Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 17 September 2020
254. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Community and Rural Development and the Islands the steps she plans to take to address the social and economic needs of areas suffering from social deprivation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24561/20]
Amharc ar fhreagra256. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Community and Rural Development and the Islands the extent to which she and her office have identified areas of social and economic deprivation in both urban and rural areas nationwide with a view to putting in place supportive measures; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24563/20]
Amharc ar fhreagra263. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Community and Rural Development and the Islands her plans to evaluate the emerging needs of urban Ireland with a view to coordinating measures to address imbalances or lack of opportunity arising from various reasons; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24570/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 254, 256 and 263 together.
The Department for Rural and Community Development was established in 2017 to support the creation of vibrant and sustainable communities across this country.
My Department has developed strategic interventions, funding programmes and schemes which target social inclusion in urban and rural areas nationwide. These supports enable economic growth and development and also support communities to address gaps in meeting social needs, including those caused by higher levels of deprivation. Those programmes include:
The Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme (SICAP), is our country’s primary social inclusion intervention. This is a national programme that is delivered in both rural and urban areas by Local Development Companies (LDCs) to help those in the greatest need. SICAP aims to address high and persistent levels of deprivation through targeted and innovative, locally-led approaches. It targets and supports those who are disadvantaged in Irish society and less likely to use mainstream services. SICAP workers have extensive local connections and in-depth knowledge of available resources and supports in their area and are continuing to work to ensure the emerging needs of their locality are responded to. The response in each area differs as LDCs support local structures and needs rather than imposing general solutions. SICAP allocations to areas are informed by the Pobal Hasse Deprivation Index which measures the relative affluence or disadvantage of areas within the State. This ensures that the programme is targeting disadvantage fairly.
The Community Services Programme (CSP) Support Fund extended in 2019, provides funding to organisations finding it difficult to meet minimum wage obligations.
The 2020 Town and Village Renewal Scheme has been tailored to focus on interventions that can support the economic and social recovery of our rural towns and villages, and assist them in responding to the challenges presented by COVID-19.
The Dublin North East Inner City Initiative (NEIC) following on from the Mulvey Report, funds varied projects, from pilot drugs projects and social employment projects to community grants and events
The Community Enhancement Programme (CEP), focuses on supporting groups in disadvantaged areas.
The CLÁR programme provides funding for small scale projects in designated rural areas that have experienced significant levels of de-population. The CLÁR programme 2020, launched at the end of May (closed for applications under these measures at the end of August last). The applications received are now being assessed and it is hoped to announce successful projects by November.
DRCD works closely with Local Community Development Committees, (LCDCs) who are a key element of the local authorities’ strengthened role in local development and community development as envisaged in the Local Government Reform Act 2014. Local Community Development Committees (LCDCs) are also responsible for preparing the community elements of 6-year Local Economic and Community Plans (LECPs). These plans focus on measures which will enhance the quality of life and wellbeing of communities in both urban and rural settings. This is done through a coordinated approach to planning and service delivery. Current LECPs are due for renewal in 2021/2022 and my Department will be supporting the Local Authorities and LCDCs to develop new LECPs. The LECP development process includes extensive public and stakeholder consultation.
In 2018, the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund was launched as part of Project Ireland 2040 and this fund will provide €1 billion over the next 10 years. Under Project Ireland 2040, the Government has committed to providing €1billion for a new Rural Regeneration and Development Fund over the period 2019 to 2027. Initial funding of €315m was secured over the period 2019 to 2022. This represents an unprecedented commitment by Government to strengthen our rural economies and communities.
In addition, since its establishment, my Department has also relaunched the Local Improvement Scheme for private rural roads and laneways.
My Department's policy provides, for both urban and rural areas nationwide, an integrated and strategic way of delivering supports, programmes and schemes, coordinating measures to address imbalances or lack of opportunity, making a real difference to people’s lives. Those policies include:
The 1st National Policy on Social Enterprise published in 2019. Social enterprises play an important role in creating jobs, in investing in people, and in supporting communities.
The Strategy to Support the Community & Voluntary Sector in Ireland Sustainable, Inclusive and Empowered Communities sets out a long-term vision for our communities in Ireland. The Strategy sets a general direction for Government policy in relation to community development, local development and the community and voluntary sectors for the next five years and beyond. I was delighted funding in the 2020 Budget Allocations supports the implementation of the actions detailed in the Strategy. This will include enhanced supports for the structures which drive local engagement in decision making – the Public Participation Networks and the Local Community Development Committees.
The Forthcoming Policy for Rural Development 2020-2025 builds on the Action Plan for Rural Development (Completed 2019), but with a more forward-looking approach to the policies, programmes and structures needed to embed economic and social development in rural areas and underscore the interdependence of urban and rural areas in national economic, social and cultural recovery. DRCD is leading on ensuring strong coherence across key Government policies to ensure that rural communities and economies are in a strong position to:
- adapt to future challenges e.g. changing demographics within rural communities, climate change adaptation, Brexit, post-COVID recovery, and to
- take advantage of available opportunities (e.g. diversification of rural economies, new ways of working, increased Government investment targeted at balanced regional development).
In the present COVID environment the supports provided by my Department to assist vulnerable communities is more important than ever. In this regard, my Department will continue to host online engagements with stakeholders on the short-term and longer-term impacts of COVID-19 on rural areas and any consequential actions which need to be taken to assist the economic and social recovery of these areas. These engagements will input into the development of the new rural policy for Ireland for 2020-2025 to be published shortly.
