Written Answers Nos. 1718-1734
1718. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development how long the community centre investment will run; and if extra funding will be made available if there are other applicants. [13724/24]
View answerCommunity centres are a vital resource for any community, and in recent years I have prioritised the development and enhancement of community centres across the country to improve access and provide suitable social spaces.
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.
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.
My Department received 22 applications to this fund from locations all around the country, and I hope to announce the successful projects shortly. I will, of course, then give consideration to the need for further rounds of funding and indeed any conditions that might be attached to any future iterations of the scheme in the context of available funding.
1719. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the amount spent by her Department on travel and accommodation costs associated with Ministerial visits abroad to date in 2024, in tabular form. [13812/24]
View answerThe total costs incurred to date in 2024 associated with Ministerial visits abroad, including accompanying officials, is €9,044.28.
1720. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the number of properties either owned or leased by her Department, which are currently vacant; the length of time the properties have been vacant for; and the location of the properties, in tabular form. [13830/24]
View answerMy Department currently occupies office space at Trinity Point, Dublin 2, and Government Buildings, Ballina, Co. Mayo. Both offices are in the ownership of the Office of Public Works (OPW) and are at full occupancy.
My Department also has responsibility for the Islands, with a small staffing complement based in Na Forbacha, Co Galway. This office space, located in the Connemara Gaeltacht, is provided on an agency basis by the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media.
1721. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development when the town and village allocations will be made; if a group (details supplied) is being considered for the scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13919/24]
View answerThe Town and Village Renewal Scheme 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 over €156 million has been allocated to more than 1,700 projects across Ireland.
As committed to under Our Rural Future and in line with the Town Centre First Policy, scheme 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 which includes the development of recreational spaces/amenities in town centres to make them vibrant hubs for community enjoyment and to increase footfall for local businesses.
The 2023 Scheme is now closed and the competitive assessment process is nearing completion. I can confirm that an application has been received in relation to the project referred to. However, I would like to emphasise that the Town and Village Renewal Scheme is heavily subscribed, and funding will be allocated based on the quality of the proposed projects, the geographical spread of projects and the available budget. I expect to announce the successful projects shortly.
1722. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the engagement she has had with Carlow County Council on the provision of a community hub in Carlow on the Tullow Road (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14112/24]
View answerLast 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.
My Department received 22 applications to this fund from locations all around the country.
I can confirm that Carlow County Council has submitted an application in relation to a community hub in Carlow on the Tullow Road, with €4,135,178 being sought from the fund. I expect to make an announcement in relation to the allocation of funding to projects shortly.
1723. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the current progress and eventual timeline for the provision of an extension for Carlow library (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14114/24]
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 provision of an extension to Carlow County Library is a matter for Carlow County Council.
The response provided to PQ 2613/24 on January 23rd, as quoted in the details submitted with this question, is still the most recent information available for the Carlow Town project. However, I wish to advise that the announcement of details of the projects that have been approved for funding under the Libraries Capital Programme is now scheduled for Q2 2024.
1724. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the funding currently available to each local authority for dog wardens and animal welfare inspectors; when dog wardens and an animal welfare inspector will be appointed in Limerick; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14314/24]
View answerUnder Section 159 of the Local Government Act 2001, each Chief Executive is responsible for the staffing and organisational arrangements necessary for carrying out the functions of the local authority for which he/she is responsible, including the appointment of dog wardens.
My Department does not have any responsibility in relation to animal welfare. Responsibility in relation to the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013 is a matter for my colleague the Minister of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.
1725. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the amount of funding provided by her Department to County Mayo since January 2020; the list of projects supported under the rural regeneration and development fund, town and village renewal scheme, outdoor recreation infrastructure fund, building acquisition fund and CLÁR fund during this time in County Mayo; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14336/24]
View answerMy Department implements a range of supports and schemes aimed at supporting rural and community development across Ireland in support of policies such as Our Rural Future, Our Living Islands and Sustainable, Inclusive and Empowered Communities.
In total, across all schemes administered by my Department, over €85.6 million in funding has been allocated to projects in County Mayo over the period 2020 to 2024 supporting the objectives of these policies. A breakdown of allocations per year is set out in the table below.
|
2020 |
2021 |
2022 |
2023 |
2024* |
|
€14,732,668 |
€23,568,237 |
€25,933,893 |
€14,034,023 |
€7,337,561* |
*This figure represents allocations to date in 2024
The tables below sets out details relating to projects under the range of Rural Development schemes as requested by the Deputy.
|
Scheme |
Project |
Funding Allocated |
Year Funding Allocated |
|
Rural Regeneration and Development Fund |
Newport Regeneration Project |
€355,764 |
2020 |
|
Rural Regeneration and Development Fund |
Ballyhaunis Community Vision |
€105,851 |
2020 |
|
Rural Regeneration and Development Fund |
Phase 1 Regeneration of Sisters of Mercy Convent Site and Adjacent Lands |
€8,278,682 |
2021 |
|
Rural Regeneration and Development Fund |
Ballinrobe Community Arts and Amenity Centre - Regeneration of the iconic Valkenburg complex |
€4,873,114 |
2022 |
|
Rural Regeneration and Development Fund |
Newport Regeneration |
€5,653,074 |
2022 |
|
Town and Village 2020 |
Westport |
€100,000 |
2020 |
|
Town and Village 2020 |
Straide |
€100,000 |
2020 |
|
Town and Village 2020 |
Moygownagh |
€80,000 |
2020 |
|
Town and Village 2020 |
Kiltimagh |
€92,132 |
2020 |
|
Town and Village 2020 |
Killala |
€200,000 |
2020 |
|
Town and Village 2020 |
Cong |
€100,000 |
2020 |
|
Town and Village 2020 |
Breaffy |
€100,000 |
2020 |
|
Town and Village 2020 |
Westport |
€40,000 |
2020 |
|
Town and Village 2020 |
Parke |
€25,000 |
2020 |
|
Town and Village 2020 |
Lahardane |
€24,725 |
2020 |
|
Town and Village 2020 |
Knockmore |
€25,000 |
2020 |
|
Town and Village 2020 |
Killala |
€25,000 |
2020 |
|
Town and Village 2020 |
Islandeady |
€25,000 |
2020 |
|
Town and Village 2020 |
Crossboyne |
€40,000 |
2020 |
|
Town and Village 2020 |
Cong |
€25,000 |
2020 |
|
Town and Village 2020 |
Claremorris |
€25,000 |
2020 |
|
Town and Village 2020 |
Castlebar |
€40,000 |
2020 |
|
Town and Village 2020 |
Broadband Connection Points (10 connection ponts) |
€39,600 |
2020 |
|
Town and Village 2020 |
Bofeenaun |
€39,996 |
2020 |
|
Town and Village 2020 |
Belmullet and Westport |
€22,500 |
2020 |
|
Town and Village 2020 |
Ballina |
€40,000 |
2020 |
|
Town and Village 2020 |
All Towns, Villages & Communities in the Westport, Belmullet Municipal District |
€25,000 |
2020 |
|
Town and Village 2022 |
PDM - Louisburgh |
€50,000 |
2022 |
|
Town and Village 2022 |
PDM - Ballina |
€49,500 |
2022 |
|
Town and Village 2022 |
Countywide |
€31,500 |
2022 |
|
Town and Village 2022 |
Ballyhaunis |
€100,000 |
2022 |
|
Town and Village 2022 |
Partry |
€100,000 |
2022 |
|
Town and Village 2022 |
Belmullet |
€500,000 |
2022 |
|
Town and Village 2022 |
Ballycastle |
€245,843 |
2022 |
|
Town and Village 2022 |
Balla |
€120,000 |
2022 |
|
Town and Village Streetscape Enhancement Measure |
Newport Ballinrobe Ballina Castlebar |
€118,946 |
2021 |
|
Building Acquisition Measure 2023 |
Louisburgh |
€50,000 |
2023 |
|
Building Acquisition Measure 2023 |
Charlestown |
€85,000 |
2023 |
|
Building Acquisition Measure 2023 |
Bellacorrick |
€90,000 |
2023 |
|
Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Fund |
Clare Lake Land of the Giants |
€20,000 |
2020 |
|
Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Fund |
Dooagh Loop Walk |
€20,000 |
2020 |
|
Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Fund |
Breaffy Woods Looped Walk |
€20,000 |
2020 |
|
Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Fund |
Burrishoole Loop Walks & The Great Western Greenway |
€20,000 |
2020 |
|
Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Fund |
Erris Head |
€20,000 |
2020 |
|
Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Fund |
Marketing of Mayo Trails |
€20,000 |
2020 |
|
Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Fund |
Kilmovee Heritage Trail |
€20,000 |
2020 |
|
Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Fund |
Clogher Walking Hub |
€19,800 |
2020 |
|
Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Fund |
Burrishoole Loop Walks |
€200,000 |
2020 |
|
Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Fund |
Monasteries Trail |
€200,000 |
2020 |
|
Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Fund |
The Calicaun Bay Trail and viewing point |
€20,000 |
2021 |
|
Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Fund |
Bohola Walking and Cycling Hub |
€20,000 |
2021 |
|
Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Fund |
Ross Beach Walkway |
€17,979 |
2021 |
|
Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Fund |
Kilcummin Head Coastal Walk |
€18,000 |
2021 |
|
Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Fund |
Improvements to Great Western Greenway - Turlough and Killala |
€200,000 |
2021 |
|
Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Fund |
Recreation Improvements Towerhill and Moorehall |
€200,000 |
2021 |
|
Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Fund |
Wild Atlantic Way Ceide Coastal Path |
€50,000 |
2021 |
|
Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Fund |
Raheen woods Trailhead Improvements |
€28,153 |
2022 |
|
Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Fund |
Safety Improvements in accessing the waters at Ballina Quay |
€27,000 |
2022 |
|
Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Fund |
Mullaghroe Blue Flag Beach Trailhead Enhancement Project |
€27,000 |
2022 |
|
Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Fund |
Tullaghan Loop Walks |
€27,000 |
2022 |
|
Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Fund |
Extension to Clare Lake Trailhead |
€29,624 |
2022 |
|
Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Fund |
Downpatrick Head Trailhead Improvements |
€180,000 |
2022 |
|
Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Fund |
Carrowteige Loop Walks - Benwee Head |
€180,000 |
2022 |
|
Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Fund |
Old Head Trailhead Improvements. |
€180,000 |
2022 |
|
Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Fund |
Louisburgh - Carrowmore Beach Trail |
€49,500 |
2022 |
|
Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Fund |
Killala Bay Ships Reef |
€50,000 |
2023 |
|
Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Fund |
Cong to Lisloughrey Pier Recreational Trail |
€50,000 |
2023 |
|
CLÁR |
Templemary N.S. |
€20,376 |
2020 |
|
CLÁR |
Halla Tuar Mhic Eadaigh |
€33,675 |
2020 |
|
CLÁR |
Rehins N.S. |
€10,800 |
2020 |
|
CLÁR |
Laherdaun Community Centre / Laherdaun Tidy Towns and Village Enhancement Group |
€29,700 |
2020 |
|
CLÁR |
Aghamore Integrated Community Campus (ICC) |
€50,000 |
2020 |
|
CLÁR |
Innisturk Community Club |
€50,000 |
2020 |
|
CLÁR |
Brickens Logboy Tulrahan Housing Ass |
€5,000 |
2020 |
|
CLÁR |
Castlebar Voluntary Social Services Centre |
€6,475 |
2020 |
|
CLÁR |
Suifinn Way |
€9,409 |
2020 |
|
CLÁR |
Meals on Wheels, Mary Alkenhead Council |
€16,800 |
2020 |
|
CLÁR |
Geesala Meals on Wheels |
€9,621 |
2020 |
|
CLÁR |
Mayo Abbey Parish CDC |
€2,565 |
2020 |
|
CLÁR |
Order of Malta Mayo |
€50,000 |
2020 |
|
CLÁR |
Western Care Ballina |
€54,000 |
2020 |
|
CLÁR |
St Colemans Care Centre |
€65,000 |
2020 |
|
CLÁR |
Cong NS |
€44,100 |
2021 |
|
CLÁR |
Currabaggan NS |
€29,700 |
2021 |
|
CLÁR |
Parke, Keelogues, Crimlin GAA Pitch & Parke NS |
€43,000 |
2021 |
|
CLÁR |
Ballycastle Community Hall |
€22,259 |
2021 |
|
CLÁR |
Keel Community Playground |
€50,000 |
2021 |
|
CLÁR |
Belcarra Community Council |
€50,000 |
2021 |
|
CLÁR |
Claremorris Chamber of Commerce |
€50,000 |
2021 |
|
CLÁR |
Crossmolina Vision 2025 |
€50,000 |
2021 |
|
CLÁR |
Bohola Biodiversity Park Committee |
€50,000 |
2021 |
|
CLÁR |
Comharchumann Forbartha Ionand Deirbhile Teo |
€44,236 |
2021 |
|
CLÁR |
Friends of Mayo Dark Skies |
€50,000 |
2021 |
|
CLÁR |
Balla GAA |
€50,000 |
2022 |
|
CLÁR |
Connaught GAA |
€40,000 |
2022 |
|
CLÁR |
Knockmore GAA Club |
€50,000 |
2022 |
|
CLÁR |
Ballyvary Central NS |
€50,000 |
2022 |
|
CLÁR |
Down Syndrome Ireland West Regional Centre |
€50,000 |
2022 |
|
CLÁR |
Belmullet Swimming Pool |
€45,000 |
2022 |
|
CLÁR |
Ballintubber GAA |
€50,000 |
2022 |
|
CLÁR |
MulrannyTiernaur Amenity Centre |
€46,616 |
2022 |
|
CLÁR |
Ballinrobe Walkway Project |
€29,500 |
2022 |
|
CLÁR |
Crossmolina Community Council |
€11,250 |
2022 |
|
CLÁR |
Carnacon Community Development |
€9,000 |
2022 |
|
CLÁR |
Swinford Amenity Development CLG |
€49,500 |
2022 |
|
CLÁR |
Grainne Uaile Sub Aqua Club Ltd Search and Recovery Unit |
€25,600 |
2022 |
|
CLÁR |
Western Care Association- Hillview |
€46,391 |
2022 |
|
CLÁR |
Western Care Association- Transport Department |
€69,200 |
2022 |
|
CLÁR |
River Moy Search and Rescue |
€96,186 |
2022 |
|
CLÁR |
Ballina |
2022 |
|
|
CLÁR |
Enable Ireland Mayo Services |
€46,936 |
2022 |
|
CLÁR |
Irish Community Air Ambulance |
€45,978 |
2022 |
|
CLÁR |
Inishturk Community Club CLG |
€11,475 |
2022 |
|
CLÁR |
Mayo Mountain Rescue Team |
€48,509 |
2023 |
|
CLÁR |
River Moy Search and Rescue Ballina CLG |
€98,237 |
2023 |
|
CLÁR |
Western Care Association |
€59,936 |
2023 |
|
CLÁR |
Western Care Association |
€54,108 |
2023 |
|
CLÁR |
Irish Wheelchair Association |
€40,781 |
2023 |
|
CLÁR |
Irish Community Rapid Response |
€50,000 |
2023 |
|
CLÁR |
Western Care Association |
€59,936 |
2023 |
|
CLÁR |
Ballyheane Football Club |
€47,115 |
2023 |
|
CLÁR |
Hollymount Carramore GAA Club |
€37,620 |
2023 |
|
CLÁR |
Killala GAA |
€50,000 |
2023 |
|
CLÁR |
Manulla Sporting Club |
€50,000 |
2023 |
|
CLÁR |
Charlestown Sarsfields GAA Club |
€50,000 |
2023 |
|
CLÁR |
Kilmeena GAA Club |
€50,000 |
2023 |
|
CLÁR |
Knockmore GAA |
€49,950 |
2023 |
|
CLÁR |
Cumann Liathróid Láimhe Thuar Mhic Éadaigh |
€19,800 |
2023 |
|
CLÁR |
Garrymore GAA Club |
€45,000 |
2023 |
|
CLÁR |
Kilmore Community Sports Field |
€38,000 |
2023 |
|
CLÁR |
Crossmolina GAA |
€50,000 |
2023 |
|
CLÁR |
Louisburgh Community Futures CLG |
€49,500 |
2023 |
|
CLÁR |
Bohola Community Biodiversity Park |
€50,000 |
2023 |
|
CLÁR |
Burrishoole Community Partnership |
€44,616 |
2023 |
|
CLÁR |
Garracloon National School |
€32,500 |
2023 |
|
CLÁR |
Cliara Development Company DAC |
€50,000 |
2023 |
1726. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if, in relation to the high-level stakeholder group on the control of dogs, she will provide information (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14351/24]
View answer1730. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development when and how the public and public representatives can engage with the new stakeholder group established to deal with dangerous breeds of dogs; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14693/24]
View answer1731. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development when the newly established dog control stakeholder group will be open to submissions from the public; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14736/24]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 1726, 1730 and 1731 together.
I am committed to improving outcomes in relation to Dog Control in Ireland and in this context, I recently announced the establishment of a high level stakeholder group to consider and make recommendations to strengthen policy in relation these issues. I have appointed John Twomey as Chair of the stakeholder group, which comprises members with a broad range of expertise including academics, veterinary surgeons, local authorities, dog trainers and behaviourists, hunting and farming interests, and animal welfare organisations.
The first meeting of this group took place recently and we are currently finalising the terms of reference for the group. It is my intention to publish the TOR, agendas and meeting minutes subject to the approval of the group. I expect to receive one formal report each year, in addition to regular updates on the work.
The group have been tasked with considering the policy and legislative matters under the remit of my Department, specifically the Dog Control Acts and the Dog Breeding Establishments Act. While this remit includes consideration of ‘dangerous dogs’ it also encompasses broader topics. Decisions on any consultation processes to be undertaken by the Stakeholder group will be a matter for the group.
A comprehensive public consultation was undertaken by my Department in relation to dog control policy and legislation in 2019. Over one thousand submissions were received as part of the 2019 consultation and the resulting report is available to the stakeholder group to support their work. The work of the group will also be informed by the report of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine and my Department's extensive public and stakeholder engagement via existing structures, outreach work and events such as the National Ploughing Championships.
1727. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development whether she is aware that Pobal requires verified audited accounts from community groups to access funding but does not provide financial assistance to support such organisations in funding these audits. [14585/24]
View answerMy Department's Community Services Programme (CSP) currently supports over 430 community-based organisations to provide local social, economic and environmental services through a social enterprise model, providing a contribution towards the cost of CSP supported staff in organisations.
CSP provides an annual co-funding contribution towards each full-time equivalent (FTE) position being supported, and, where warranted, towards the cost of employing a manager, which must be co-funded by the organisations concerned from other sources, for example, from income generated from the use of facilities and services provided. The programme does not provide funding to cover overhead costs such as the provision of audited accounts. These costs, along with the salary co-funding element, must be funded from the revenue generated by CSP supported organisations.
Each CSP supported organisation is contractually obliged to provide annual signed audited financial statements to Pobal, who administer the programme on behalf of my Department. This is one of the requirements included in the CSP Operational Manual and CSP Funding Agreements. It is in line with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform Circular 13/2014 'Management of and Accountability for Grants from Exchequer Funds' which includes the requirement that grantees should submit audited accounts to the grantor after the end of each financial year.
As a grantor, Pobal, on behalf of my department, as part of effective monitoring and reporting under the circular, are required to collate annual audited financial statements from grantees, as appropriate. Pobal requires the submission of signed and authorised statements per grant agreements within 6 months of the annual financial reporting period, which has been set out with the Companies Registration Office (CRO). For the majority of companies registered with CRO, this is generally in line with the calendar year.
In order to support organisations further in a number of areas including financial sustainability, Pobal will be providing CSP supported organisations with a coaching and mentoring programme, funded under the ESF+ social innovation measure to assist organisations to improve their overall performance.
My Department is also aware that Pobal rolled out a Business and Financial Sustainability Training Programme during Q1 2024 with further sessions anticipated to take place later in the year. The overall aim of the training is to provide organisations with the skills and knowledge necessary to help them devise their business plans and cash-flows that are practical and actionable and will assist them to remain financially viable in the short to medium term.
1728. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the funding available to community centres struggling with increased gas and electricity bills. [14586/24]
View answerLast year, I was delighted to announce details of successful applicants of the Community Support Fund (CSF) under the Community Enhancement Programme. Funding of €10 million was allocated to assist local community and voluntary groups across the country with a multitude of costs including energy and utility bills, other operating costs, minor upgrade works and small capital purchases.
Last December, I launched the Local Enhancement Programme (LEP), with capital funding of €6 million to assist thousands of community groups across the country. There was a particular focus on small capital works/improvements, and the purchase of equipment for community use. The funding could be used, but was not limited to improving energy efficiency of community facilities to reduce ongoing costs.
The CSF and the LEP are now closed to applicants and details of successful projects will be published on my Department’s website www.gov.ie/drcd.
I would encourage all community groups to check my department’s website www.gov.ie/drcd, and to engage with their Local Community Development Committees (LCDCs), Local Development Companies and Public Participation Networks (PPN) to ensure they are aware of funding opportunities as they become available.
I look forward to continuing to deliver meaningful supports like the CSF and LEP to local communities as we support them to respond to the challenges they face.
1729. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development when she expects village renewal scheme funding to be announced; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14666/24]
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.
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 multipurpose spaces through refurbishment and renovation.
The 2023 Scheme is now closed and the competitive assessment is nearing completion. 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 shortly.
1732. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the number of WTE compliance concerns managers at the grade of HEO working in the Charities Regulator in the years 2022, 2023 and to date in 2024, in tabular form. [15105/24]
View answerThe Charities Regulatory Authority (the ‘Charities Regulator’) was established in October 2014 pursuant to the Charities Act 2009. The Authority is the State organisation responsible for registering and regulating all of Ireland’s charities, with the mandate to promote good governance practice.
The Charities Regulator is under the aegis of my department. It is important to note however, that the Regulator is fully independent in the performance of its statutory functions.
The table below displays the number of WTE compliance concerns managers at the grade of HEO / Professional Accountant Grade 2, working in the Charities Regulator from 2022 to date.
|
Compliance Concerns Managers (HEO Grade) / (Professional Accountant Grade 2) |
|||
|
Year |
2022 |
2023 |
2024 |
|
Number of WTE |
3 |
3 |
3 |
1733. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if grant assistance is available for a club (details supplied) to provide worker accommodation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15204/24]
View answerOur Rural Future, Ireland's Rural Development Policy 2021 – 2025 represents the Irish Government’s blueprint for the development of rural Ireland. It sets out a range of actions for delivery across Government, and sets the strategic framework for the delivery of capital investment under my Department's Rural Development Investment Programme.
The capital investment schemes implemented by my Department have seen record levels of investment in communities across Ireland in recent years through schemes such as the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund, the Town and Village Renewal Scheme, the Community Recognition Fund and the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme. From the details provided by the Deputy, however, the funding of accommodation for a private enterprise would not be coherent with the objectives or eligibility requirements of my Department's programme of schemes. However, I would encourage engagement with the relevant local authority to determine if there are any other schemes locally or nationally, managed by the local authority, that could be leveraged to support this project.
1734. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if she will seek an update on the purchase of a building (details supplied) in Dunleer for use as a multipurpose community space through the building acquisition measures; if any further request has been received from Louth County Council for any further buildings in the county under the BAM scheme; if so, the details of same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15345/24]
View answerThe Town and Village Renewal Scheme (TVRS), introduced in 2016, is one of a number of measures designed to rejuvenate rural towns and villages throughout Ireland. Since the launch of the scheme over €156 million has been allocated to more than 1,700 projects across Ireland. The Scheme has supported towns and villages the length and breadth of the country.
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.
In 2022, in recognition of the urgent need to transform and regenerate town centres I introduced a new Building Acquisition Measure (BAM) which enabled local authorities to immediately acquire derelict or vacant buildings, with the intention of using these projects for town regeneration purposes. Twenty nine properties were purchased utilising €6.1m funding in 2022. A further 24 properties were purchased under BAM in 2023 utilising €4.6m in funding.
In 2022, Louth County Council was successful in its submission of an application for the purchase of a building in Dunleer as referred to by the Deputy, for use as a multipurpose community space. Louth County Council have until the end of 2024 to commence redevelopment of the property.
Whilst Louth County Council did not submit an application under BAM in 2023, in the lifetime of this Government, Louth has benefited from more than €2.2million under TVRS alone.
The 2023 TVRS was launched on 21 July 2023 with an overall fund of €15 million. There was no minimum submission requirement, and local authorities were invited to submit up to 5 applications to the value of €1.5 million per local authority. The closing date for receipt of applications to the Department was 10th November 2023 and the competitive assessment process in now nearing completion. I expect to announce the successful projects shortly.
