Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 15 July 2021
123. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development her plans and timelines for further rounds of ORIS, CLAR, RRDF, town and village and community enhancement funding schemes; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38521/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraDetails of funding under the RRDF, Town and Village Renewal Scheme, ORIS, CLAR, and Community Enhancement Programme are provided below:
RRDF
The third call for Category 2 applications to the Fund was announced on 12th May. The development of large scale projects requires significant resources and the Category 2 funding provided through this call will enable projects to reach a stage where they are developed to a high standard and ready to commence. This will ensure there is a pipeline of high-quality, ambitious projects ready to compete for funding in future Category 1 calls from the Fund.
I am seeking large scale projects for RRDF funding that will drive economic growth, combat dereliction and breathe new life into town centres. The closing date for applications to the recent category 2 call was 12pm on 30th July 2021. Guidance material and an applications form is available my Department’s website. I expect to also announce a further category 1 call this year.
Town and Village Renewal Scheme
Since its launch in 2016, almost €93 million has been allocated to more than 1,300 projects across Ireland. Under Budget 2021, €15 million has been allocated for the Town and Village Scheme. Expressions of interest are sought locally and a number of these are then developed into proposals by the Local Authorities and submitted to my Department by July 16th.
The 2021 Scheme will prioritise tackling vacancy in towns and villages, remote working and supporting town centre living. Priority will be given to projects that bring vacant and derelict buildings and sites back into use as multi-purpose spaces and/or for remote hubs or residential occupancy. Multi-purpose use includes enterprise spaces, arts, tourism, youth hubs and other community use. There are a range of other actions eligible including projects to develop parks, green spaces and recreational amenities in town centres.
CLÁR
Since the CLÁR programme was relaunched in 2016, it has provided funding of almost €39 million for over 1,600 projects.
A 10% increase in funding was secured for the scheme this year, bringing the allocation for 2021 to €5.5 million. CLÁR 2021 was launched on 15th March 2021 with a budget of €5.5m and the closing date for all Measures, except the Innovation Measure, was 7th May. The Innovation Measure closed on Friday, 21st May.
ORIS
Since 2016, funding of almost €68 million has been allocated to nearly 1,000 projects through the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme.
A 20% increase in funding was secured for the scheme this year, together with the continuing contribution from Fáilte Ireland, brings the total funding available for projects under the 2021 Scheme to €14 million. ORIS 2021 was launched on 23rd April 2021. The closing date for Measure 1 has passed and assessment of applications is underway. The closing date for Measures 2 & 3 and the Project Development Measure is Friday, 30th July 2021.
Community Enhancement Programme
From 2018 to 2020 €25 million has been provided in funding for the Community Enhancement Programme supporting over 8,000 community groups/organisations.
The 2021 CEP was launched on 10th May with funding of €4.5million. It provides small grants for projects or equipment enhancing facilities and one-off grants towards reopening or the sustainability of a facility. Applicants should contact the LCDCs that administer the programme for further details.
In order to allow flexibility, the Department did not set a national closing date. Each LCDC can set its own to best suit its area, but it must be no later than 16th July 2021. As a result the CEP closed recently in some LCDC areas and is open in others. Some funding is ring-fenced to provide small grants of €1,000 or less. It is administered by LCDCs in order to address disadvantage as identified in their Local Economic and Community Plan.
