.62 |
|
Galway County |
€154,480.86 |
€30,896.17 |
€185,377.04 |
|
Kerry |
€149,954.79 |
€29,990.96 |
€179,945.75 |
|
Kildare |
€173,747.35 |
€34,749.47 |
€208,496.83 |
|
Kilkenny |
€126,519.02 |
€25,303.80 |
€151,822.82 |
|
Laois |
€127,992.54 |
€25,598.51 |
€153,591.05 |
|
Leitrim |
€99,775.36 |
€19,955.07 |
€119,730.43 |
|
Limerick |
€190,572.89 |
€38,114.58 |
€228,687.46 |
|
Longford |
€112,388.87 |
€22,477.77 |
€134,866.64 |
|
Louth |
€162,843.74 |
€32,568.75 |
€195,412.48 |
|
Mayo |
€160,850.55 |
€32,170.11 |
€193,020.65 |
|
Meath |
€154,488.81 |
€30,897.76 |
€185,386.57 |
|
Monaghan |
€112,377.35 |
€22,475.47 |
€134,852.82 |
|
Offaly |
€135,499.47 |
€27,099.89 |
€162,599.36 |
|
Roscommon |
€115,534.62 |
€23,106.92 |
€138,641.54 |
|
Sligo |
€118,327.18 |
€23,665.44 |
€141,992.62 |
|
South Dublin |
€254,979.91 |
€50,995.98 |
€305,975.89 |
|
Tipperary |
€178,045.98 |
€35,609.20 |
€213,655.17 |
|
Waterford |
€159,121.40 |
€31,824.28 |
€190,945.68 |
|
Westmeath |
€128,134.89 |
€25,626.98 |
€153,761.87 |
|
Wexford |
€180,708.85 |
€36,141.77 |
€216,850.62 |
|
Wicklow |
€146,948.43 |
€29,389.69 |
€176,338.11 |
