Written Answers Nos. 814-829
814. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the approvals to date by the local action groups of funding for projects under the LEADER Programme by Cork County action groups; the amount of expenditure to date on projects by Cork County local action groups; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10361/24]
View answerThe LEADER Programme is a key intervention of Our Rural Future, the Government’s Policy for rural development. It is delivered through Local Action Groups(LAGs) and is based on a community-led approach to rural development and supports a broad range of activities that aim to respond to the needs of our rural areas over the lifetime of the policy.
The total number of projects approved in County Cork over the lifetime of the 2014-2022 LEADER Programme was 390 projects worth in excess of €17 million. Over €14 million of this has been paid to beneficiaries to date. The remainder of the funding will be paid as projects are completed and the promoters submit claims for payment to the LAGs.
The table below shows the number, value of projects approved and project expenditure under the 2014-2022 programme, broken-down by LAG area in County Cork up to the end of February 2024.
Table:
|
LAG Area |
Number Projects Approved |
LEADER Grant Amount Approved |
Project Grant Amounts Paid |
|
Cork North |
167 |
€6,483,667 |
€5,859,238 |
|
Cork South |
109 |
€4,864,531 |
€3,598,578 |
|
Cork West |
114 |
€5,980,360 |
€4,948,875 |
|
Grand Total |
390 |
€17,328,557 |
€14,406,691 |
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 look forward to the implementation of the new LEADER programme and am confident that the level of funding provided to Cork will be sufficient to support the continued growth and development of rural communities in the area.
815. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if there will be a repeat of the Community Recognition Fund in 2024 to support communities who are welcoming people from Ukraine and other countries; if so, when she will be announcing the details of it; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10367/24]
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. It supports 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. 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.
I have recently 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 hope to make an announcement in this regard shortly.
816. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development when details of the 2024 Community Support Fund for enhancing facilities in disadvantaged communities will be announced; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10368/24]
View answerLast December I launched the 2024 Local Enhancement Programme (LEP). The LEP replaces the Department’s Community Enhancement Programme and its previous iterations, including the Community Support Fund and has capital funding of €6 million to assist thousands of community groups across the country. A key feature of the Local Enhancement Programme is that it is targeted to the specific challenges facing local community groups and delivers immediate, tangible supports where they are needed most.
In general, support under the Local Enhancement Programme is available to, for example, Parish Halls, Community Centres, Local Development Associations, Social Clubs, Senior Citizen Groups, Men’s and Women’s Sheds. The Local Enhancement Programme will provide capital supports essential for the many small community groups and organisations, particularly those who serve disadvantaged areas in rural and urban areas.
There will be a particular focus on small capital works/improvements, and the purchase of equipment for community use. The 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 Local Enhancement Programme is administered on behalf of the 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. 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 the Department’s website www.gov.ie/drcd in quarter 2 of 2024.
817. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the funding allocated to each county under the 2023 CLÁR programme, including any allocations whose announcement has taken place in 2024, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10373/24]
View answerThe CLÁR Programme provides funding for small-scale projects in designated rural areas that have experienced significant levels of de-population over a defined period.
I announced over 300 successful projects under all of the CLÁR measures between August 2023 and January 2024. Details of the 2023 CLÁR funding on a county basis is attached in the following table.
|
County |
Amount Allocated |
Number of Projects |
|
Carlow |
€267,099.00 |
7 |
|
Cavan |
€586,822.67 |
14 |
|
Clare |
€722,642.50 |
16 |
|
Cork |
€715,358.90 |
17 |
|
Donegal |
€882,534.00 |
17 |
|
Galway |
€973,124.12 |
21 |
|
Kerry |
€886,620.90 |
20 |
|
Kilkenny |
€295,468.52 |
8 |
|
Laois |
€271,058.00 |
7 |
|
Leitrim |
€518,891.91 |
13 |
|
Limerick |
€722,273.32 |
17 |
|
Longford |
€498,190.16 |
16 |
|
Louth |
€414,948.48 |
10 |
|
Mayo |
€1,125,608.00 |
23 |
|
Meath |
€239,774.00 |
5 |
|
Monaghan |
€675,070.63 |
17 |
|
Offaly |
€205,617.00 |
5 |
|
Roscommon |
€815,413.15 |
17 |
|
Sligo |
€547,831.72 |
12 |
|
Tipperary |
€556,899.00 |
14 |
|
Waterford |
€232,238.86 |
7 |
|
Westmeath |
€641,912.00 |
15 |
|
Wicklow |
€220,899.00 |
5 |
|
Totals |
€13,016,295.84 |
303 |
818. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development further to Parliamentary Question No. 99 of 30 January 2024, 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. [10374/24]
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. The next meeting is scheduled for 19 March. 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.
819. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the ground rents payable by her Department or agencies under its remit, by named property, by name of landlord and by amount payable, in the years 2016 to date; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10421/24]
View answerMy Department was established in July 2017 and occupies office space at two locations - Trinity Point, 10/11 Leinster Street South, Dublin 2, and Government Buildings, Ballina, Co. Mayo. No ground rents in respect of same are incurred by my Department.
There are four agencies under my Department’s remit: Pobal, the Charities Regulator, the Western Development Commission, and Water Safety Ireland. Each agency is an independent legal entity responsible for managing its own corporate affairs in compliance with its respective statutory obligations.
Details of the Oireachtas contact point in respect of each agency is set out beneath. These contact points would be in a position to provide the Deputy with information sought on any ground rent payable in each case, if applicable.
|
Pobal |
oireachtasqueries@pobal.ie |
|
Charities Regulator |
oireachtas@charitiesregulator.ie |
|
Water Safety Ireland |
oireachtas@wsi.ie |
|
Western Development Commission |
oireachtas@wdc.ie |
820. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if there is any funding available to support community centres purchasing sports equipment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10475/24]
View answerMy Department delivers a range of investment programmes which, depending on the exact equipment being purchased, may be relevant for community centres wishing to purchase sporting equipment.
My Department administers the Community Recognition Fund which 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.
Discussions are ongoing with regard to introducing a second iteration of the scheme to further assist impacted communities. My officials are advancing this work and I expect to make an announcement shortly.
The Local Enhancement Programme (LEP) 2024, with capital funding of €6 million, aims to provide supports that are essential for small community groups and organisations, particularly those who serve disadvantaged areas. There is a particular focus on small capital works/improvements, and the purchase of equipment for community use.
The Local Enhancement Programme is administered on behalf of my Department locally by Local Community Development Committees (LCDCs) across the country, with support from their local authority. Each LCDC is advertising the fund and I would encourage all groups to engage with their LCDC directly for details on how to apply.
The CLÁR Programme also provides funding for small-scale projects in designated rural areas that have experienced significant levels of de-population over a defined period. Since the Programme was relaunched in 2016, it has supported a wide range of measures.
The CLÁR 2023 programme was delivered under 3 separate measures. The first measure provided support for developing new community facilities and amenities, and I expanded this last year to include infrastructure facilities at sports clubs.
Funding of over €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 I will shortly be giving consideration to the measures to be included in the 2024 CLÁR programme in advance of its launch in the coming months.
Lastly, the LEADER programme may also be in a position to assist. LEADER is administered in each area by Local Action Groups, the details of which are available on my Department's website.
821. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development to confirm how much Cork city and county will be allocated under the 2023 town and village renewal scheme; when the full set of allocations will be announced; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10476/24]
View answerThe Town and Village Renewal Scheme (TVRS) was introduced in 2016 and is one of a number of measures designed to rejuvenate rural towns and villages throughout Ireland. Since the launch of the scheme, more than €156 million has been allocated to in excess of 1,700 projects throughout Ireland. Of this €958,920 has been allocated to Cork City Council and €7,364,347 allocated to Cork County Council.
In line with the commitment in Our Rural Future, TVRS priorities are reviewed at the end of each scheme year to ensure that funding is targeted effectively to support vibrant and attractive communities and to respond to changing needs and opportunities.
The 2023 Scheme has a renewed focus on town centre economic and social vibrancy. This will be achieved through projects focusing on town centre regeneration, enhancing our streetscapes and bringing vacant and derelict buildings back into use as community multi-purpose spaces through refurbishment and renovation.
The 2023 Scheme is now closed and the competitive assessment process is currently ongoing. The 2023 TVRS is heavily subscribed, and funding will be allocated based on suitability against scheme criteria, the geographical spread of projects, the quality of the proposed projects and the available budget. I expect to be in a position to announce the successful projects before the end of Quarter 1 of 2024.
822. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development to provide a report on EU funding made available to her department which has not yet been allocated; and the purpose for which this funding has been made available by the EU. [10403/24]
View answerThere is EU funding made available to my Department across three broad areas, the LEADER Programme, the European Social Fund Plus (ESF+), and the PEACEPLUS Programme.
The LEADER programme is co-funded by the EU. Under LEADER a total of €250 million in grant aid is available to rural communities and businesses. €70 million was allocated under the Transitional LEADER Programme which came into effect in April 2021. €180 million has been made available for delivery of the programme for the period 2023-2027. This includes a split of 59.65% funding from my Department and 40.35% funding from the EU. This funding will provide support for LEADER projects approved by the Local Action Groups (LAGs) that administer the programme and also for LAG administration costs. The funding will be utilised by the LAGs in their sub-regional areas over the coming years. The table below includes allocations by sub-regional area.
|
|
|
|
County |
Allocation |
|
Carlow |
€4.9m |
|
Cavan |
€6.4m |
|
Clare |
€6.8m |
|
North Cork |
€6.0m |
|
South Cork |
€4.9m |
|
West Cork |
€5.9m |
|
Donegal |
€10.4m |
|
Dublin Rural |
€4.7m |
|
Galway |
€9.0m |
|
Kerry |
€8.2m |
|
Kildare |
€5.4m |
|
Kilkenny |
€6.1m |
|
Laois |
€5.7m |
|
Leitrim |
€6.3m |
|
Limerick |
€6.9m |
|
Longford |
€5.8m |
|
Louth |
€4.9m |
|
Mayo |
€8.8m |
|
Meath |
€5.6m |
|
Monaghan |
€5.9m |
|
Offaly |
€6.3m |
|
Roscommon |
€6.8m |
|
Sligo |
€6.1m |
|
Tipperary |
€7.8m |
|
Waterford |
€6.1m |
|
Westmeath |
€5.7m |
|
Wexford |
€7.3m |
|
Wicklow |
€5.3m |
|
Total |
€180m |
The European Social Fund Plus (ESF+) is the EU’s main instrument for investing in people and supporting the implementation of the European Pillar of Social Rights. ESF+ investments within Ireland will be delivered through the Employment, Inclusion, Skills and Training (EIST) Programme.
My Department's ESF+ allocation is comprised of two strands – the Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme (SICAP 2024-2028), and Social Innovation Measures.
Under SICAP 2024-2028 the total approved allocation is €164 million, comprising approximately €73 million ESF+ co-financing and approximately €91 million national co-financing over the lifetime of the programme.
Under the Social Innovation strand my Department’s allocation will total €14.2 million for the period 2023-2027. This is comprised of funding of €4.4 million for the Community Services Programme and funding of €9.8 million for wider social innovation initiatives. My Department is in the process of finalising calls for applications for both the Community Services Programme and the Social Innovation Initiatives, to be issued shortly.
In relation to the PEACEPLUS Programme my Department provides pre-financing funding to the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB), who manages the EU co-funded cross border PEACE programmes. My Department's funding requirement for the period 2023-2029 is estimated at €96 million, including an allocation of over €5.7 million for 2024. This funding is distributed to the project programme implementers by the SEUPB. My Department is then reimbursed with the relevant refund which is circa 80% of the allocation paid under PEACEPLUS. As this funding is pre financed by my Department and refunded by the EU following spend by programme implementers, and is not provided upfront by the EU to the Department, it is therefore fully allocated.
823. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the extent to which her Department continues to address such issues as local connectivity in rural areas; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10805/24]
View answerOne of the key focuses of Our Rural Future, the Government's Rural Development Policy 2021 - 2025, is optimising digital connectivity to support vibrant, sustainable rural communities. I want to close the digital divide between rural and urban communities and ensure that those living in rural communities are provided with the same opportunities as those in larger urban areas. I am working to achieve this ambition by providing significant funding and support through my Department.
For example, significant funding 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. I have also established a national network of remote working hubs, as committed to under Our Rural Future.
Broadband Connection Points (BCPs) are public locations which have been selected to receive high-speed connectivity as part of the National Broadband Plan. The locations of 284 BCPs have been selected by local authorities and include public areas such as community halls, libraries, sports facilities, enterprise hubs, tourist locations and other public spaces, such as community centres and sports clubs. They are located in rural and isolated areas including on a number of off-shore islands and support remote working, digital skills training and a range of community initiatives. In addition, 16 further sites adjacent to and serving the wide intervention area were identified specifically for remote working. 294 BCPs are now live and in operation.
I also co-chair of the Mobile Phone and Broadband Taskforce which was re-established in late 2021. The current Taskforce Work Programme includes actions relating to improved mobile phone coverage in rural areas, telecoms infrastructure, the use of public assets for telecoms purposes, and improving the quality and availability of information for consumers of telecoms services and products. The work of the Taskforce will contribute to improving communications and connectivity across Ireland in all communities.
I am committed to ensuring that the Mobile Phone and Broadband Taskforce, the Broadband Connection Points and other programmes in my Department 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.
824. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development her plans for various voluntary and community groups and projects throughout the country and County Kildare in 2024; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10806/24]
View answer830. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development to outline the various headings under which applications for grant-aid under the various schemes operated by her Department can be made; the opening and closing dates in respect of each for the remainder of 2024; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10812/24]
View answer831. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the extent to which she expects to be in a position to support applications from County Kildare for assistance under the various schemes operated by her Department in the current year; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10813/24]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 824, 830 and 831 together.
My Department provides funding through a range of highly impactful schemes and programmes aimed at supporting sustainable, inclusive and thriving communities, including community and voluntary groups in County Kildare.
In 2023 my Department's outturn of €417 million supported a range of policy priorities across the country. This funding has, for example, seen community centres revitalised, outdoor amenities established, and community supports rolled out to combat poverty and social exclusion.
Significant funding approvals were made in 2023, including in excess of €7.2 million for Kildare. These allocations included funding under the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund of €3.3 million towards the costs for the Shackleton Museum in Athy, and the Athy Food, Drink and Skills Innovation Hub.
Budget 2024 provides my Department with a gross allocation of €431 million. Included in this is €210 million for capital investment, with the remaining €221 million for current expenditure. These allocations represent a core funding increase of €4 million for capital and €12 million for current, compared to 2023. The capital increase reflects the expenditure ceilings set out in the National Development Plan, but also Government’s continuing commitment to rural and community development.
This year, over €205 million in funding is available for the Rural Development Investment Programme, which includes schemes such as Town and Village Renewal, LEADER, and the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund. This allocation for rural development will also allow additional funding for the Local Improvement Scheme and CLÁR, bringing their funding levels up to €13 million and €8.7 million respectively. These schemes provide much needed funding for capital projects that improve the quality of lives of those living in rural Ireland, and the experience of those visiting our wonderful rural hinterlands.
Under Budget 2024, over €225 million has been secured for my Department’s Community Development Programmes. These include the Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme (SICAP), and the Community Services Programme (CSP). These two programmes will have combined core funding of over €100 million. Kildare has been allocated over €1.38 million under SICAP and over half a million under the CSP. Budget 2024 also provides €11 million in current funding to assist with the community response to the Ukraine crisis under SICAP and through volunteering supports.
The allocation for Community Development also provides funding of €21 million to support the Community Centre Investment Fund in 2024 – delivering upgrades to existing centres and allowing investment in new centres where they are needed, in both rural and urban areas.
As is evident, the ambition of my Department remains high and we have much to deliver in 2024, across the country and in County Kildare. With regard to specific schemes, funds and the timelines to their launch, these details will be released in due course throughout the year. It should be noted that applications under Category 1 of the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund closed last month.
I would encourage anyone interested in my Department’s funding schemes, either across the country or in Kildare, to visit our website at gov.ie where details of future calls will be posted.
826. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the extent to which she and her Department can assist the rural communities dealing with transport in areas not served by public transport; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10808/24]
View answer827. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the degree to which she and her Department expect to be in a position to address the socioeconomic needs of rural Ireland throughout the country during the rest of 2024, including such issues as isolation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10809/24]
View answer829. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the extent to which she and her Department have and continue to address issues of rural isolation and need for services to counter this; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10811/24]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 826, 827 and 829 together.
Addressing the issue of isolation, in both rural and urban communities, cuts across the work of a number of Departments. Many of my Department's policies and funding programmes aim to address social isolation issues in communities, and also deliver benefits by responding to the challenges facing vulnerable individuals.
My Department provides funding to support those in our communities in most need of assistance through schemes such as the Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme (SICAP), Community Services Programme (CSO), and Seniors Alert Scheme, amongst others.
SICAP is Ireland’s primary social inclusion funding intervention, delivered locally by Local Development Companies (LDCs) to help those in the greatest need access supports to enable participation in communities.
My Department’s Community Services Programme (CSP) currently supports over 420 community organisations to provide employment opportunities and local services through a social enterprise model. The CSP focuses on communities where public and private sector services are lacking, either through geographical isolation or social isolation or because demand levels are not sufficient.
My Department is responsible for the Seniors Alert Scheme which 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.
My Department also provides supports for social enterprises, many of which are based in rural or isolated areas and provide services to communities that may not otherwise be available.
With regard to transport provision for rural areas, this is a matter for the Minister for Transport. Under the CLÁR Programme my Department provides funding to support the purchase of vehicles for the transport of patients to cancer care treatment and for community first responders.
My Department continues to engage with stakeholders and monitor issues impacting on communities in order to respond to the emerging needs of people in communities right across the country.
828. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the extent to which she and her Department have received applications under the various rural development schemes on a county by county basis throughout the country in the past two years and to date in 2024; the extent of the approvals in the past; her expectations of the current year; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10810/24]
View answerI have provided details in the attached tables in respect of the number of applications received under the following schemes which form part of my Department's Rural Development Investment Programme:
• Rural Regeneration and Development Fund
• Town & Village Renewal Scheme
• Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme
• CLÁR
The tables also include details of the number of projects approved and the level of funding associated with those approvals.
The Rural Regeneration and Development Fund supports capital projects in towns, villages and rural areas across Ireland.
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.
The third call for Category 2 applications was completed in January 2022. The fourth call for Category 1 applications was completed in November 2022. There were no applications received under this Fund in 2023
The fifth call for Category 1 RRDF applications closed on 8 February. My Department received 60 applications to this call. I expect to be in a position to announce the successful projects before the end of quarter 2 of 2024.
The Town and Village Renewal Scheme (TVRS) supports the revitalisation of our towns and villages.
The figures in respect of the 2023 applications include the 2023 TVRS Main Scheme and 2023 Building Acquisition Measure, however the approvals are for the 2023 Building Acquisition Measure only. It is expected that the announcement of successful projects (approvals) for the 2023 TVRS Main Scheme will take place by the end of quarter 1 2024.
It is expected that the next iteration of the TVRS will be announced in the second half of 2024 therefore no applications have been received to date in 2024.
The Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS) provides funding for the development and enhancement of outdoor recreational infrastructure such as walking trails, cycleways and other amenities at our rivers, beaches, lakes and forests.
The figures in the table for approvals in 2023 relate only to funding under the Project Development Measure of the 2023 scheme. Applications submitted under Measures 1, 2 and 3 of the 2023 scheme are currently being assessed. I hope to announce successful projects under these three Measures in the coming weeks. The next iteration of the scheme will be launched in the second half of 2024
The CLÁR Programme provides funding for small-scale projects in designated rural areas that have experienced significant levels of de-population over a defined period.
In 2022 I announced 292 successful projects from 325 applications with over €12 million in funding. In 2023 I announced 303 successful projects out of 330 applications with funding of over €13 million under all of the CLÁR measures. I expect to launch the 2024 CLÁR scheme in the coming weeks
The LEADER Programme also forms part of the Rural Development Investment Programme, however the projects are not approved directly by the Department. Similarly, applications under the Local Improvement Scheme are managed directly by the Local Authorities and sent to my Department for approval.
The Deputy will also be aware that my Department funds a range of other capital projects through schemes such as the Community Recognition Fund and the Community Centre Investment Fund.
As approvals are announced across the different schemes, they are listed on my Departments website www.gov.ie/drcd
