Written Answers Nos. 1-58
33. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if the concept of the Atlantic economic corridor and its development is provided for in the Project Ireland 2040 plan which encompasses the national planning framework and the national development plan. [8501/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe overarching objective of the Atlantic Economic Corridor proposal is to maximise the assets along the western seaboard and connect the economic hubs, clusters and catchments of the region to attract investment, support job creation and contribute to an improved quality of life.
Project Ireland 2040 fully supports the development of the AEC and specifically highlights the contribution that the AEC can make to achieving the regional growth objectives of the National Planning Framework. Furthermore, the identification in the NPF of Sligo and Letterkenny as regional growth centres, along with Limerick and Galway cities, means that a there will be a strong network of towns and cities along the Corridor to help drive the future development of the AEC.
The National Development Plan, which sets out the Government’s capital investment priorities to 2027, includes commitments to a number of infrastructural projects which will help to support the development of the AEC region, with a particular emphasis on improving access to the North-West. The Atlantic Road Corridor is also referenced as a particular priority, linking Cork, Limerick, Galway and Sligo. Other investment commitments in the Plan in relation to rural development, education and innovation and compact growth, will also benefit the AEC region as a whole.
In order to support the development of the AEC, I have offered to co-fund the appointment of an AEC Officer in each of the Local Authorities along the Corridor. The role of these officers will be to support the work of the Taskforce which was established to progress the AEC proposal, and which I chair. The AEC Officer network will also ensure a coordinated approach in each Local Authority area to developing the concept.
40. Deputy Tony McLoughlin asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if he will report on the progress of preparing a national strategy for volunteering; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8517/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraSupporting the role of volunteers in our society is an important element of my Department's work in developing vibrant, sustainable and inclusive communities. The Government recognises the importance and worth of every type of volunteering activity, irrespective of its scale or the sector involved. The ongoing and future development of volunteering is key to ensuring that the sector continues to thrive and that we all benefit from the social enrichment that volunteering provides.
The current policy on volunteering is set out in the White Paper on a Framework for Supporting Voluntary Activity, published in 2000, and the subsequent report by the National Committee on Volunteering, "Tipping the Balance". Much has changed in Irish society since then and we need to ensure that our volunteering policy is fit for purpose to support the sector into the future.
I am pleased to inform the Deputy that my Department has commenced exploratory discussions with stakeholders on the need to review the current policy and develop a new national vision and action plan for volunteering in Ireland. This will ensure that our volunteering policy meaningfully supports the on-going development of this important sector.
My officials will be reporting to me later this year with recommendations on how a new national strategy should be developed in partnership with the relevant stakeholders.
41. Deputy Tony McLoughlin asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the status of the development of the Atlantic economic corridor, AEC; his views on the relationship between the AEC and the Project Ireland 2040 plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8518/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Programme for Partnership Government and the Action Plan for Rural Development both commit to progressing the concept of an Atlantic Economic Corridor. In line with this commitment, Minister Michael Ring established the Atlantic Economic Corridor Taskforce in March 2017, and I now chair this Taskforce.
The overarching objective of the AEC proposal is to maximise the assets along the western seaboard and connect the economic hubs, clusters and catchments of the region to attract investment, support job creation and contribute to an improved quality of life. The Taskforce meets on a regular basis and has established a number of sub-Groups to assist it in its work.
Project Ireland 2040 fully supports the development of the AEC and specifically highlights the contribution that the AEC can make to achieving the regional growth objectives of the National Planning Framework. The designation of Sligo and Letterkenny as regional growth centres, along with Limerick and Galway cities, also strengthens the AEC concept by providing a coherent network of NPF growth centres along the corridor.
The National Development Plan includes commitments to a number of infrastructural projects which will help to support the development of the AEC region, with a particular emphasis on improving access to the North-West. Other investment commitments in the Plan in relation to rural development, education and innovation and compact growth, will also benefit the AEC region as a whole.
In order to support the development of the AEC, I have offered to co-fund the appointment of an AEC Officer in each of the Local Authorities along the Corridor. This will provide a dedicated resource in each Authority to support the work of the AEC Taskforce and its subgroups, and to promote the AEC concept within each Local Authority area and across the region as a whole.
42. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the status of the statutory review as required by the Dormant Accounts (Amendment) Act 2012 of the disbursements scheme in relation to the dormant accounts funds due in December 2016; his plans to carry out such a review; if the review has commenced; if not, the reason therefor; if the review has been completed; if not, the reason therefor; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8725/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe legislation governing the Dormant Accounts Funds provides a framework for the disbursement of funds for measures targeted at socially, economically and educationally disadvantaged people, and people with a disability.
The principles underlying the allocation of funding from the Dormant Accounts Fund and the strategic objectives to be pursued by measures nominated for funding by Government Departments are set out in three-year Disbursement Schemes. The most recent Disbursement Scheme, covering the period 2017-2019 inclusive, was laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas in May 2017.
This month my Department commenced a full review of the Disbursement Scheme 2013-2016. This review, which will be completed by the end of June 2018, will set out to improve the administrative procedures governing Dormant Accounts funding to maximise the effectiveness with which funds are distributed in order to better support the people and communities at whom the funding is aimed.
The review will involve extensive engagement with other Government Departments who run programmes under the Dormant Accounts Fund, the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, the National Treasury Management Agency and other relevant stakeholders, including community representatives. The findings of the review will inform future Dormant Account Disbursement Schemes and future Dormant Account Action Plans.
46. Deputy Pat Deering asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the amount of underspent funds that were allocated to the town and village scheme; and if there will be a similar type of scheme in 2018. [8513/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Action Plan for Rural Development contains a number of measures which have the objective of rejuvenating Ireland’s rural towns and villages to make them more attractive places in which to live and work, and to increase their tourism potential.
The 2017 Town and Village Renewal Scheme was launched in April last year, with a focus on projects which could stimulate and encourage economic activity in our rural towns and villages.
Following a competitive process, in October 2017 I announced the allocation of €21.6 million to 281 projects in towns and villages across rural Ireland. To date, €1.16m of this funding has been drawn-down by Local Authorities.
It is important to note that the 2017 Scheme was expected to operate over a 12-15 month period. Therefore, it was always anticipated that a significant portion of the funds allocated would be drawn-down in 2018/2019 but only when the draw-down conditions are met, including the full completion of works which is required for final payments to issue.
Under Budget 2018 I secured a funding allocation of €15M for the Town and Village Renewal Scheme and officials are currently reviewing the scheme criteria with a view to launching the 2018 scheme during April. The deputy should note that I recently wrote to all Local Authorities advising them of an indicative schedule of scheme launch dates in respect of the Local Improvement, CLÁR, Town and Village Renewal and the Rural Recreation schemes.
47. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development when the CLÁR programme will reopen; the budget of the programme for 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8516/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe CLÁR programme (Ceantair Laga Árd-Riachtanais) is a targeted investment programme which provides funding for small scale infrastructural projects in rural areas which have suffered the greatest levels of population decline.
The programme was originally launched in 2004, but was closed to new applications in 2009. I announced the reopening of the CLÁR Programme in October 2016. CLÁR 2016 provided funding for three measures, Safety Measures for Schools and Community/Sports Facilities, Playgrounds and Multi-Use Games Areas (MUGA) and Local Access Roads. Following an assessment of the applications received I announced funding of €8.24 million to 651 successful projects under the programme in December 2016.
The 2017 CLÁR programme was launched in March 2017 and The allocation for CLÁR for 2017 was €5 million and funding was available under the following measures:
Measure 1: Support for Schools/Community Safety Measures
Measure 2: Play Areas
Measure 3: Targeted Community Infrastructure Needs
Measure 4: First Response Support Measure
Applications under Measures 1, 2 and 3 were submitted through the Local Authorities. Measure 4 was targeted at voluntary organisations involved in emergency rescue or first response efforts. The Department received 438 applications under Measures 1, 2 and 3 and 81 applications under Measure 4.
In May 2017 I announced €1.21 million to the successful applicants (organisations) under measure 4 First Response Support. This was a very successful measure that provided support for organisations that are involved in a voluntary capacity to respond to emergency situations in CLÁR areas all over Ireland.
I subsequently announced €768K in funding for measure 3 Targeted Community Infrastructure. This funding provided support for the renovation and upgrade of community infrastructure.
I also announced €2.7M for successful applicants under Measure 1 Safety Measures for Schools and €2.2M for measure 2 Play Areas. This brings the total funding allocated under CLÁR in 2017 to €6.91M for 231 projects across the 4 measures.
The CLÁR programme is an important part of the Government’s Action Plan for Rural Development, and makes a huge contribution to supporting the most depopulated areas in rural Ireland. Over 800 projects have now been approved for funding since the scheme was re-launched last year.
I have secured an allocation of €5m for CLÁR for 2018. I propose to launch a further round of the CLÁR programme in March and I will be considering the measures to be supported over the coming weeks.
48. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if he will report on plans to extend high-speed broadband to all rural areas in the south Dublin County Council area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8742/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government's National Broadband Plan (NBP) aims to ensure high speed broadband access (minimum 30 megabits per second) to all premises in Ireland, regardless of location. The NBP has been a catalyst in encouraging investment by the telecoms sector. Today, almost 7 out of 10 of the 2.3 million premises in Ireland have access to high speed broadband. This will increase to nearly 8 out of 10 premises by the end of this year and by 2020, 9 out of 10 premises will have access to a high speed broadband connection. This is being achieved via a combination of commercial investment and a State led intervention.
In April 2017 the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment (DCCAE) published an updated High Speed Broadband Map which is available on his Department’s website, www.broadband.gov.ie. This map shows the areas targeted by commercial operators to provide high speed broadband services and the areas that will be included in the State Intervention Area under the NBP.
The Map is colour coded and searchable by address/eircode:
- The AMBER areas represent the target areas for the proposed State led Intervention under the NBP and are the subject of an ongoing procurement process.
- The BLUE represent those areas where commercial providers are either currently delivering or have plans to deliver high speed broadband services.
- The LIGHT BLUE areas represent eir's commercial rural deployment plans to rollout high speed broadband to 300,000 premises by the end of this year as part of a Commitment Agreement signed with Minister Naughten in April.
In the South Dublin County Council area 98% of premises fall into the BLUE area while 1% of premises are in the AMBER area. Approximately 1% of premises fall into the LIGHT BLUE area. Individuals can check which category their premises falls into accessing www.broadband.gov.ie and entering their eircode into the High Speed Broadband Map.
The DCCAE is in a formal procurement process to engage a company who will roll-out a new high speed broadband network in the State intervention area. That procurement process is now at an advanced stage. “Detailed Solutions” have been evaluated by the NBP specialist team. This is the last stage of the procurement process before moving to the final tender stage, which will be followed by the appointment of a preferred bidder and contract signature. When the procurement process reaches a satisfactory conclusion and a subsidy level is agreed by Government, a contract will be awarded and the network rollout will commence.
In the interim, practical initiatives will continue to be addressed through the work of the Mobile Phone and Broadband Taskforce to address obstacles and improve connectivity in respect of existing and future mobile phone and broadband services.
Under this Taskforce, engagement between telecommunications operators and local authorities through the Broadband Officers is continuing to strengthen. These Broadband Officers are acting as single points of contact in local authorities for their communities. The appointment of these officers is already reaping rewards in terms of ensuring a much greater degree of consistency in engagements with operators and clearing obstacles to developing infrastructure. There is a link to a list of these local Broadband Officers on my Department's website.
49. 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 has not been spent to date by the local authorities on the projects for which it was approved, by local authority and type of project; the steps he has taken to ensure the moneys are either spent or repaid to his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8714/18]
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.
I am providing the Deputy with a table which 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. The figures reflect the position to the end of December 2017. It should be noted that not all Local Authorities applied for, or were eligible for, every scheme.
My Department is continuing to work closely with all relevant Local Authorities to ensure that any remaining funding allocated to them is spent early in 2018 and in accordance with the original project proposals.
|
County |
Total amount disbursed REDZ 2016 |
REDZ 2016 Total Department REDZ Grant spent by LA at the 31 Dec 2017 |
Total amount paid Town and Village Renewal Scheme |
Town and Village Total Department Grant spent by LA at the 31 Dec 2017 |
|
Carlow |
€200,000.00 |
€125,388.00 |
€380,000.00 |
€380,000.00 |
|
Cavan |
€200,000.00 |
€112,500.00 |
€380,000.00 |
€343,750.00 |
|
Clare |
€200,000.00 |
€161,344.00 |
€380,000.00 |
€374,962.00 |
|
Cork |
€248,000.00 |
€186,994.00 |
€380,000.00 |
€380,000.00 |
|
Donegal |
€298,000.00 |
€206,470.00 |
€380,000.00 |
€0.00 |
|
Dublin FINGAL DLR |
€0.00 |
€0.00 |
€380,000.00 |
€312,204.00 |
|
Galway |
€100,000.00 |
€19,190.00 |
€380,000.00 |
€360,806.00 |
|
Kerry |
€150,195.00 |
€150,195.00 |
€380,000.00 |
€380,000.00 |
|
Kildare |
€100,000.00 |
€85,998.00 |
€380,000.00 |
€151,638.00 |
|
Kilkenny |
€200,000.00 |
€200,000.00 |
€380,000.00 |
€380,000.00 |
|
Laois |
€200,000.00 |
€172,592.00 |
€380,000.00 |
€249,379.00 |
|
Leitrim |
€300,000.00 |
€235,177.00 |
€380,000.00 |
€380,000.00 |
|
Limerick |
€300,000.00 |
€79,000.00 |
€380,000.00 |
€285,650.00 |
|
Longford |
€350,000.00 |
€330,588.00 |
€380,000.00 |
€380,000.00 |
|
Louth |
€100,000.00 |
€5,194.56 |
€380,000.00 |
€380,000.00 |
|
Mayo |
€150,000.00 |
€138,331.00 |
€380,000.00 |
€380,000.00 |
|
Meath |
€200,000.00 |
€151,542.00 |
€380,000.00 |
€337,270.00 |
|
Monaghan |
€290,000.00 |
€290,000.00 |
€380,000.00 |
€377,324.00 |
|
Offaly |
€414,870.00 |
€227,000.00 |
€380,000.00 |
€285,000.00 |
|
Roscommon |
€100,000.00 |
€100,000.00 |
€380,000.00 |
€297,803.00 |
|
Sligo |
€800,000.00 |
€570,000.00 |
€380,000.00 |
€380,000.00 |
|
Tipperary |
€699,221.00 |
€325,506.00 |
€380,000.00 |
€342,991.00 |
|
Waterford |
€100,000.00 |
€100,000.00 |
€380,000.00 |
€380,000.00 |
|
Westmeath |
€192,000.00 |
€125,760.00 |
€380,000.00 |
€313,400.00 |
|
Wexford |
€100,000.00 |
€100,000.00 |
€380,000.00 |
€321,759.00 |
|
Wicklow |
€150,556.00 |
€21,304.00 |
€380,000.00 |
€352,000.00 |
|
Sub Total |
€6,142,842.00 |
€4,220,073.56 |
€9,880,000.00 |
€8,505,936.00 |
table contd.
|
County |
Total amount disbursed CLAR 2016 Scheme |
Total Department Grant spent by LA at the 31 Dec 2017 CLÁR (total of 3 measures) |
Total amount disbursed Rural Recreation Scheme Local Authorities 2016 |
Rural Rec Total Department Grant spent by LA at the 31 Dec 2017 |
|
Carlow |
€80,000.00 |
€80,000 |
€67,500.00 |
€37,134.05 |
|
Cavan |
€498,184.00 |
€433,482 |
€45,567.00 |
€45,567.00 |
|
Clare |
€284,000.00 |
€284,000 |
€255,625.20 |
€203,151.00 |
|
Cork |
€562,222.40 |
€419,612 |
€417,815.15 |
€379,580.05 |
|
Donegal |
€878,632.54 |
€589,127 |
€67,991.00 |
€67,991.00 |
|
Dublin FINGAL DLR |
€0.00 |
€0 |
€33,666.94 |
€31,341.21 |
|
Galway |
€392,000.00 |
€363,826 |
€248,950.00 |
€107,170.63 |
|
Kerry |
€744,964.00 |
€704,036 |
€288,000.00 |
€192,739.00 |
|
Kildare |
€0.00 |
€0 |
€0.00 |
€0.00 |
|
Kilkenny |
€223,000.00 |
€215,330 |
€0.00 |
€0.00 |
|
Laois |
€148,900.00 |
€134,500 |
€256,000.00 |
€200,000.00 |
|
Leitrim |
€274,800.00 |
€274,800 |
€480,000.00 |
€78,645.90 |
|
Limerick |
€235,000.00 |
€235,000 |
€291,250.00 |
€291,250.00 |
|
Longford |
€237,560.00 |
€225,832 |
€190,000.00 |
€190,000.00 |
|
Louth |
€173,520.00 |
€156,768 |
€0.00 |
€0.00 |
|
Mayo |
€976,869.00 |
€857,870 |
€455,000.00 |
€376,856.50 |
|
Meath |
€127,600.00 |
€124,365 |
€50,000.00 |
€50,000.00 |
|
Monaghan |
€356,440.00 |
€342,758 |
€273,014.00 |
€264,779.00 |
|
Offaly |
€123,398.00 |
€123,400 |
€172,959.00 |
€11,143.00 |
|
Roscommon |
€406,497.40 |
€394,529 |
€0.00 |
€0.00 |
|
Sligo |
€598,400.00 |
€558,400 |
€42,562.50 |
€42,562.50 |
|
Tipperary |
€371,000.00 |
€373,346 |
€85,208.00 |
€57,165.35 |
|
Waterford |
€261,600.00 |
€237,900 |
€0.00 |
€0.00 |
|
Westmeath |
€214,280.00 |
€170,279 |
€219,590.00 |
€219,590.00 |
|
Wexford |
€0.00 |
€0 |
€189,455.00 |
€188,838.13 |
|
Wicklow |
€70,000.00 |
€70,000 |
€0.00 |
€0.00 |
|
Sub Total |
€8,238,867.34 |
€7,369,160 |
€4,130,153.79 |
€3,035,504.32 |
50. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development when the report on public banking based on the Sparkassen model will be considered; when it will be published; the roadmap for implementation of this initiative; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8506/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Programme for a Partnership Government envisaged that An Post, the Irish League of Credit Unions and other interested stakeholders would be asked to investigate and propose a new model of community banking, such as the Kiwibank model in New Zealand. The Programme for Government also includes a commitment to investigate the German Sparkassen model for the development of local public banks.
A project team comprising officials from my Department and the Department of Finance was established last year to progress this commitment. The project team carried out detailed research into the concept of a public banking model, with a particular focus on the Sparkassen model. In addition, a public consultation process, seeking views on the concept of a community banking model, ran for four weeks. A total of 16 replies from a range of stakeholders were received.
As part of their research, officials from both Government Departments met with representatives from the Savings Banks Foundation for International Co-operation and Irish Rural Link. These organisations put forward a proposal as to how a local public bank, based on the Sparkassen model, could work in Ireland.
The Departmental officials have now finalised their report and have submitted their findings to the Minister for Finance and myself. It is intended that the report will be brought to Government for consideration in the next few weeks, with a view to publication shortly afterwards
51. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if his Department will liaise with local authorities and An Garda Síochána to ensure that the living conditions of dogs and pups on puppy farms is within the regulations and to enforce sanction or close down farms that are operating outside of the terms of their licence. [8723/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra67. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development when his Department will publish the final report on the review of dog breeding establishment guidelines; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8724/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 51 and 67 together.
Under the Dog Breeding Establishments Act 2010, local authorities are responsible for the registration, inspection and regulation of dog breeding establishments within their functional areas. Furthermore, the enforcement of welfare standards regarding all animals, including dogs, is a matter for the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine under the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013.
My Department has overall policy responsibility for the Dog Breeding Establishments Act 2010. Under the Act, Guidelines are in place for Dog Breeding Establishments and these are currently being revised by my Department. A draft was published as part of a public consultation process which ended in February 2017. The Department has completed its review of the submissions received and a Consultation Summary report, which provides a summary of the submissions made and details on the next steps in the process, has been published on my Department's website at http://drcd.gov.ie/dog-control/.
The next step in this process will be to produce revised Dog Breeding Establishment Guidelines, taking account of the submissions received. I expect to have these ready for my approval in Q2 of this year. Amendments to the relevant legislation, if necessary, will be progressed subsequently.
While the focus is currently on developing revised Guidelines, broader issues relating to enforcement of regulations and licence conditions were also raised in the course of the public consultation. I have asked my officials to consider whether further measures are required in these areas.
52. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the service level agreement his Department has with Pobal; the payment policy his Department employs with Pobal (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8515/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraPobal is a not-for-profit company which works on behalf of the Irish Government and European Union (EU) in managing programmes that contribute to social inclusion, equality and reconciliation. The Company operates under the aegis of my Department, which has an oversight and co-ordination role in respect of the company. A comprehensive structure is in place to govern the relationship between my Department and Pobal.
As a body under my Department's aegis, the overall governance arrangements between my Department and Pobal are set out in an overarching Service Level Agreement (SLA), as required by the Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies. In addition, there are programme-specific Service Agreements in place in respect of each individual programme which Pobal operates on my Departments behalf. The previous overarching SLA relating to Pobal was signed by the Department of Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government in July 2015 and expired in December 2017. My Department are currently in the process of finalising the text for the new overarching Service Level Agreement/Oversight Agreement with a view to signing same in the coming weeks. The previous SLA will remain in operation until the new agreement is concluded.
An additional framework Service Level Agreement is also in place which sets out the management and accountability framework in relation to both the LEADER programme and Dormant Accounts Fund measures. This agreement was put in place in November 2016 by the then Department of Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs and runs until 31st December 2020, unless renewed in the meantime.
With specific regard to Dormant Accounts, Pobal was engaged as the service provider for the Dormant Accounts Action Plan 2014. A service agreement between the then Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government and Pobal was put in place in April 2015 relating to the administration by Pobal of 8 measures under the 2014 Plan. The service agreement outlines the range of services to be provided by Pobal and the agreed payments to be made based on the projected levels of activity in each given year. The services provided by Pobal for specific schemes include detailed programme design, information events, application processes, application appraisal, contract administration and financial management.
A 2016 Dormant Accounts Action Plan was put in place in May 2016, again by the then Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government. A transfer of functions to the Department of Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs subsequently took place in June 2016. Following this transfer of functions a service agreement was put in place for the administration of 4 measures under the 2016 Action Plan. This service agreement again outlines the agreed payments to be made based on services to be provided and the projected level of activity in each given year.
All payments made to Pobal in relation to the Dormant Accounts Fund are covered by the service agreements for the 2014 and 2016 Action Plans. To date, Pobal have not run any measures associated with the 2017 Action Plan. Pobal are currently progressing measures on the basis of funding allocations provided for in the 2016 Action Plan and the service agreement for this plan.
53. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the work carried out to date to establish the reason for the level of underspending by implementing Departments in relation to community programmes of the Dormant Accounts Fund; if such work has been undertaken; if not, the reason therefor; when he plans to undertake such work; the measures that have been taken or are planned to address the situation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8726/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe legislation governing the Dormant Accounts Funds provides a framework for the disbursement of funds for measures targeted at socially, economically and educationally disadvantage people, and people with a disability. The funding is allocated through a three-year Disbursement Scheme, underpinned by annual Action Plans which set out specific programmes to be funded each year.
My Department coordinates the preparation of the Disbursement Scheme and the Annual Action Plans across Government. Responsibility for this transferred to my Department in July 2017. The most recent Disbursement Scheme, covering the period 2017-2019 inclusive, was laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas in May 2017. Dormant Account Action Plans for 2014, 2016 and 2017 are currently operational.
The 2016 Annual Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General noted that the Statutory Review of the 2013-2016 Disbursement Scheme, which should have been completed by December 2016, was not carried out. The report recommended that this review be completed and that it should consider, inter alia, the reasons for the low level of disbursements under the scheme. The report also identified a number of reasons for the underspend, including delays in implementing programmes and a lower than expected level of uptake for some schemes.
My Department has commenced a full review of the Disbursement Scheme 2013-2016. This review, which will be completed by the end of June 2018, will set out to improve the administrative procedures governing Dormant Accounts funding to maximise the effectiveness with which funds are distributed in order to better support the people and communities at whom the funding is aimed. It will specifically address the issue of underspend and ensure improved administrative procedures are put in place to maximise the impact of available funds.
54. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the status of local improvement scheme allocations to local authorities throughout the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8740/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Local Improvement Scheme (LIS) is a programme for improvement works on small private/non public roads and has been funded in the past by the Department of the Environment and Local Government and subsequently by the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport.
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. The table outlines the funding allocated to each county under the LIS in 2017 and the final drawdown position at the end of the year.
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 2018 scheme including the allocations for each county shortly.
LIS 2017: Funding per County
|
County |
LIS 2017 round 1 Allocations |
LIS 2017 round 2 Allocation |
Total allocation 1 & 2 |
Funding Drawn Down by LA |
|
Carlow |
€250,000 |
€190,460 |
€440,460 |
€440,460.00 |
|
Cavan |
€295,000 |
€40,080 |
€335,080 |
€335,080.00 |
|
Clare |
€482,000 |
€384,774 |
€866,774 |
€866,774.00 |
|
Cork |
€1,000,000 |
€151,985 |
€1,151,985 |
€1,055,313.51 |
|
Donegal |
€884,000 |
€2,500,000 |
€3,384,000 |
€3,061,655.90 |
|
Galway |
€942,000 |
€426,651 |
€1,368,651 |
€1,368,651.00 |
|
Kerry |
€727,000 |
€268,578 |
€995,578 |
€980,225.97 |
|
Kilkenny |
€315,000 |
€290,565 |
€605,565 |
€598,079.00 |
|
Laois |
€264,000 |
€548,270 |
€812,270 |
€756,789.91 |
|
Leitrim |
€250,000 |
€237,947 |
€487,947 |
€487,947.00 |
|
Limerick* |
€411,000 |
€0 |
€411,000 |
€544,860.50 |
|
Longford |
€232,000 |
€70,443 |
€302,443 |
€302,443.00 |
|
Louth |
€250,000 |
€0 |
€250,000 |
€249,999.75 |
|
Mayo |
€855,000 |
€417,974 |
€1,272,974 |
€1,272,974.00 |
|
Meath |
€359,000 |
€115,290 |
€474,290 |
€470,870.00 |
|
Monaghan |
€250,000 |
€116,312 |
€366,312 |
€349,040.00 |
|
Offaly |
€273,000 |
€403,155 |
€676,155 |
€676,155.00 |
|
Roscommon |
€208,000 |
€213,258 |
€421,258 |
€421,258.00 |
|
Sligo |
€282,000 |
€214,158 |
€496,158 |
€496,155.48 |
|
Tipperary** |
€237,000 |
€0 |
€237,000 |
€244,329.00 |
|
Waterford |
€282,000 |
€436,689 |
€718,689 |
€660,825.00 |
|
Westmeath |
€282,000 |
€234,324 |
€516,324 |
€516,324.00 |
|
Wexford |
€360,000 |
€134,493 |
€494,493 |
€494,493.00 |
|
Wicklow |
€310,000 |
€0 |
€310,000 |
€310,000.00 |
|
Totals |
€10,000,000 |
€7,395,406 |
€17,395,406 |
€16,960,703.02 |
55. Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development his plans for the LIS scheme 2018; the allocations to date, by county; his further plans for the scheme into the future in view of demand; if the provision of funding towards maintenance of LIS roads will be considered; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8505/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Local Improvement Scheme (LIS) is a programme for improvement works on small private/non public roads and has been funded in the past by the Department of the Environment and Local Government and subsequently by the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport.
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.
The funding allocated through the LIS scheme is to support improvement works, and is based on previous guidelines governing the LIS, and in particular, the Local Improvement Scheme Memorandum 2002, issued by the then Department of the Environment and Local Government.
I have no plans at present to offer funding for the maintenance of LIS roads other than for improvement works as outlined in the 2002 memo.
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, including county allocations, later this month.
56. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the funding allocated to Leader programmes in counties Cavan and Monaghan in 2017; the level of funding to be provided for these programmes in 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8703/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraLEADER is a multi-annual programme covering the period 2014-2020, with a total budget of €250 million over that period. €220 million of this funding has already been allocated to the Local Action Groups throughout the country who deliver the LEADER programme. The remaining €30 million is available for schemes which will be delivered at a national level.
The Funding Agreements for delivery of the LEADER Programme in the Cavan and Monaghan sub-regional areas were signed on 8 July 2016, with funding of approximately €8.5 million and €7.6 million respectively approved over the lifetime of the programme. The allocation for each LEADER sub-regional area is provided for the duration of the programme rather than on an annual basis. This provides greater flexibility to the Local Action Groups in managing their resources.
A total of €40 million has been provided in the 2018 Estimates to support the LEADER programme; reflecting voted provision of €35m supplemented by capital carryover of €5m.
I am satisfied this level of budgetary provision is in line with anticipated activity under the LEADER Programme in 2018. My Department will be keeping this under review.
57. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if he will report on the preparation of the dormant accounts action plan for 2018; if the process has commenced on seeking applications for consideration for disbursement; and if his Department is reviewing the operation of the Dormant Accounts Fund to ensure the efficient and effective allocation of funding in line with the aims of the legislation. [8500/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe legislation governing the Dormant Accounts Funds provides a framework for the disbursement of funds for measures targeted at socially, economically and educationally disadvantaged people, and people with a disability. The funding is allocated through a three-year Disbursement Scheme, underpinned by annual Action Plans which set out specific measures which may draw down from the Fund.
My Department coordinates the preparation of the Disbursement Scheme and the Annual Action Plans across Government. The preparation of the 2018 Action Plan has now commenced and I recently wrote to each Minister requesting that their Departments identify possible measures for inclusion in the Action Plan. My Department will review the submissions made by Departments in this regard and, upon completion of this process, I expect to be in a position to submit the final 2018 Action Plan to Government in May 2018.
In parallel with the development of the 2018 Action Plan, my Department has also commenced a review of the previous disbursement scheme which ran from 2014-2016. This review, which will be completed by the end of June 2018, will set out to improve the administrative procedures governing Dormant Accounts funding to maximise the effectiveness with which funds are distributed in order to better support the people and communities at whom the funding is aimed.
58. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development his views on the resources for inspections of dog breeding establishments; his further views on whether legislative change is required in relation to inspections; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7155/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the Dog Breeding Establishments Act, 2010, local authorities are responsible for the registration, inspection and regulation of Dog Breeding Establishments. Further, under the Local Government Act 2001, each Chief Executive is responsible for his or her own staffing and organisational arrangements, including for the inspection of dog breeding establishments.
My Department has overall policy responsibility for the Dog Breeding Establishments Act 2010. Under the Act, Guidelines are in place for Dog Breeding Establishments and these are currently being revised. A draft was published as part of a public consultation process which ended in February 2017. The Department has completed its review of the submissions received and a Consultation Summary report, which provides a summary of submissions and details on the next steps, has been published on my Department's website.
The next step will be to produce revised Dog Breeding Establishment Guidelines, taking account of the submissions received. I expect to have these ready for my approval in Q2 of this year. Amendments to the relevant legislation, if necessary, will be progressed subsequently.
While the focus is currently on developing revised Guidelines, broader issues relating to the resources necessary to carry out inspections were also raised in the course of the public consultation. I have asked my officials to consider whether further measures are required in these areas.
More generally, the enforcement of animal welfare standards for all animals is a matter for the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine under the Animal Health and Welfare Act. Both Departments work closely with each other to ensure a coordinated approach is taken in this area.
