Written Answers Nos. 81-100
81. Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the level of support provided to remote working, innovation or shared working hubs since the start of the 33rd Dáil; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [60017/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department operates a number of schemes that focus on projects supporting the development of remote working hubs as outlined in Our Rural Future– Ireland’s Rural Development Policy 2021-2025.
To date, over €83m has been provided by my Department through various funding streams to support the development of digital hubs and remote working facilities across Ireland. Since the start of 2020 approximately €31 million has been allocated to remote working projects under these schemes.
The Rural Regeneration and Development Fund (RRDF) and the Town and Village Renewal Scheme both support the establishment of digital hubs. Under this year's schemes, projects that bring vacant properties in town centres back into use as remote working hubs were eligible for funding. The repurposing of existing community or publicly owned buildings in town or village centres to facilitate remote working were also eligible application themes.
Earlier this year I awarded almost €9 million in funding through the Connected Hubs funding stream to more than 100 applicants from all across the country. A list of successful applicants is available on my Department's website.
My Department also supports the development of the Connected Hubs Network - www.connectedhubs.ie, The National network offers a suite of booking and hub management applications to its members. The Network will also facilitate the sharing of innovation, experience and best practices across the community. These supports will serve to maximise benefit to member hubs, hub clients, employers, local communities and the wider economy. There are currently 170 hubs live on the platform, with this number growing every week.
The development of a national hubs network is a key commitment in Our Rural Future and I am committed to continuing my Department's support for the strategic development of remote working hubs in recognition of the vital role that they can play as key economic assets in our post-Covid recovery.
82. Deputy Brian Leddin asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the status of the provision of financial support to local authorities to bring vacant properties in town centres back into use as remote working hubs as outlined in Our Rural Future; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [60219/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department operates a number of schemes that focus on projects supporting the development of remote working hubs as outlined in Our Rural Future– Ireland’s Rural Development Policy 2021-2025.
The Rural Regeneration and Development Fund (RRDF) and the Town and Village Renewal Scheme both support the establishment of digital hubs. Under this year's schemes, projects that bring vacant properties in town centres back into use as remote working hubs were eligible for funding. The repurposing of existing community or publicly owned buildings in town or village centres to facilitate remote working was also eligible to apply.
In April, I announced funding of €81m for 25 landmark projects under the RRDF - many of the successful projects involve the regeneration of historic town centre buildings as Enterprise and Co-Working Hubs.
In July I awarded almost €9 million in funding through the Connected Hubs call to over 100 applicants - this funding will allow for the expansion of existing hub facilities and remote working infrastructure in digital hubs, including Broadband Connection Points, throughout the country.
The new Town Centre First Policy, which is expected to be launched shortly, will also be an important catalyst for Local Authorities and stakeholders to plan for the revitalisation of their towns, and particularly to explore new and alternative uses for vacant properties in town centres.
My Department also supports the development of the Connected Hubs Network - www.connectedhubs.ie, that offers a suite of booking and hub management applications to members of the platform. It is also facilitating the sharing of innovation, experience and best practices across the community. There are currently 170 remote working hubs live on the platform, with this number growing every week.
I am committed to continuing my Department's support for the development of remote working hubs in our town centres in recognition of the vital role that they can play as key economic assets in our post-Covid recovery.
83. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if the connected hubs network is primarily focussed on providing remote or hybrid work options for individual use; if not, if the network is open to businesses seeking longer-term, formal work arrangements for company employees; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [60194/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraOur Rural Future, Ireland’s Rural Development Policy 2021-2025, recognises the opportunity for rural rejuvenation that remote working presents and commits to establishing a comprehensive and integrated network of remote working hubs over the lifetime of the policy to 2025.
In May I launched the National Connected Hubs network together with the connectedhubs.ie platform. The platform offers a suite of booking and hub management applications to members of the Network. There are currently 170 hubs live on the platform, with this number growing every week.
The National Hub Network includes a diverse range of hubs, services and facilities. The Network can thus facilitate a wide range of users, including individual users as well as companies of different sizes with varying requirements. Many hubs have tenants that are long-term clients who take more space as they grow.
To date our focus has been to develop a critical mass of hubs on the connectedhubs.ie platform - the focus will now shift to raising awareness of the network to relevant stakeholders, including SMEs/business owners and hub users. Work is also ongoing to consult with hub managers across the country in developing the future strategic direction of the National Hub Network.
A significant number of initiatives will be developed through the Network including: supporting collective engagement between Connected Hubs and large scale employers; supporting collective engagement between Connected Hubs and Government agencies; and supporting collaborative projects in the Network to drive economies of scale.
The development of a National Hubs Network is a key commitment in Our Rural Future and I am committed to continuing my Department's support for the development of a comprehensive and integrated network of remote working hubs in recognition of the vital role that they can play in our post-Covid recovery.
84. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if she will ensure that the budget for the Leader Programme 2023 - 2027 is maintained at the levels of the 2016 - 2020 Programme. [60250/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra97. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the steps she is taking to increase the amount of funding for communities available under the Leader Programme 2023 - 2027. [60252/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 84 and 97 together.
LEADER is a rural development programme co-funded by the EU that operates a locally-led, bottom-up approach to meeting the needs of local communities and businesses. The programme supports private enterprises and community groups in rural areas.
For the period 2014- 2020 LEADER was included in the suite of measures that constituted Ireland’s Rural Development Programme (RDP). The Rural Development Programmes agreed by each Member State with the EU Commission were designed to correspond to specified Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) programming periods. The CAP programming periods in turn correspond to the EU's budgetary cycle. The Rural Development Programme will now be replaced by each Member State’s CAP Strategic Plan.
In the 2014-2020 CAP programming period, €250m was allocated to LEADER. For the 7 year programming period from 2021 to 2027 this funding allocation will be maintained. It is comprised of €70m provided for the transitional period from 2021 to 2022, and the recently announced indicative allocation of €180m for the period 2023 to 2027. The maintenance of the €250m funding from the 2014-2020 period is evidence of the Governments continued support for the LEADER programme.
Any discussion of Rural Development investment must also take account of the record levels of investment in recent years. A range of schemes have been implemented in recent years, such as the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund, the Town and Village Renewal Scheme, the Walks Scheme, and the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme.
Budget 2022 also saw increases secured across all my Department's rural schemes and the National Development Plan outlines a clear commitment to a continuation of investment in Rural Ireland as a matter of priority. Capital funding allocations for my Department have seen an increase from €88m in 2018 to €205m in 2025 under the NDP.
This increased funding will help to deliver on the range of actions for our rural communities into the future as set in the Government’s ambitious Rural Development Policy - Our Rural Futur e.
85. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the measures that will be in place in 2022 supported by schemes operated by her Department or through statutory agencies to assist persons bring vacant dwellings back to habitable use as living accommodation in villages, towns and rural areas; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [60199/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe revitalisation of vacant and derelict properties is being addressed by a number of initiatives delivered by my Department in line with the commitments contained in Our Rural Future and by colleagues across Government as part of the Government's Housing for All.
The new Croí Cónaithe (Towns) fund, as outlined in Housing for All , will provide a grant to support the refurbishment of vacant properties where the level of vacancy or dereliction is high. I understand that the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, together with the Housing Agency, is currently developing an operational basis for this new fund.
In April, I announced investment of €81 million for 25 landmark projects under Category 1 of the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund. These projects will combat dereliction, increase the vibrancy of rural towns and villages, and regenerate town centre buildings. A further call for proposals under Category 1 projects is expected shortly.
I have also announced funding of €15 million that is available under the 2021 Town & Village Renewal Scheme. A key focus of this year’s scheme is to renovate derelict and vacant buildings in our town centres, including for residential living. I have increased the maximum grant available under the Scheme to €500,000 to permit projects of additional scale to be funded. I expect to announce the successful projects under the 2021 scheme shortly, while the 2022 scheme will see an increase in funding of €2 million.
There are a range of other initiatives outlined in Our Rural Future which will contribute to addressing vacancy in our towns and villages, including the development of a Town Centre First Approach, with a focus on vacancy and dereliction.
The new Town Centre First Policy will be an important catalyst for Local Authorities and local stakeholders to plan for the revitalisation of their towns, and particularly to explore new and alternative uses for vacant and derelict properties in town centres. This policy will be launched shortly and its implementation will be a key priority for my Department next year.
86. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if she will provide an update on the development of the Leader programme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [60126/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe LEADER Programme is one of the key interventions of Our Rural Future, the Government’s Policy for rural development launched earlier this year.
An indicative budget of €180 million was recently announced for the LEADER programme for the period 2023-2027. When taken together with the €70 million already provided for 2021 and 2022 under the Transitional LEADER Programme, a total of €250 million will be made available for the 2023 - 2037 period, thus maintaining the level of funding provided for the 2014-2020 programming period. The maintenance of the €250m funding allocation will underpin the continued contribution of the LEADER approach in delivering on the Government’s vision for Rural Ireland.
Preparations for the design and delivery of the next LEADER programme from 2023-2027 are well underway. This includes an independent review of the delivery structures of the current programme, which is nearing completion. This review will draw on the experience of all stakeholders in the 2014 to 2020 LEADER programme and help to underpin effective scheme design for the new LEADER programme.
My officials are engaging with stakeholders on an ongoing basis on the design of the next LEADER programme. They are also working closely with colleagues from the Department of Agriculture, Food and Marine and the EU Commission, in developing the next CAP Strategic Plan 2023-2027, which LEADER will form part of.
This ongoing engagement and consultation with stakeholders combined with the funding allocation indicated will ensure that the LEADER programme from 2023 will continue to support and further develop our rural communities and businesses.
87. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the way her Department is addressing the issue of derelict and vacant properties in rural towns and villages; if she will provide additional information on the town regeneration officers announced as part of Budget 2022; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [60225/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe revitalisation of vacant and derelict properties is being addressed by a number of initiatives delivered by my Department in line with the commitments contained in Our Rural Future and as part of the Government's Housing for All.
In April, I announced investment of €81 million for 25 landmark projects under Category 1 of the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund. These projects will combat dereliction, increase the vibrancy of rural towns and villages and regenerate town centre buildings.
I have also announced funding of €15 million that is available under the 2021 Town & Village Renewal Scheme. A key focus of this year’s scheme is to renovate derelict and vacant buildings in our town centres, including for residential living. I have increased the maximum grant available under the Scheme to €500,000 to permit projects of additional scale to be funded. I expect to announce the successful projects shortly.
There are a range of other initiatives outlined in Our Rural Future which will contribute to addressing vacancy in our towns and villages, including the development of a Town Centre First Policy.
The new Town Centre First Policy will be an important catalyst for Local Authorities and local stakeholders to plan for the revitalisation of their towns, and particularly to explore new and alternative uses for vacant and derelict properties in town centres.
The engagement of Town Regeneration Officers by the Local Authorities will also be a key component of the forthcoming Town Centre First Policy. Details in this regard will be provided after the launch of the Town Centre First Policy, which I expect to happen shortly.
88. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the status of the delivery of remote working hubs; the progress of the development of a national hubs network; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [60214/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraOur Rural Future, Ireland’s Rural Development Policy 2021-2025, recognises the opportunity for rural rejuvenation that remote working presents and commits to establishing a comprehensive and integrated network of remote working hubs over the lifetime of the policy to 2025.
In May I launched the National Connected Hubs network together with the connectedhubs.ie platform. The platform offers a suite of booking and hub management applications to members of the Network. There are currently 170 hubs live on the platform, with this number growing every week. (Table 1 attached provides a breakdown by County).
TABLE 1 – Connectedhubs.ie - Remote Working Hubs by County (as at 26 November 2021)
|
County |
Live on the connectedhubs.ie platform |
Mapped to be invited to join the connectedhubs.ie platform |
|
Carlow |
4 |
3 |
|
Cavan |
3 |
6 |
|
Clare |
10 |
7 |
|
Cork |
13 |
18 |
|
Donegal |
11 |
11 |
|
Dublin |
27 |
38 |
|
Galway |
16 |
27 |
|
Kerry |
13 |
13 |
|
Kildare |
3 |
7 |
|
Kilkenny |
1 |
5 |
|
Laois |
4 |
5 |
|
Leitrim |
7 |
14 |
|
Limerick |
10 |
11 |
|
Longford |
2 |
3 |
|
Louth |
3 |
7 |
|
Mayo |
11 |
21 |
|
Meath |
0 |
12 |
|
Monaghan |
6 |
3 |
|
Offaly |
4 |
10 |
|
Roscommon |
4 |
14 |
|
Sligo |
3 |
9 |
|
Tipperary |
4 |
21 |
|
Waterford |
4 |
8 |
|
Westmeath |
0 |
8 |
|
Wexford |
5 |
9 |
|
Wicklow |
2 |
4 |
|
TOTAL |
170 |
294 |
The National Hub Network includes a diverse range of hubs, services and facilities, thus facilitating clients of different types with varying requirements.
To date our focus has been to develop a critical mass of hubs on the connectedhubs.ie platform - the focus will now shift to raising awareness of the network to relevant stakeholders, including SMEs/business owners and hub users. Work is also ongoing to consult with hub managers across the country in developing the future strategic direction of the National Hub Network.
A significant number of initiatives will be developed through the Network including: supporting collective engagement between Connected Hubs and large scale employers; supporting collective engagement between Connected Hubs and Government agencies; and supporting collaborative projects in the Network to drive economies of scale.
My Department also supports the development of remote working facilities and hubs via a number of funding streams. To date, over €83m in funding has been provided in this regard through schemes such as the Rural Regeneration Development Fund and the Town and Village Renewal Scheme.
The development of a National Hubs Network is a key commitment in Our Rural Future and I am committed to continuing my Department's support for the development of a comprehensive and integrated network of remote working hubs in recognition of the vital role that they can play in our post-Covid recovery.
90. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the steps she is taking to tackle social isolation in rural areas, especially for older people and people with disabilities. [60253/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra102. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the measures being considered to reduce isolation anxiety in rural areas with increasing Covid-19 positive cases; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [59360/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 90 and 102 together.
In delivering on its mission, my Department provides a wide range of strategic interventions, funding programmes and policies to support communities, including helping to address the issue of isolation for rural dwellers, older people and people with disabilities. Addressing the issue of individual isolation in communities has become more important than ever before due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Many of my Department's policies and funding programmes aim to address isolation issues in communities, and also deliver benefits by responding to the challenges facing vulnerable individuals due to COVID-19.
My Department continues to provide funding to tackle isolation and support people with disabilities as well as other groups under schemes such as the Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme (SICAP), the Community Services Programme, the CLÁR Programme, the Community Enhancement Programme, and the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund.
The Seniors Alert Scheme was established to encourage support for vulnerable older people in our communities. It provides funding for a personal monitored alarm, connected to a contact centre to enable older persons of 65 or older and of limited means, to continue to live securely in their homes with confidence, independence and peace of mind.
Amongst the measures which will further support people with disabilities living in rural areas is the rollout of high speed broadband. This will enable improved access to digital services and increased employment opportunities for people with disabilities, including through remote working.
My Department is responsible for a number of national policies containing measures to improve the lives of people throughout the country including Our Rural Future , which places an emphasis on building resilience and enhancing participation and inclusion in rural communities including older people and those with disabilities.
My Department continues to monitor issues impacting on rural communities in order to respond to emerging needs.
91. Deputy Kieran O'Donnell asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the support provided by her Department to help maintain existing community centres and help communities establish new centres particularly in communities without a centre; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [60158/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department has a number of supports that communities can avail of to support the upkeep, enhancement or the establishment of community centres.
For example, grants which are relevant to community centres are provided through the Community Enhancement Programme (CEP) which provides small capital grants to community groups to enhance facilities. Typical projects funded include the renovation of community centres, community amenities, disability access projects, common areas and spaces. The 2021 programme provided funding of €4.5m.
The Community Activities Fund is a recently launched €9m fund to support community and voluntary groups impacted by Covid-19. This once-off funding is allocated under the Department’s Community Enhancement Programme in order to ensure there is sufficient flexibility to allow funding to be targeted to where it is needed in each Local Authority area. The Community Activities Fund will support groups, particularly in disadvantaged areas, with their running costs such as utility (Electricity, Heating charges) or insurance bills, as well as with improvements to their facilities.
Funding may also be available through the Transitional LEADER Programme. The programme is delivered through Local Action Groups (LAGs) in each of the 28 LEADER sub-regional areas around the country. Interested applicants should contact the relevant LAG to discuss the eligibility of the project and the funding that may be available. Contact details for LAGs are available on the Gov.ie website.
In addition, the €49 million Community Services Programme supports over 420 community organisations, including community centres, to provide local social, economic and environmental services through a social enterprise model. Funding is provided as a contribution towards the cost of employing staff in these organisations.
The 2021 Town and Village Renewal Scheme is also relevant to community centres, as it supports the re-purposing of existing community buildings in town centres to facilitate remote working and other projects to bring vacant and derelict buildings back into use. The closing date for applications was July 2021.
Finally, a new capital fund for the upgrade of Community Centres was referenced in the National Development Plan and funding of €5m has been secured for this under Budget 2022. The details of this capital scheme are currently being developed within my Department. It will be launched in early 2022 and further details will be announced in due course.
93. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the position regarding the identification of potential State-owned properties in rural towns and villages in County Wicklow which can be used for community purposes as outlined in Our Rural Future; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [60228/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraOur Rural Future’ is the most ambitious and transformational policy for rural development in Ireland for decades.
The policy contains 152 measures for delivery across the whole-of-Government, with the underlying theme of economic, environmental and societal sustainability. The policy has a vision of ensuring vibrant and thriving rural towns and villages, with a key objective of maximising opportunities for individuals, communities and businesses in rural areas.
Amongst the range of commitments foreseen to revitalise our towns and villages is a commitment to identify potential State-owned properties in rural towns and villages which can be used for community purposes.
In cases where local needs, opportunities and resources align, this has the potential to be mutually beneficial for both communities and the State.
I understand that, in the course of 2021, the Office of Public Works (OPW) has engaged with Local Authorities with a view to gauging interest in elements of the OPW’s limited portfolio of properties being acquired by Local Authorities for possible conversion to community use. The relevant action within the 2021 Our Rural Future Work Programme has an associated delivery date of Quarter 4 of this year. At present my officials are engaging bilaterally with a range of Government Departments in relation to delivery of the actions to the end of 2021 across all the actions in the Work Programme. The first Our Rural Future Progress Report is due to be published in early 2022 and will contain updates on all the actions in the 2021 Work Programme.
As the Deputy will appreciate, this matter is potentially relevant to all property-holding Departments. In that regard, my Department will continue to engage across Government Departments and agencies to advance this measure over the lifetime of the Policy.
94. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development her plans to develop a pilot scheme to support the use of rural pubs and other local spaces as community hubs for local services as outlined in Our Rural Future; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [60244/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government’s ambitious new five year policy for rural Ireland, Our Rural Future, commits to the development of a pilot scheme to support the use of rural pubs as community spaces and hubs for local services.
The Vintners Federation of Ireland (VFI) have submitted an application for funding to develop a pilot project. Through the pilot, it is envisaged that a small number of pubs would explore how they might be used as community spaces and hubs for local services.
The pubs to be included in the pilot will be identified by the VFI in consultation with its members and they will work with community stakeholders locally to identify the interventions that might be supported at the identified locations.
My officials are considering this application and further details will be announced shortly.
96. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if the budget will be increased for the Leader Transitional Programme for 2021-2023 to take account of rising construction costs. [60251/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe LEADER programme is a key intervention implemented by my Department, which will help to underpin the Government's rural development goals as outlined in Our Rural Future.
I announced details of a €70 million Transitional LEADER Programme which came into effect last April and will cover the period 2021-2022. €65 million of this budget has been allocated to the LAGs who deliver the programme and approve projects at local level. This allocation covers both core project expenditure and the administration and animation costs of the LAGs.
A further €3 million of the funding has been allocated to support co-operation projects and innovation between LAGs, while the remaining €2 million has been allocated to provide preparatory support for the next LEADER programme.
I am confident that this level of funding will be sufficient to meet the demand for grant funding from rural communities and businesses and to continue the effective operation of the transitional LEADER Programme through to the end of 2022.
98. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the steps she is taking to highlight and prioritise rural transport needs to the Department of Transport including the integration of local link services; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [60227/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraOur Rural Future 2021-2025 is the government's national rural development policy. It sets out an ambitious blueprint for the development of, and investment in, rural Ireland over a five-year period.
It is a whole-of-Government policy, and the more than 150 measures set out within it are being delivered by the Departments with responsibility for the relevant policy areas, including the Department of Transport.
Our Rural Future was developed following extensive consultation with rural stakeholders and communities, and issues of rural transport provision featured strongly in those discussions. The policy was developed on the basis of these consultations, leading to a strong focus on improving the provision of transport and other services in rural areas.
My Department is currently preparing the first Our Rural Future Progress Report, which will provide updates on actions detailed in the policy's 2021 Work Programme. These include rural transport measures such as the expansion of Local Link services in Co Kerry, investments in greenways and active travel infrastructure, as well as other public transport upgrades.
We are also looking ahead to 2022 and the development of next year's Our Rural Future Work Programme. My Officials have met with a range of Departments as part of this process. This series of bilateral engagements involved a dedicated meeting with the Department of Transport, which included consideration of discussion further rural transport measures that can be delivered in 2022 and included in the Work Programme.
99. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Pearse Doherty den Aire Forbartha Tuaithe agus Pobail cad é stádas an bháid farantóireachta nua atá saincheaptha d’Oileán Thoraí; cén uair a bheidh an bád réidh le seoladh; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [59967/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraMar is eol don Teachta tá dearadh agus coimisiúnú an bháid fharantóireachta nua do Oileán Thoraí ag braith ar cíbé forbairt a dhéantar ar an chéibh ag Machaire Rabhartaigh ar an mórthír as a dheantar freastal ar Oileán Thoraí. Tá dlúth nasc idir an dá thionscadal agus tá siad beirt liostáilte faoin bPlean Forbartha Náisiúnta 2040.
Cé gur ar Chomhairle Contae Dhún na nGall atá freagracht as an gcé ag Machaire Rabhartaigh, tuigtear dom go bhfuil oifigigh mo Roinne ag obair go coinsiasach le Comhairle Chontae Dhún na nGall chun plean gnó don fhorbairt ar Ché Machaire Rabhartaigh a chur chun cinn.
A luaithe agus atá soiléireacht maidir leis an rogha forbartha don ché ag Machaire Rabhartaigh, ansin beifear ábalta tabhairt faoi na céimeanna i dtreo an bháid nua a choimisiniú.
Mar sin, tá sé ró- luath sa phróiseas forbartha ag an am seo chun amchlár a thabhairt ar sholáthar an bháid nua, ach é sin ráite is feidir liom a dheimhniú don Teachta go bhfuil mo Roinn tiomanta chun an dá fhiontar a sheachadadh a luaithe agus is féidir, d'fhonn réiteach fad téarmach ar rochtain réidh chuig an oileán a sholáthar.
100. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the total capital and current allocation to her Department for 2021; the amount spent to date in 2021; the main areas of underspend broken down between capital and current; the steps being taken to ensure a full spend of the allocation by the end of 2021; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [60215/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFor 2021 my Department was provided with a total allocation of €351 million, of which €182m is for current expenditure and €169 million is for capital expenditure. The Department also had a deferred surrender of €13.2 million in 2020, to be utilized in 2021. Total expenditure to date, including expenditure of the deferred surrender, stands at €329 million. Current expenditure to date amounts to €176 million, with no significant areas of underspend. Capital expenditure to date amounts to €153 million, with very good expenditure achieved in the context of the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.
The capital underspend in 2021 mainly relates to the Rural Regeneration and Development area, for which €87 million was provided in 2021 to fund the range of schemes in that area, namely the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund, the Town and Village Renewal Scheme and the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme. In addition, €11.8 million of the deferred surrender from 2020 was provided for this area. Capital spend to date for this area amounts to just over €54 million, although I expect the final outturn to be closer to be over €57 million.
The closure of construction sites for most of the first half of the year has inevitably impacted on our capital projects, in particular the larger projects which take more time to plan and deliver. However, I have proactively dealt with this throughout the year. LEADER will utilise at least €10 million in savings elsewhere, funding for the Local Improvement Scheme doubled to €21 million and, most recently, I provided an additional €3.5 million in capital funding for the Community Enhancement Programme. The very successful Connected Hubs scheme and Streetscapes scheme, which form part of Town and Village Renewal, will see a combined spend in 2021 of around €15 million, ensuring those resources are utilised this year and provide real benefit for people and rural communities in terms of our social and economic response to the pandemic.
My officials and I have worked closely with local authorities in particular to ensure good progress once the construction sector re-opened, and this has resulted in a very positive spend outcome for 2021. I plan to utilise a deferred surrender this year and, along with the proactive management of capital funding, I expect this to ensure that our resources will be fully utilized to support rural areas and our communities.
