Written Answers Nos. 1-12
2. Deputy Martin Kenny asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development his views on whether adequate provisions have been made to protect rural Ireland from further decline in view of budget 2019; if budget 2019 was rural proofed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46356/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraRural Ireland makes a huge contribution to our national identity, our society and our economy and it will continue to play an important role in our national development. That is why support for rural development and rural communities was prioritised in Budget 2019.
The budget greatly increased the funding allocation for my Department, from €231 million in 2018 to €293 million in 2019. This represents an increase of 27% in the overall level of funding and clearly demonstrates the commitment of Government to supporting rural and community development throughout Ireland.
The level of funding provided will allow me to continue support for successful programmes such as town and village renewal, CLAR, the LEADER programme and the walks programme.
The large increase in capital allocations will also allow me to provide €55 million in capital funding to progress the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund in 2019, which was announced as part of Project Ireland 2040.
The Rural Regeneration and Development Fund will support rural economic development and help build strong rural communities. It provides an unprecedented opportunity to revitalise rural Ireland. Applications for funding closed at the end of September and there has been very strong interest with 290 applications received. I expect to be in a position to make an initial announcement in relation to successful applications later this month.
The economic and social development of rural Ireland was a priority for Government in developing the Budget. My own Department saw one of the biggest percentage increases of any Department in its 2019 budget. As a result the outcome is very positive for rural Ireland.
10. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development when the review of local community development committees due in the second quarter of 2018 will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46021/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraLocal Community Development Committees (LCDCs) have been established in all 31 local authority areas since Autumn 2014. They typically comprise between 15 and 19 members, and bring together stakeholders from public bodies, as well as local development, community and voluntary, social inclusion and a range of other community interests. Their main function is to bring greater coordination to local and community development in their areas, and this is achieved primarily through the community elements of their respective Local Economic and Community Plans.
We commenced a review of LCDC structures in October 2017. The purpose of the review, which is drawing to a close, is to examine progress since LCDCs were established; to identify the challenges facing the structures and opportunities to strengthen their operation; and, finally, to make recommendations for their future development.
The review is overseen by a Steering Group chaired by an official from the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection and comprising members from my own Department, local authorities, regional assemblies and the community sector. We have carried out a broad consultation process and this will help inform the preliminary findings and recommendations.
A report on the review is being drafted by my Department with guidance and input from the Steering Group. I expect to have a draft for my consideration very shortly and would hope to publish the final report early in 2019.
11. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development when applications to the rural regeneration and development fund will be assessed and approvals notified to the successful applicants. [46129/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe first call for applications for the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund closed at the end of September. €1 billion is committed to this fund over a 10 year period to support rural economic development and help build strong communities.
There was a great response with 290 applications received. Of these 125 were for category 1 "shovel ready" projects and the other 165 were for category 2 projects - those which need development funding to become potential category 1 applications in future calls for applications.
Assessment criteria are published and the applications are now being assessed by a project advisory board. The board includes representatives from key Government Departments and external experts.
By the end of this month I am expecting to receive recommendations from the project advisory board on the first group of category 1 projects for funding and I will announce the first tranche of successful category 1 projects.
Further announcements on successful category 1 and category 2 projects will follow.
