Written Answers Nos. 619-622
619. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if she plans to open up a new module under the community services programme for applications from rural areas of low employment and falling population to try assist the redevelopment of these areas particularly on the tourist front; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36189/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra620. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if she plans to open up a new module under the community services programme for applications from rural areas of high unemployment, drugs misuse and deprivation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36190/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 619 and 620 together.
The Community Services Programme (CSP), which is administered by Pobal on behalf of my Department, currently supports more than 420 community organisations to provide local social, economic and environmental services through a social enterprise model. One of the objectives of the CSP is to alleviate disadvantage and address local social, economic and environmental needs which are not being met through public or private funding or other resources.
The CSP, through its three categories or strands, currently supports organisations who, through a social enterprise model, operate community halls and facilities, provide services to local, regional and national geographical communities or communities of interest, especially to disadvantaged communities, or provide employment for specific disadvantaged groups namely Travellers, people with disabilities, stabilised and recovering drug mis-users and people with convictions who are in contact with the probation service, and other groups as determined by the programme.
The CSP provides a co-funding contribution of €19,033 towards the cost of each agreed full time equivalent (FTE) position and €32,000 towards the cost of each manager, where warranted. The CSP contribution does not meet the full salary cost of the supported positions, organisations are expected to provide additional funds from their own resources to meet the full cost of employment. Some 326 Managers and 1700 FTEs are currently being supported under CSP.
In 2020, Indecon International Economic Consultants, on behalf of my Department, carried out an independent review of the CSP. The Indecon report was published on 30th September last, following which my Department and Pobal commenced work on the restructuring of the programme in line with the Indecon recommendations.
Work on the revision of the programme is ongoing and while the final format of the revised programme hasn’t been fully determined as yet, it is expected that it will operate on the basis of targeted calls for applications to address particular needs or issues by area or by sector, depending on the identified need.
621. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development when the consultation document on a review of measures relating to the control of dogs in Ireland will be published; the number that relates to restricted breeds; if this includes the control of presa canario dogs; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36466/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe public consultation on a review of measures relating to the control of dogs in Ireland covered questions regarding all breeds of dogs, and also restricted breeds that have some additional controls on them when in a public place. The responses generally related to both matters as they are closely linked.
The issues raised in the approximately 1,000 submissions to the public consultation are wide ranging, complex and require analysis, further consultation with stakeholders and an exploration of approaches in other jurisdictions.
This process is nearing completion and I expect the findings of this review to be submitted to me shortly.
Concerns have been raised regarding the overall approach to the regulation of restricted breeds. There is also the view that some additional breeds, including the presa canario breed, may warrant inclusion on the list of restricted breeds. My Department is considering these and other points as part of a review of the legislation in this area and is now identifying any necessary legislative amendments that may be required with a view to inclusion in the Government’s legislative programme.
622. Deputy Christopher O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if a provision will be made for a minimum of three rural recreational officers for the walk schemes in west County Cork; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36517/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Walks Scheme, which is funded by my Department, contracts landholders to undertake maintenance work on National Waymarked Ways and other priority trails that traverse their lands. The landholders receive modest payments for maintenance work undertaken in line with agreed work plans.
The Walks Scheme is currently operating on 45 trails supported by approximately 2,040 landowners and is managed by 16 Local Development Companies (LDCs) around the country. At present, my Department funds Rural Recreation Officers (RROs) in 13 of these 16 LDCs. The RROs manage the Scheme at a local level. They work with landholders to ensure that the designated walks are maintained at an approved standard. RROs also make a significant contribution to the development of the outdoor recreation sector locally.
My Department commissioned an external review of the Walks Scheme to examine the delivery and strategic development of the Scheme, and assess the role and resourcing of the RRO posts throughout the country. The reviewers were also required to consider the level of funding provided to the Local Development Companies to deliver the scheme. I hope to be in a position to publish the review once the final version is received in the coming weeks and after the contents have been fully considered by my Department. The recommendations contained in the review will inform decisions on the further strategic expansion of the scheme, including the resourcing of Local Development Companies.
West Cork Development Partnership has two very significant trails funded under the Walks Scheme – the Beara Way and the Sheep’s Head Way. There are almost 580 landholders funded under these two walks receiving funding of about €650,000. West Cork Development Partnership also receives funding for one full-time equivalent RRO position.
I am aware that an issue has arisen with the delivery of the scheme in West Cork and officials from my Department formally met with West Cork Development Partnership last Friday. I understand that the company outlined the challenges presented by the large number of participants on the Scheme in West Cork and the extensive area covered by the trails there. It is clear that the company has a significant workload relative to other areas and I believe that this is something that we can respond to as part of the implementation of the Review of the Walks Scheme.
I am committed to working with all of the stakeholders, including West Cork Development Partnership, to ensure that the scheme can continue to function effectively.
