Written Answers Nos. 36-51
37. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the status of the supports she has created for community organisations to recover from the Covid-19 restrictions; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27845/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government is aware of the challenges facing community and voluntary organisations and is committed to working closely with the sector in managing through these, recognising that it will require a whole of Government approach. To that end, Government and my Department have introduced a number of supports to assist sectors in dealing with the impact of COVID-19 and social restrictions necessary in the interests of public health.
In 2020, my Department supported close to 600 organisations to continue to deliver vital services to the most vulnerable in our communities, through the COVID-19 Stability Fund for community and voluntary organisations, charities and social enterprises.
I am pleased to confirm that an allocation of €10m has been provided to the Stability Fund for 2021 as part of the revised Resilience and Recovery plan announced on 23rd February last by the Taoiseach.
The COVID-19 Stability Fund 2021 was launched on 6th May last, and is targeted at organisations which deliver critical services to vulnerable people within their community but which now face closure or a loss of service due to the impact of the pandemic.
The 2021 Stability Fund has limited funding available and while organisations that received funding under the 2020 Stability Fund will be eligible to apply, priority will be given to organisations that have not previously received State support since the onset of the pandemic.
Pobal will again act as implementing partners, facilitating the online application portal and providing information and support to intending applicants from now until the application deadline.
The application window will run from 20th May 2021 to 3pm on 27th May 2021. Further information is available on Pobal’s website here: www.pobal.ie/programmes/covid-19-cv-stability-fund-2021/
Separately, my Department launched the 2021 Community Enhancement Programme (CEP) on 9th May last. The CEP provides small grants to community groups and the 2021 programme will again give consideration to supporting groups in dealing with the specific challenges brought by COVID-19. This programme may be more relevant to smaller community groups and it is recommended that such groups monitor the Department’s website or stay in touch with the Local Community Development Committee (LCDC), who will be administering the programme in their area, for further details. The contact details for LCDCs can be found on my Department's website at the link below www.gov.ie/en/publication/38066e-local-community-development-committees-list/
The 2021 CLÁR programme is providing support for Schools/Community Safety Measures which allows for COVID-19 safety related interventions, Outdoor Community Recreation Facilities to meet the increased need for outdoor facilities and Community Gardens and Allotments to support projects which increase the health and wellbeing of communities living in CLÁR areas.
My Department currently supports 420 community organisations under the Community Services Programme (CSP) to provide local services through a social enterprise model. In response to the difficulties faced by organisations due to COVID-19, my Department developed a €7.95m CSP Support Fund which assists CSP supported organisations to continue to retain their CSP supported employees on their payroll and also provides assistance for the employers PRSI contribution, during this crisis period up to June 2021, in line with the extension of other Government wage support schemes. This additional funding also assists those organisations most in need to meet their ongoing operational costs such as insurance, light and heat and audit fees.
In addition, the LEADER Transitional Programme recognises the challenges facing rural Ireland in relation to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and has included directions to the Local Action Groups (LAGs) as to considerations for support going forward to community based projects that seek to address the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
My Department also launched the Connected Hubs Call for digital hubs and Broadband Connection Points on 29 April last, which provides grants to upgrade existing remote working facilities. Measures to mitigate against Covid-19 are allowable under the scheme criteria. The closing date for the Call is 17 June next, and further details are available here:
www.gov.ie/en/publication/64df6-connected-hubs-fund/
In general, I would encourage all organisations to continue to engage with their Local Authority and Local Development Company, and to check on the Gov.ie website for latest information.
38. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the details of funding supports available for community gardens or community allotments in rural towns and villages (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28000/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe CLÁR Programme funds small-scale infrastructural projects in designated rural areas that have experienced significant levels of de-population over a defined period. Maps of the designated CLÁR areas are available on my Department’s website.
The CLÁR Programme includes a specific Measure this year which funds community gardens and community allotments. However, the location referred to by the Deputy is not in a designated CLÁR area and is not eligible to apply for this funding.
There are other funding sources, however, which might be explored, depending on the exact nature of the investment envisaged.
The option of applying under the LEADER Transitional Programme 2021-2022 might be explored. There are LEADER Groups located in each county who will be able to assist potential applicants. I would suggest that interested applicants should, in the first instance, contact the Local Development Company in their area to discuss potential support through LEADER. Contact details for the Local Development Companies are available on my Department's website.
I also recently launched the 2021 Town and Village Renewal Scheme which has a budget this year of €15 million. The Scheme is administered through Local Authorities who work closely with local communities and businesses to develop proposals which are forwarded to my Department. The scheme does not explicitly refer to community gardens but does include support to develop parks, green spaces and recreational amenities in town centres. Interested applicants can discuss potential projects with their Local Authority.
40. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development her plans to expand the funding for local community development committees based on population; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27989/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department has statutory responsibility for the local and community development governance structures introduced on foot of the local government reform process, namely the Local Community Development Committees (LCDCs), the Public Participation Networks (PPNs) and Local Economic and Community Plans (LECPs). This involves supporting the operation of the LCDCs and the development and implementation of the LECPs on an ongoing basis.
My Department's LCDC Review, published in 2019, made recommendations aimed at strengthening the role and effectiveness of LCDCs. These recommendations were echoed in the 2019 policy document, Sustainable, Inclusive and Empowered Communities: a five-year strategy to support the community and voluntary sector in Ireland, recognising the important role of LCDCs in supporting community and local development.
My Department is currently progressing the implementation of the strategy, with its current work focusing on a comprehensive training needs assessment of the sector and its supporting structures, including LCDCs. The outputs of the assessment will inform the design of tailored supports to assist the sector and its supporting structures, including LCDCs and PPNs, to build capacity and to strengthen their role – with the ultimate objective of achieving better outcomes for communities.
Budget 2021, announced last October has earmarked c.€2 million for my Department to support the community function in local authorities which includes the work of the LCDCs. This funding is currently distributed based on the actual costs of supporting the community function in the local authorities and population is not a consideration. This funding will be subject to review in 2022.
42. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if her Department has examined ways to address rural isolation and loneliness; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27954/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraAddressing the issue of rural isolation is relevant to the work of a number of Government Departments. This is reflected in ongoing Government work including that aimed at enhancing community policing, rural transport links and tackling social inclusion. Focus on actions to address the issue of isolation in communities has become more important than ever due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Many of my Department's policies and funding programmes contribute to addressing isolation issues in communities.
Key interventions include funding the Seniors Alert Scheme, which enables older people to live securely, with peace of mind, in their homes through the provision of personal monitored alarms, ensuring contact is maintained with those who are vulnerable. In addition, as part of the Department’s COVID-19 Action Plan, increased support was provided for older people through our funding partnership with ALONE for their crisis telephone support line.
The Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme (SICAP) is Ireland’s primary social inclusion funding intervention, delivered locally by Local Development Companies (LDCs) to help those in the greatest need access supports to enable participation in communities. LDCs have put in place various measures to ensure supports continue to be delivered to vulnerable and isolated people throughout the COVID-19 crisis. These include:
- Online supports delivered via telephone, email, Zoom, with additional support to individuals with limited access to technology.
- LDCs that operate a “friendly call” service to elderly people saw an increase in demand for the service with some LDCs mobilizing local community groups to become involved in making regular contact with older, vulnerable isolated people during COVID.
- LDCs supported an increase in demand for Meals on Wheels services and foodbanks, particularly for those not able to travel to shops and those experiencing food poverty.
The National Social Enterprise Policy aims to enable social enterprises increase their social, environmental and economic impact. Many social enterprises are based in rural or isolated areas and provide services to communities that may not otherwise be available.
Following the closure of all public libraries in March 2020 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic Library Authorities (LAs) quickly identified the need for a service to deliver library items to the homes of isolating community members, care facilities and Direct Provision Centres. Currently more than half of our library authorities are delivering library stock to the vulnerable and housebound. This service is highly valued by the customers who received books, audiobooks, CDs and DVDs along with a welcome friendly chat with the driver.
The library service also operates a network of mobile libraries which provides an invaluable service for library users in rural communities, providing inclusion and connection to many remote areas. The vehicles offer books and other library items along with free Wi-Fi access.
The library service also provides members with free online access to thousands of eBooks, eAudiobooks, magazines, newspapers and training courses.
As part of the Government’s Keep Well programme, public libraries distributed 50,000 free food growing kits through the Grow it Forward campaign in March 2021. This initiative is designed to help the nation eat well by inspiring and supporting people to grow some of their own food at home while connecting with friends and family to join them.
The current LEADER Programme functions under EAFRD Priority 6 – promoting social inclusion, poverty reduction and economic development in rural areas. This provides the basis for LEADER to address challenges facing Irish society including social exclusion. The Social Inclusion Theme is composed of the sub-themes Provision of Basic Services Targeted at Hard to Reach Communities and Rural Youth.
The sub-themes focus on providing basic services to communities in remote areas which may be at risk of social exclusion and also promoting youth entrepreneurship and associated training in order to improve improved pathways for young people to access economic opportunities in rural areas.
Physical and social isolation can have a significant impact on people living in rural areas. My Department recently published Our Rural Future, a rural development policy for the next five years. The policy seeks to strengthen and build resilience in our rural communities and deliver a range of policy measures in order to achieve these objectives.
I have also introduced a new CLÁR Innovation Measure this year. This funding will be targeted at piloting new ideas which address specific challenges faced by communities in CLÁR areas, including rural isolation, population change, social disadvantage and marginalisation. This Measure provides a great opportunity for communities to identify the specific challenges they face and to come up with innovative ways to address them.
The issue of isolation is one which concerns us all and I am committed to continuing my Department’s response to this issue through continued delivery of relevant programmes and policies.
44. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the status of the development of Caladh Mór pier on Inis Meáin; the status of the preparation of a simulation model of the harbour by the National Maritime College of Ireland; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27958/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, Galway County Council are the body responsible for development of stage three of the pier development on Inis Meáin. Officials from my Department have been in ongoing contact with the relevant officials in the County Council to progress matters.
The National Maritime College of Ireland (NMCI) have been developing a model simulation of the sea conditions into the harbour on Inis Meáin, which will inform the Business Case options for the development. COVID-19 restrictions have limited access to the NMCI facility and progress with the model simulation has consequently been somewhat delayed.
With COVID related restrictions now being eased, the Local Authority are working with the NMCI with a view to finalising a date for accessing the facility in order to progress this aspect of the project.
45. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if there has been funding implemented solely to cover the cost of funding and upskilling within community projects. [27960/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraA feature of the LEADER programme is that it is based on a community-led local development, bottom-up approach to rural development.
Financial supports are available for training type projects for community and voluntary groups. The types of training projects funded depends on the specific training needs that are identified by the project promoters and associated demand in their local area. The maximum rate of aid available for training projects is 100% of eligible costs and examples of such projects include inter alia; ICT, Biodiversity and Business Development.
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 LEADER sub-regional area concerned, and it must comply with the Operating Rules and EU Regulations in place for the programme.
The decision to approve any project, including the level of funding to be awarded and the applicable rate of aid is a matter for each Local Action Group (LAG) which administers the programme in each LEADER area. Interested applicants should, in the first instance, contact the relevant LAG through its Implementing Partner to discuss the eligibility of the project and the funding that may be available.
The list of all Local Action Groups, their Implementing Partners and their contact details, is available on my Department's website at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/publication/c45498-local-action-groups.
Specifically for social enterprises, the €800K Dormant Accounts Funded Social Enterprise COVID-19 Regeneration Programme will provide training and mentoring to social enterprise with a focus on four themes, strategic planning, digital innovation, capacity building and governance, and will assist social enterprises to repurpose or diversify their trading income while living in a COVID-19 operating environment.
46. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development her plans to expand the community service programme to ensure that more persons who are distant from the labour force get an opportunity of gainful employment and to stimulate new social enterprises; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27881/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department's Community Services Programme (CSP) supports over 420 community organisations to provide employment opportunities and local services through a social enterprise model.
In 2020, Indecon International Economic Consultants carried out an independent review of the CSP on behalf of my Department. The final report was published in September 2020 and is available on my Department's website. One of the recommendations of this report was the replacement of the existing strands with sub-programmes focussed on three strategic objectives including the provision of targeted services in marginalised, socially disadvantaged communities to reduce social exclusion among marginalised groups and the initiation and development of potentially viable social enterprises.
My Department and Pobal have commenced work on the restructuring of the Programme, in association with the CSP Consultative Group. Pending the transition to the new restructured Programme, the scheme is closed to new applications through the Expression Of Interest process. However, it is anticipated that the Programme will facilitate new entrants via calls to address identified gaps in service delivery later in 2021.
As a first step in that regard, on 28 April, my Department, in collaboration with the Department for Transport, launched a three-year pilot initiative for the provision of high quality up-cycled bicycles and e-bikes for those on low incomes and/or those who are most marginalised and disadvantaged.
In addition, the initiative will also provide the opportunity for employment/work placements for specific disadvantaged individuals and groups including Travellers, people with disabilities, stabilised and recovering drug mis-users and people with convictions who are in contact with the probation service.
Funding of €3m is being provided by the Department of Transport for this initiative over a three-year period and will be made available through my Department's Community Services Programme.
Applications are now being sought from eligible organisations for inclusion on this programme. Organisations eligible to apply are those currently supported under the Community Services Programme or alternatively are in a Partnership/Consortium of which at least one member is currently a CSP supported organisation.
It is envisaged that the pilot will support up to 6 social enterprises in 2021. Full details of the scheme and the necessary application form are available on the Department's website. The closing date for applications is noon, 28 May.
47. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if she is working with the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to address the specific housing challenges being faced in rural areas; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27946/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraOur Rural Future sets out a blueprint for the development of rural Ireland over the next five years. My Department has worked closely with the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, and indeed right across Government, to agree this coherent strategy. It is supported by 150 commitments which will address challenges facing rural communities, including challenges in the housing sector.
My Department is also represented on a wider cross- Government group which is preparing a Housing for All Policy
One of the key focus areas of Our Rural Future is the commitment to a Town Centre First approach. My Department and the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage are jointly chairing an Inter-Departmental Group established to progress this. In particular, this group will explore actions required to make our towns more attractive places for people to live and the potential for targeted interventions to support town centre living.
The Inter-Departmental Group will specifically consider all of the suggested actions identified in the Report of the Town Centre Living Initiative published by my Department last year. This Report followed on from a pilot initiative led by my Department in 2019 to explore how to encourage increased residential occupancy in rural towns and villages.
The work of the Town Centre First Inter-Departmental Group is being supported by an Advisory Group which includes a wide range of stakeholders and is chaired by my colleague at the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Minister of State, Mr. Peter Burke.
I expect recommendations to be presented to Government on this matter in the coming months.
50. Deputy Christopher O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if a facility (details supplied) is suitable for funding under the rural regeneration and development plan; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27997/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra51. Deputy Christopher O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if she will consider a project (details supplied) for funding under the next round of the rural regeneration and development plan; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27996/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 50 and 51 together.
The Rural Regeneration and Development Fund was established to deliver on the National Strategic Objective in the National Development Plan 2018-2027 of Strengthened Rural Economies and Communities and directly supports the objectives of Our Rural Future, the Government’s 5 year strategy for rural development.
Calls for applications to the Fund are sought under two categories – Category 1 and Category 2.
Category 1 funding relates to large scale ambitious projects with all necessary planning and other consents in place which are ready to commence. I will be announcing the next call for Category 1 applications later in 2021.
I announced the third call for Category 2 applications on the 12th May 2021. Category 2 funding enables projects that require further development to reach a stage where they are ready to apply to future Category 1 calls. The closing date for applications is 12pm on the 16th July 2021.
The application process for both categories under the Fund is competitive in nature and applications can be made by State-funded bodies i.e. Local Authorities, Local Development Companies, State agencies, other Government Departments etc. Lead parties to applications are encouraged to partner with other organisations, including communities, to put forward proposals.
When calls for applications are announced, an application form and guidance document is made available on my Department’s website for those seeking further information. Prospective applicants should always consider the guidance carefully to ensure that their proposal is in alignment with the objectives of the Fund and the stated focus of the call for applications. My Department also liaises with prospective applicants to provide further guidance as necessary.
Applications received are assessed by my Department under the oversight of the Project Advisory Board, comprised of representatives from key Government Departments and independent experts. Once the assessment process is complete, my Department prepares a report setting out recommended projects and my role as Minister is to consider that report and make final decisions in relation to the allocation of funding.
