Earlier this year, I launched a number of schemes that provide support for the development of rural communities. These include the Town and Village Renewal Scheme, the Outdoor/Rural Recreation Infrastructure Scheme, the CLÁR Programme and the Local Improvement Scheme (LIS).
It is important to note that apart from the LIS, the rural development schemes are expected to operate over a 12-15 month period. Therefore, it was always anticipated that a portion of the funds allocated would be drawn-down in 2018, but only when the draw-down conditions are met, including the full completion of works which is required for final payments to be issued.
In the case of the LIS, funding can be drawn down on certification by a Local Authority that 50% of their works have been completed and that all works will be fully completed by 31st December 2017. In addition to Local Authority certification and desk-based checks by my officials, my Department's Inspection Services have completed on-the-spot verification checks on LIS roads in a number of counties and were able to verify that works had been completed to the level certified. Further inspection and audit will be carried out early in 2018 to ensure that all works are fully completed.
In the case of the Outdoor Rural Recreation Infrastructure scheme, the Town and Village Renewal scheme and the CLÁR programme, Local Authorities are required to spend at least 20% of the total project cost before the first tranche payment of 50% of their allocation under the respective scheme can be drawn-down. The balance of funding will only be paid on full completion of the projects in question.
The release of the initial tranche of funding is also subject to satisfactory progress being demonstrated in respect of the 2016 schemes, where such funding was provided to the Local Authorities.
Aside from these schemes, I have allocated €1.4 million this year to support TidyTown Committees throughout the country to mark the 60th anniversary of the competition in 2018; this funding is being distributed through Pobal. I have also allocated €812,000 to the Irish Shows Association by way of sponsorship of local agricultural shows in 2018.
Prior to the establishment of my Department, sanction was sought by the former Departments of Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs and Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government, to make advance payments in relation to a number of schemes operating under the community and/or voluntary sectors, and to fund Pobal in its management and oversight of programmes on behalf of the Department. Advance payments of this nature are necessary to allow community-based projects to proceed, or for essential services to be provided. They are, however, are subject to appropriate monitoring, reporting and control procedures.
