Written Answers Nos. 1532-1553
1532. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the towns that were unsuccessful in their application to the town and village renewal scheme 2017, in tabular form; the amounts they had requested; the reason they did not receive funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55021/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 2017 Town and Village Renewal Scheme, which forms an important part of the Action Plan for rural Development was launched on 13th April last, with a focus on improving the economic development of our rural towns and villages.
In total, my Department received 333 applications under the scheme, including 20 applications under a separate strand for public art works. Officials in my Department assessed each Town and Village application under 5 separate criteria:
- Economic Development potential
- Strategic nature of the proposal, in line with Local Economic and Community Plans (LECPs)
- Demonstration of need and potential
- Realistic nature of the proposal
- Value for Money
In order to reach a minimum qualifying standard, a score of at least 65% had to be achieved under each of the criteria listed above.
On the 4th October last, I published a list of 281 successful projects, to a total value of €21.6 million, to be supported under the 2017 scheme. A decision on the 20 applications for funding for public art works was deferred. In addition there were 32 applications that were that were unsuccessful in their bid for funding. I will revert to the Deputy with the details of these applications in tabular form within the coming days.
1533. Deputy Fiona O'Loughlin asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if there are grants available to assist an area (details supplied) in completing work on a hall for upgrading; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55194/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised that an expression of interest for funding under the LEADER programme in respect of the project referred to in the Deputy’s question was received on 20 November 2017 by the Local Action Group which administers the programme for the area concerned. I also understand that the Local Action Group has invited the project promoter to submit a full application for funding.
LEADER is a multi-annual programme covering the period 2014-2020. It is co-funded by the EU and funding is delivered through Local Action Groups in each of the 28 LEADER sub-regional areas around the country. The LEADER programme funds projects under three policy themes:
- Economic Development, Enterprise Development and Job Creation
- Social Inclusion, and
- Rural Environment.
In order for a project to be eligible for LEADER funding, it must be compatible with the actions outlined in the approved Local Development Strategy in the sub-regional area concerned, and it must comply with the Operating Rules and EU Regulations in place for the programme.
The decision to approve a project, or otherwise, is a matter for the Local Action Group in the relevant area.
1534. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the vacant properties and land not in use, owned, rented or leased by his Department or by bodies and agencies under the aegis of his Department by square footage for buildings and acres for land, in tabular form; the address and location of these properties; and the last date of occupancy or use of these properties. [55218/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFour state bodies fall under the remit of my Department, Pobal, Irish Water Safety, the Western Development Commission and the Charities Regulatory Authority.
There are no public buildings owned either by my Department or by any of the above agencies. All properties used by this Department are owned, or leased, by the Office of Public Works on our behalf.
1535. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if funding will be awarded for a project (details supplied). [1057/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Community Services Programme (CSP) supports community organisations to provide local services through a social enterprise model. Around 425 community organisations are supported under the CSP, with funding provided as a contribution to the costs of a manager and an agreed number of full time equivalent positions.
The organisation in question submitted a business plan for consideration under the CSP in April 2017. This application was unsuccessful but the organisation was given an opportunity in Autumn 2017 to submit a revised business plan. This was received by Pobal in mid-December.
Pobal is currently assessing the business plan and is expected to forward a recommendation to my Department within the coming weeks.
1536. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development when the dog breeding establishment guidelines review will be completed; when the public consultation submissions will be made public; when the new guidelines will be issued; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1068/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraResponsibility for the Control of Dogs Acts 1986 to 2014, including the Dog Breeding Establishments Act 2010, transferred to the Department of Rural and Community Development in July 2017. Under the Dog Breeding Establishments Act, 2010, local authorities are responsible for the registration, inspection and regulation of dog breeding establishments within their areas.
A public consultation process on the Dog Breeding Establishment Guidelines took place in 2017. The Department has completed its review of the submissions received and a draft final report is under consideration with a view to publication in the coming weeks. At that time, consideration will be given to publication of submissions which were received as part of the consultation process.
1537. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the amount of funding that has been allocated to the local improvements scheme for 2018. [1210/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra1545. Deputy Pat The Cope Gallagher asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if a budget has been set aside for the local improvement scheme in 2018; the intended budget for the scheme in 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1757/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 1537 and 1545 together.
The Local Improvement Scheme supports improvement works on private, non-public roads, to improve access for people who live or work along those roads.
There has been very little funding available for this scheme in recent years due to constraints on public expenditure. However, I was very conscious of the underlying demand for the scheme in rural areas throughout the country.
I therefore announced the provision of €10 million to Local Authorities for a Local Improvement Scheme last September. Based on demand and the capacity of Local Authorities to complete works before the end of 2017, I allocated an additional €7.4 million to Local Authorities for LIS roads at the end of November.
It is clear that there is a continuing demand for LIS funding in rural communities across Ireland, and I have therefore secured an allocation of €10 million for the scheme in my Department's Estimate for 2018. I intend to announce details of the scheme shortly.
1538. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if his Department has published a statement of strategy; if not, when it is planned to publish such a document; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1265/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department is in the process of finalising its Statement of Strategy before submitting to Government, in the coming weeks. Arrangements to publish will be made when the Statement of Strategy has been approved by Government.
1539. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the amount approved for projects under the Leader programme in each of the years 2014 to 2020 by local action group; the amount paid out for projects to date in 2018 by local action group; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1266/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraLEADER is a multi-annual EU co-funded programme to support rural development. Ireland has an allocation of €250 million under the programme over the period 2014-2020, including both national and EU funding. The programme is administered by Local Action Groups (LAGs) which deliver funding in accordance with Local Development Strategies that have been agreed for each LAG area.
Funding Agreements for the current LEADER programme were, for the most part, signed with the LAGs in the second half of 2016 and the programme effectively became operational from that date. There was no project expenditure on the new LEADER programme prior to 2017, although funding was provided to the LAGs to develop their Local Development Strategies and to prepare for the implementation phase of the programme.
As of 31st December 2017, 592 projects with a value of over €16.4 million have been approved for LEADER funding by the LAGs. The breakdown of these approvals by Local Action Group is provided at Appendix 1. A further 372 projects requesting over €16.1 million in funding are at various stages in the approval process. This funding will be drawn down as projects start to incur expenditure and submit payment claims.
Project expenditure amounting to €661,844 was incurred in 2017. Details of this expenditure by Local Action Group are also provided at Appendix 1.
While the pace of approvals varies between Local Action Groups, I am confident that the progress made by the LAGs in the second half of 2017, along with the administrative improvements which my Department introduced last year, will result in a significant increase in project approvals and payments under the LEADER programme over the coming months.
PQ 1266/18 – Appendix 1
LEADER Approvals and Payments as at 31 December 2017
|
Local Action Group |
No of Approvals |
Value of Approvals (€) |
Amount Paid (€) |
|
Carlow |
11 |
810,556.71 |
50,000.00 |
|
Cavan |
15 |
827,390.54 |
0.00 |
|
Clare |
55 |
1,048,291.50 |
0.00 |
|
Cork North |
1 |
149,997.94 |
0.00 |
|
Cork South |
3 |
203,610.12 |
0.00 |
|
Cork West |
3 |
139,990.45 |
0.00 |
|
Donegal |
56 |
1,475,272.36 |
30,844.48 |
|
Dublin Rural |
15 |
222,886.67 |
0.00 |
|
Galway East |
0 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
|
Galway West |
0 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
|
Kerry |
103 |
1,710,577.99 |
0.00 |
|
Kildare |
2 |
32,970.43 |
0.00 |
|
Kilkenny |
30 |
794,155.93 |
75,559.16 |
|
Laois |
21 |
256,624.34 |
12,250.00 |
|
Leitrim |
4 |
103,591.79 |
0.00 |
|
Limerick |
8 |
321,090.50 |
0.00 |
|
Longford |
6 |
29,025.68 |
0.00 |
|
Louth |
19 |
220,775.09 |
12,450.00 |
|
Mayo |
32 |
1,334,192.74 |
57,142.63 |
|
Meath |
7 |
239,206.66 |
10,770.17 |
|
Monaghan |
18 |
999,107.82 |
0.00 |
|
Offaly |
42 |
756,146.13 |
64,050.70 |
|
Roscommon |
9 |
242,291.61 |
0.00 |
|
Sligo |
28 |
622,774.68 |
237,707.98 |
|
Tipperary |
36 |
835,939.56 |
0.00 |
|
Waterford |
23 |
1,738,098.68 |
111,069.23 |
|
Westmeath |
21 |
280,434.93 |
0.00 |
|
Wexford |
24 |
1,017,898.48 |
0.00 |
|
Wicklow |
0 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
|
Total |
592 |
16,412,899.33 |
661,844.35 |
1540. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the capital and current funding allocated to his Department for 2017; the amount spent by 31 December 2017 by subhead; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1267/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe total amount of capital funding allocated to my Department in 2017 was approximately €77 million, along with current funding of approximately €85.7 million. The allocations provided in the following table reflect the Further Revised Estimates Volume 2017. Total gross spend in 2017 was €136 million, as shown in the table below. In addition, sanction was sought and received from the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform to carry over €7.7 million in capital funding into 2018.
My Department will continue to work with key stakeholders including local authorities, community and voluntary groups, and dedicated agencies to support job creation, attract tourism investment and contribute to sustainable economic development in rural Ireland. My Department will ensure that maximum use is obtained from the resources allocated and that value for money is delivered in respect of the 2018 allocation.
|
Subhead |
2017 Current Allocation €m |
2017 Capital Allocation €m |
2017 Current Spend €m |
2017 Capital Spend €m |
2017 Total Spend €m |
|
A.1 Administration – Pay |
3.3 |
0 |
3.1 |
0 |
3.1 |
|
A.2 Administration – Non Pay |
0.8 |
0.2 |
0.3 |
0.1 |
0.4 |
|
A.3 Dormant Accounts |
2.3 |
2 |
0.5 |
1.6 |
2.1 |
|
A.4 Western Development Commission |
1.5 |
1 |
1.4 |
0 |
1.4 |
|
A.5 National Rural Development Schemes |
3.9 |
11.4 |
2.9 |
11.7 |
14.6 |
|
A.6 LEADER |
0 |
30 |
0 |
14.4 |
14.4 |
|
A.7 Tidy Towns Commission |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
A.8 Town & Village Regeneration |
0 |
12 |
0 |
0.9 |
0.9 |
|
A.9 Rural Broadband |
1 |
1 |
1 |
0.1 |
1.1 |
|
A.10 Local Improvement Schemes |
0 |
10 |
0 |
17 |
17 |
|
B.1 Administration – Pay |
2.3 |
0 |
1.8 |
0 |
1.8 |
|
B.2 Administration – Non Pay |
0.4 |
0.1 |
0.3 |
0 |
0.3 |
|
B.3 Supports for Comm & Vol Sector |
12.7 |
0 |
13 |
0 |
13 |
|
B.4 SICAP |
42.2 |
0 |
42.5 |
0 |
42.5 |
|
B.5 LCDC Support |
1.6 |
0 |
0.7 |
0 |
0.7 |
|
B.6 RAPID |
1.2 |
3.8 |
1.2 |
3.8 |
5 |
|
B.7 Dormant Accounts |
5.8 |
0 |
2.1 |
0 |
2.1 |
|
B.8 Programme for Peace & Reconciliation |
0.1 |
.07 |
0.3 |
0.6 |
0.9 |
|
B.10 Irish Water Safety |
1 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
1 |
|
B.11 Library Development and Archive Service |
1.1 |
2.8 |
1.1 |
6.5 |
7.6 |
|
B.12 Community Facilities Fund |
0 |
2 |
0 |
2 |
0 |
|
B.13 Other Services |
0 |
0 |
0.1 |
0 |
0.1 |
|
C – Charities Regulatory Authority |
4.4 |
0 |
4 |
0 |
4 |
1541. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the amount of the €28 million prepaid to local authorities at the end of 2016 that was not spent by 31 December 2017 on projects for which it was approved by local authority and type of project; the steps being taken to ensure this money is either spent or repaid to his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1276/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs part of the Government’s programme to support rural development, a number of initiatives including CLÁR, the Rural Recreation Scheme, the Town and Village Renewal Scheme, and REDZ (Rural Economic Development Zones) were launched during 2016. In general, these initiatives were implemented through the Local Authorities.
Payments of approximately €28 million were made to the Local Authorities in 2016 to deliver these schemes. All funding was provided on the basis of sanction received from the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform and on foot of Funding Agreements signed with the Local Authorities.
The following table outlines the amount of funding provided to each Local Authority by programme in 2016 and the most up to date expenditure information available in respect of each scheme. Unless otherwise indicated, the figures reflect the position to the end of September 2017. It should be noted that not all Local Authorities applied for, or were eligible for, every scheme.
The figures show the latest expenditure information available at this time. However, my Department has requested updated information from all Local Authorities to the end of 2017. My Department is continuing to work closely with all relevant Local Authorities to ensure that any remaining funding allocated to them is spent promptly and in accordance with the original project proposals. I expect to see significant progress being made in bringing the 2016 projects to completion in the first part of 2018.
|
County |
Total amount disbursed REDZ 2016 |
Grant Expenditure at the 29 Sep 2017 |
Total amount disbursed Town and Village Renewal Scheme 2016 |
Grant Expenditure at the 29 Sep 2017 |
|
Carlow |
€200,000.00 |
€119,379.32 |
€380,000.00 |
€377,855.96 |
|
Cavan |
€200,000.00 |
€72,500.00 |
€380,000.00 |
€260,229.25 |
|
Clare |
€200,000.00 |
€28,736.00 |
€380,000.00 |
€345,157.00 |
|
Cork |
€248,000.00 |
€172,700.00 |
€380,000.00 |
€0.00 |
|
Donegal |
€298,000.00 |
€119,913.00 |
€380,000.00 |
€0.00 |
|
Dublin FINGAL DLR |
€0.00 |
€0.00 |
€380,000.00 |
€307,074.00 |
|
Galway |
€100,000.00 |
€4,995.00 |
€380,000.00 |
€228,862.00 |
|
Kerry |
€150,195.00 |
€150,195.00 |
€380,000.00 |
€368,221.00 |
|
Kildare |
€100,000.00 |
€79,206.00 |
€380,000.00 |
€139,263.00 |
|
Kilkenny |
€200,000.00 |
€150,073.00 |
€380,000.00 |
€324,831.00 |
|
Laois |
€200,000.00 |
€149,000.00 |
€380,000.00 |
€162,940.00 |
|
Leitrim |
€300,000.00 |
€235,177.00 |
€380,000.00 |
€380,000.00 |
|
Limerick |
€300,000.00 |
€0.00 |
€380,000.00 |
€284,507.00 |
|
Longford |
€350,000.00 |
€263,282.00 |
€380,000.00 |
€380,000.00 |
|
Louth |
€100,000.00 |
€58,000.00 |
€380,000.00 |
€380,000.00 |
|
Mayo |
€150,000.00 |
€108,906.00 |
€380,000.00 |
€380,000.00 |
|
Meath |
€200,000.00 |
€98,700.00 |
€380,000.00 |
€298,260.00 |
|
Monaghan |
€290,000.00 |
€81,295.00 |
€380,000.00 |
€353,316.00 |
|
Offaly |
€414,870.00 |
€29,697.31 |
€380,000.00 |
€37,890.68 |
|
Roscommon |
€100,000.00 |
€100,000.00 |
€380,000.00 |
€276,086.00 |
|
Sligo |
€800,000.00 |
€322,000.00 |
€380,000.00 |
€380,000.00 |
|
Tipperary |
€699,221.00 |
€281,526.00 |
€380,000.00 |
€282,728.00 |
|
Waterford |
€100,000.00 |
€0.00 |
€380,000.00 |
€380,000.00 |
|
Westmeath |
€192,000.00 |
€20,745.00 |
€380,000.00 |
€301,289.00 |
|
Wexford |
€100,000.00 |
€41,250.00 |
€380,000.00 |
€302,991.42 |
|
Wicklow |
€150,556.00 |
€21,304.00 |
€380,000.00 |
€234,151.75 |
|
Sub Total |
€6,142,842.00 |
€2,708,579.63 |
€9,880,000.00 |
€7,165,653.06 |
|
County |
Total amount disbursed CLÁR 2016 |
Grant Expenditure at 29th September 2017 |
Total amount disbursed Rural Recreation Scheme 2016 |
Grant expenditure at the 29 Sep 2017 Rural Recreation 2016 |
|
Carlow |
€80,000.00 |
€80,000.00 |
€67,500.00 |
€37,134.05 |
|
Cavan* |
€498,184.00 |
€459,381.00 |
€45,567.00 |
€30,496.00 |
|
Clare* |
€284,000.00 |
€230,000.00 |
€255,625.20 |
€65,000.00 |
|
Cork |
€562,222.00 |
€214,068.92 |
€417,815.15 |
€181,153.15 |
|
Donegal |
€878,632.00 |
€518,832.59 |
€67,991.00 |
€59,831.00 |
|
Dublin FINGAL DLR |
€0.00 |
€0.00 |
€33,666.94 |
€0.00 |
|
Galway |
€392,000.00 |
€351,656.00 |
€248,950.00 |
€107,170.63 |
|
Kerry |
€744,964.00 |
€589,910.00 |
€288,000.00 |
€107,642.00 |
|
Kildare |
€0.00 |
€0.00 |
€0.00 |
€0.00 |
|
Kilkenny* |
€223,000.00 |
€158,762.00 |
€0.00 |
€0.00 |
|
Laois |
€148,900.00 |
€144,500.00 |
€256,000.00 |
€200,000.00 |
|
Leitrim |
€274,800.00 |
€255,000.00 |
€480,000.00 |
€78,645.90 |
|
Limerick |
€235,000.00 |
€235,000.00 |
€291,250.00 |
€240,000.00 |
|
Longford |
€237,560.00 |
€167,983.09 |
€190,000.00 |
€135,000.00 |
|
Louth |
€173,520.00 |
€111,131.00 |
€0.00 |
€0.00 |
|
Mayo |
€976,869.00 |
€819,117.00 |
€455,000.00 |
€373,729.00 |
|
Meath |
€127,600.00 |
€122,546.00 |
€50,000.00 |
€50,000.00 |
|
Monaghan |
€356,440.00 |
€339,221.00 |
€273,014.00 |
€191,153.00 |
|
Offaly |
€123,398.00 |
€117,985.00 |
€172,959.00 |
€11,143.00 |
|
Roscommon |
€406,497.00 |
€406,497.40 |
€0.00 |
€0.00 |
|
Sligo |
€598,400.00 |
€530,000.00 |
€42,562.50 |
€42,562.50 |
|
Tipperary |
€371,000.00 |
€350,561.80 |
€85,208.00 |
€30,170.00 |
|
Waterford |
€261,600.00 |
€237,900.06 |
€0.00 |
€0.00 |
|
Westmeath* |
€214,280.00 |
€190,135.00 |
€219,590.00 |
€49,916.00 |
|
Wexford |
€0.00 |
€0.00 |
€189,455.00 |
€75,197.00 |
|
Wicklow |
€70,000.00 |
€0.00 |
€0.00 |
€0.00 |
|
Sub Total |
€8,238,866.00 |
€6,630,187.86 |
€4,130,153.79 |
€2,065,943.23 |
* Some additional expenditure under CLÁR was reported in November 2017 by the Local Authorities indicated.
1542. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the projects undertaken to consolidate or amalgamate existing legislation, including the cost, the duration, the number of staff required and if this process was carried out by his Department or outsourced in each of the years 2007 to 2017 and to date in 2018, in tabular form. [1571/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department has not undertaken any projects to consolidate or amalgamate existing legislation.
1543. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the status of the capital funding application for the Boyneside trail from the Maiden tower at Mornington to Drogheda; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1583/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department has not received an application for funding for the section of the Boyneside trail from the Maiden Tower at Mornington to Drogheda.
However, an application for funding for the Drogheda Town section of the Boyneside Trail was recently approved for funding of €92,628 under the 2017 Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme. Louth County Council has confirmed that this section of the trail is a separate project to the one referred to by the Deputy.
I intend to launch a further round of the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme in 2018 and details of the scheme will be made available to the Local Authorities when it is announced.
1546. Deputy Pat The Cope Gallagher asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the level of expenditure by Leader in County Donegal for 2016 and 2017; the degree of underspend within the programme at present; the proposals to deal with the underspend; the details of Leader underspend funding transferred to other departmental budgets in the course of 2017; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1759/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraLEADER is a multi-annual EU co-funded programme to support rural development. Ireland has an allocation of €250 million under the programme over the period 2014-2020, including both national and EU funding. The programme is administered by Local Action Groups (LAGs) which deliver funding in accordance with Local Development Strategies that have been agreed for each LAG area.
Funding Agreements for the current LEADER programme were, for the most part, signed with the LAGs in the second half of 2016 and the programme effectively became operational from that date. The allocation provided for each sub-regional area is provided for the duration of the Programme rather than on an annual basis. This affords the LEADER Local Action Groups greater flexibility in managing their resources and ensuring there is no underspend over the full duration of the programme.
The allocation to the Local Action Group in Donegal is €12.9 million over the lifetime of the programme.
Expenditure in Donegal in 2016 amounted to €35,362. This related to the costs of the Local Action Group in administering the programme and engaging with potential applicants following the signing of the Funding Agreement. Expenditure on administration and engagement with potential applicants in 2017 amounted to €747,483, while €30,844 was made in project payments. However, I expect project payments to increase considerably in 2018.
As of 31 December, 2017, 56 projects with a value of over €1.4 million had been approved for LEADER funding in Donegal. A further 16 projects requesting over €1.2 million in funding are at various stages of the approval process. This funding will be drawn down as projects start to incur expenditure and submit payment claims.
The original allocation for the LEADER programme in 2017 was €40 million, as reflected in the Vote for the then Department of Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs. Of this €40 million allocation, €17.4 million was transferred within my Department's budget to support a new Local Improvement Scheme to improve non-public roads, while €3.8 million was transferred to increase expenditure on developing Libraries in local communities.
The transfer of funding from LEADER does not, in any way, reduce the Government’s commitment to provide €250 million to LEADER over the duration of the programme. As has been the case under previous LEADER programmes, there is a natural lead-in period in the early years of the programme, followed by a significant ramping up of activity. I fully expect that the €250 million allocation will be fully drawn down over the lifetime of the programme.
1547. Deputy Margaret Murphy O'Mahony asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the proportion of employees in his Department or in organisations under its remit registered disabled. [1863/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department of Rural and Community Development was established on 19th July 2017 to provide a renewed and consolidated focus on rural and community development in Ireland.
The Department is an equal opportunities employer and is fully committed to addressing the health and safety needs of all employees, including employees with disabilities. Section 47(1) (a) of the Disability Act 2005 requires public bodies to take all reasonable measures to promote and support the employment of persons with disabilities. To assist the Department in fulfilling its obligations under the Act a Departmental Disability Liaison Officer (DLO) was appointed in December 2017. The Department’s DLO is a member of the Civil Service Disability Liaison Network, which promotes and disseminates best practice in relation to the employment of people with disabilities.
The role of the DLO will be to ensure that the Department meets its obligations under relevant employment legislation as well as adhering to best practice guidelines in relation to the employment of people with disabilities, including those outlined in the Code of Practice for the Employment of people with Disabilities in the Civil Service (2007).
The DLO will undertake a survey of staff in Q2 2018, to establish the proportion of staff (and those in the Agencies under our remit) with a disability.
Once identified, the DLO will take all appropriate measures to assist staff with disabilities, including the provision of training, support and guidance, as appropriate.
In addition the Department is currently participating in the WAM (Willing Able Mentoring) programme. The WAM programme offers graduates with disabilities work experience and gives practical effect to Government and Civil Service policy on improving the employment prospects for people with disabilities.
1548. Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the reason new applications to the community services programme are closed; his plans to reopen the programme to new applicants; the number of persons working in the programme, by area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1882/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraResponsibility for the Community Services Programme (CSP) transferred to my Department on 1 January 2018.
The CSP supports community organisations to provide local services through a social enterprise model. Funding is provided as a contribution to the cost of a manager and a specified number of full time equivalent positions. Details of funded posts by area are set out in the enclosed table.
A targeted call for proposals issued under Strand 3 of the CSP in 2017. An additional €1m was secured through the Estimates process for this purpose and I will approve new entrants to the programme in the coming weeks. The additional funding will be committed to these new entrants and there is no call for proposals open at this time.
That said, my Department and Pobal continues to accept expressions of interest under the CSP and I will consider, in light of available budgets, the possibility of opening the programme to additional new entrants during the year.
Table 1: No. of CSP funded Managers, FTE roles and Individuals 2017
|
County |
Manager Positions |
Full Time Equivalent Roles |
Individuals Employed |
|
Carlow |
2 |
9 |
10 |
|
Cavan |
1 |
13 |
25 |
|
Clare |
7 |
46 |
97 |
|
Cork |
19 |
110.5 |
196 |
|
Donegal |
29 |
110.5 |
201 |
|
Dublin |
48 |
341 |
563 |
|
Galway |
17 |
71.5 |
126 |
|
Kerry |
11 |
79 |
150 |
|
Kildare |
3 |
17.5 |
42 |
|
Kilkenny |
4 |
15.5 |
31 |
|
Laois |
3 |
13 |
32 |
|
Leitrim |
11 |
46.5 |
93 |
|
Limerick |
9 |
48.5 |
86 |
|
Longford |
3 |
20 |
41 |
|
Louth |
5 |
61 |
117 |
|
Mayo |
27 |
121.5 |
234 |
|
Meath |
7 |
37 |
78 |
|
Monaghan |
8 |
44 |
89 |
|
Offaly |
9 |
39.5 |
79 |
|
Roscommon |
14 |
75 |
148 |
|
Sligo |
6 |
24.5 |
45 |
|
Tipperary |
6 |
25.5 |
46 |
|
Waterford |
7 |
31 |
59 |
|
Westmeath |
10 |
41.5 |
78 |
|
Wexford |
13 |
97.5 |
169 |
|
Wicklow |
11 |
78 |
125 |
|
Total |
290 |
1,617.5 |
2,960 |
1549. Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the groups in the north Clondalkin area of west county Dublin that benefited from the community facilities scheme in 2017; the amount that was allocated to the north Clondalkin area through this scheme; the funding being allocated to the scheme in 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1883/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Communities Facilities Scheme is administered on my Department's behalf by Local Community Development Committees (LCDCs) under the remit of the Local Authorities. My Department does not have access to the funding breakdown for the North Clondalkin area.
However, I have asked my officials to arrange for the relevant information to be requested from the LCDC, and the information will then be forwarded to the Deputy.
The nationwide budget for the Community Facilities Scheme in 2018 is €2m, which is equivalent to the provision in 2017. My Department is currently reviewing the scheme to facilitate improvements for 2018. This review may result in some changes to the administration of the scheme and the criteria that applied previously. Any changes will be communicated to all stakeholders on the announcement of the 2018 scheme.
1550. Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the amount of funding allocated to the RAPID programme by area in each of the years 2014 to 2017; the funding planned for the RAPID programme in 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1884/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe RAPID (Revitalising Areas by Planning, Investment and Development) programme is aimed at funding projects which will enhance the lives of residents in disadvantaged urban areas.
The following table provides figures for RAPID over the years 2014 to 2016.
For the years 2014 to 2016, there was no regional allocation of funding for RAPID. A national allocation of €0.5 million was in place to honour legacy commitments. The table provides the outturn figures associated with those commitments. These cover contractual commitments under previous RAPID projects, mainly under the Sports Capital Scheme.
|
Year |
Outturn €'000s |
|
2014 |
170 |
|
2015 |
317 |
|
2016 |
32 |
In 2017, the total funding allocation for RAPID was €5 million. Of this, each of the 31 Local Authority areas received an allocation of €64,500, with €2.5 million ring fenced for the Dublin North East Inner City area. In addition, €0.5 million (of the €5 million total) was allocated to honour legacy commitments, as in previous years.
The budget available nationally for the 2018 programme is €2 million, which is equal to the amount for the 2017 programme. In addition to this €2 million, there are provisions in 2018 relating to the Dublin North East Inner City area and for legacy commitments relating to previous years.
My Department is currently reviewing the RAPID Programme to facilitate improvements for 2018. This review may result in some changes to the administration of the Programme and the criteria that applied previously. Any changes will be communicated to all stakeholders on the announcement of the 2018 scheme.
1551. Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the projects in the north Clondalkin RAPID area that benefited from the 2017 RAPID national capital grants programme 2017; his plans to extend this programme in 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1885/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Revitalising Areas by Planning, Investment and Development (RAPID) programme is administered on my Department's behalf by Local Community Development Committees (LCDCs) under the remit of the Local Authorities. My Department does not have access to the funding breakdown for the North Clondalkin area.
However, I have asked my officials to arrange for the relevant information to be requested from the LCDC, and the information will then be forwarded to the Deputy.
The funding available for RAPID nationwide in 2018 is €2m, which is equivalent to the provision in 2017. My Department is currently reviewing the RAPID Programme to facilitate improvements for 2018. This review may result in some changes to the administration of the scheme and the criteria that applied previously. Any changes will be communicated to all stakeholders on the announcement of the 2018 scheme.
1552. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the extent to which he expects to be in a position to offer grand aid to rural communities involved in various projects to enhance rural life; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2035/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Action Plan for Rural Development was published in January 2017. The Plan contains 276 actions for delivery across a range of Government Departments, State agencies and other organisations to support the economic and social progress of rural Ireland. The 2017 Action Plan allocated funding of €40.4 million to 40 measures put forward by Government Departments and agencies.
The Action Plan includes a range of measures to support rural communities, enhance local services and make rural Ireland a better place to live and work. In addition to the programmes run by my Department set out below, these actions contain a range of schemes to be delivered by other Departments and agencies which will empower local communities to develop their areas and improve their quality of life, such as the built heritage investment scheme, the GLAS Traditional Farm Buildings grant scheme, the Local Agenda 21 Environmental Partnership Fund, the Better Energy Homes Scheme, the Better Energy Communities Scheme, community crime prevention schemes and the Sports Capital Programme.
In Budget 2018, my Department secured in excess of €220million giving us the foundation we need to drive both the rural and community agenda and to deliver initiatives that can foster growth right across the country.
My Department delivers a variety of schemes that provide support for the sustainable development of rural communities in line with commitments in the Programme for Partnership Government and the Action Plan for Rural Development. These schemes and programmes include flagship programmes such as the LEADER and the Social Inclusion and Community Activation (SICAP) Programmes, the Community Services Programme, the Town and Village Renewal Scheme, the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme, the CLÁR Programme, the Local Improvement Scheme (LIS), the Seniors Alert Scheme and the Communities Facilities Scheme.
My Department is also responsible for the overall administration of the Dormant Accounts Fund. The legislation governing Dormant Accounts provides the framework for the disbursement of funds to measures targeted at socially, economically and educationally disadvantaged people and people with a disability. Depending on their focus, these measures would be implemented in urban and rural areas all across the country.
All schemes are open to applications from relevant parties during the application timeframes set for each scheme or programme.
My Department will continue to work with key stakeholders including local authorities, community and voluntary groups, and dedicated agencies to support job creation, attract tourism investment and contribute to sustainable economic development in rural Ireland. The Department will ensure that maximum use is obtained from the resources allocated and that value for money is delivered in respect of the 2018 schemes.
Further information on schemes and programmes, including the Action Plan for Rural Development, can be found on my Department's website www.drcd.gov.ie.
1553. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the extent to which he expects to be in a position to assist urban or rural communities directly by way of grant aid or indirectly through the improvement of telecommunications with particular reference to the identification of particular black spots in respect of mobile phone coverage and broadband; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2036/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Mobile Phone and Broadband Taskforce was established in July 2016 to examine broadband and mobile phone coverage deficits in Ireland and identify tangible actions that can be taken to improve the quality of these services.
The Taskforce Report was published in December 2016 and set out 40 actions to alleviate barriers to mobile phone reception and broadband access. An Implementation Group was established early in 2017 to oversee the implementation of the actions in the Taskforce’s report. Progress reports on the implementation of the actions are published on my Department's website on a quarterly basis.
On the issue of mobile phone blackspots, following a pilot exercise with five Local Authorities in 2017, my officials are actively engaged with Local Authorities and mobile phone operators to identify priority blackspots and take action to address this issue in 2018.
