Written Answers Nos. 873-878
873. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the locations in Limerick in which remote working hubs/ehubs are being developed, those which are developed and operational, the number that are planned and the location; the person or body responsible for the day-to-day running of each of these; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11022/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraOur Rural Future, Ireland’s Rural Development Policy 2021-2025, recognises the potential of remote working hubs as key economic assets for our rural towns and villages. Notwithstanding the clear benefits to individuals and families in terms of quality of life indicators, remote working from hubs will also support local economies, reduce carbon emissions and may arrest or reverse the depopulation of certain areas.
Last 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 202 hubs live on the platform, with this number increasing on an ongoing basis. 12 of the 202 hubs are located in County Limerick. In addition a further 12 hubs in County Limerick have been mapped for invitation to join the network.
The governance and management structures of each of the hubs on the connectedhubs.ie platform vary. Many are owned and managed by local authorities, social enterprises and community bodies, while others are commercial entities. Details for each of the onboarded hub facilities can be obtained via the Connected hubs platform - www.connectedhubs.ie.
My Department continues to fund the establishment and development of remote working hubs under a number of funding streams. For example, under the Connected Hubs 2021 funding call, approximately €400,000 was allocated to projects in County Limerick. Hub facilities that benefited from this funding included Innovate Limerick in Limerick City, The Yard Workspace in Newcastlewest, Limerick EDP (Enterprise Development Partnership) Innovation Hub in Roxboro, and Croom Enterprise Centre.
I also recently launched the Connected Hubs 2022 Call, a €5 million funding stream to further support remote working facilities (including Broadband Connection Points) throughout the country and add capacity to the National Hub Network.
I have also recently announced funding of €18.5m under the 2021 Town and Village Renewal Scheme. Successful projects included 28 remote working proposals, one of which centres on the development of a dilapidated former convent building in Doon into a community services and e-Hub facility with remote working and conference room facilities.
Details of all these schemes and successful applications are available at www.gov.ie.
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 ongoing 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.
874. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the progress made on the equality objectives of her Department specifically in relation to women. [11080/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department is dedicated to the fair and equal treatment of all staff and stakeholders. Our programmes, policies and practices promote and advance social justice, equality and diversity across the range of interventions and supports to communities .
Equality and inclusion form a cornerstone of my Department’s values and it is an equal opportunities employer.
The Department is committed to human rights, equality and anti-discrimination in accordance with the Public Sector Duty obligation of the Human Rights and Equality Commission Act, 2014 and we have set up a working group to progress actions under this obligation.
The Department’s People Strategy, commits to the promotion of gender equality as prescribed through Action 8.5 of the Civil Service Renewal Plan. In this context, the Department has developed its own Gender Action Plan following a thorough staff consultation and engagement process in 2021. This plan will enhance and deliver on gender balance and gender equality measures as a key priority over the coming years. My Department will shortly be drafting it’s new People Strategy 2022 – 2024 and it will contain further measures which build on, and further enhance, existing measures in place.
A breakdown of Department staff by gender, by grade is presented in the following table:
|
Grade |
Male |
Female |
Total |
|
Sec Gen **(Assistant Secretary is currently acting Secretary General and is listed below) ** vacancy at present |
0 |
1* (*acting) |
0 |
|
A Sec |
1 |
2 |
3 |
|
PO |
7 |
4 |
11 |
|
AP |
12 |
14 |
26 |
|
HEO |
14 |
28 |
42 |
|
AO |
3 |
5 |
8 |
|
EO |
13 |
21 |
34 |
|
CO |
10 |
24 |
34 |
|
TCO |
0 |
1 |
1 |
|
SVO |
1 |
0 |
1 |
|
PTP |
1 |
0 |
1 |
|
Technical Grade |
3 |
2 |
5 |
|
Advisor |
1 |
1 |
2 |
|
Drivers |
1 |
1 |
2 |
|
Total |
67 |
103 |
170 |
875. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the budget allocation for the seniors' alert scheme in 2020, 2021 and 2022, in tabular form. [11245/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department is responsible for the Seniors Alert Scheme which encourages community support for vulnerable older people in our communities through the provision of personal monitored alarms to enable them to live securely in their homes with confidence, independence and peace of mind. Funding is available under the scheme for the purchase by a registered community based-organisation of a personal alarm or pendant.
Following a review, an updated version of the scheme came into effect in November 2017. A number of changes were introduced at this time, including the provision of free monitoring for the first year and a revision of the living alone requirements.
The current version of the scheme came into effect in September 2021 and continues to incorporate these provisions, as well as introducing a new key feature which is the additional option of a digital alarm, for use with web based connections.
I am pleased to say that in recent years, demand for the Seniors Alert Scheme continues, with over 32,100 participants approved for the Scheme from 2020 to the end of January 2022 inclusive.
Since 2020, the budget allocation for the Scheme has been €2.3 million per annum, please see table 1 below.
|
Year |
Budget Allocation |
|
2020 |
€2.3 million |
|
2021 |
€2.3 million |
|
2022 |
€2.3 million |
Table 1: Budget Allocation for the SAS, 2020-2022
The total expenditure for the Scheme in 2020 was nearly €5.1 million and in 2021 was over €4.8 million. Given the demand for the scheme, savings were identified from other areas within my Department's allocation to ensure that all new applicants could be provided for.
As this is a demand led scheme, it will be kept under continuous review by myself and officials in my Department to ensure adequate funding can be made available to meet the requirements of all qualifying applicants. There is also provision under the Dormant Accounts Fund Action Plan 2022 for funding to meet the additional and exceptional demands of the Scheme.
876. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if there is a contingency fund within the overall allocation for CLÁR funding given the rise in construction costs, quotations given in 2020 and beginning of 2021 have increased up to 40%. [11488/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe CLÁR programme provides funding under a number of different measures for small-scale infrastructural projects in designated rural areas that have experienced significant levels of de-population over a defined period. The measures to be included in the CLÁR programme are reviewed and revised, if appropriate, each year.
The 2022 CLÁR programme was launched on the 24th February last with an increased budget of €7 million euros, this is an additional €1.5 million from the budgetary provision in 2021.
The measures being funded under CLÁR 2022 are:
Measure 1: Developing Community Facilities & Amenities
Measure 2: Mobility, Cancer Care and Community First Responders Transport
Measure 3: Our Islands
There are established procedures in place permitting a successful applicant under the CLAR scheme to submit a ‘Change of Purpose’ request in respect of approved projects where circumstances have changed since the project was originally scoped and funding sought. This includes instances where constructions costs have increased since the original submission. This provides an opportunity for applicants to revise the scope of the project based on a clearly justified rationale and subject to approval by my Department. This approval is only provided where the overall project costs remain within the initial grant amount and the overall changes are broadly in line with the original objectives of the project.
877. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the policy instructions or policy documents that she has brought to the attention of An Bord Pleanála since coming into office [11605/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department has not brought any policy instructions or policy documents to the attention of An Bord Pleanála since I came into office.
878. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if she will advise the funding streams that are available for organisations which have been awarded charitable status; if she will provide information on the opening and closing dates for each in 2022; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11630/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department delivers a wide range of measures to support urban and rural communities. Those supports include the following programmes and schemes:
CLÁR 2022 opened on the 24 Feb 2022. It is a targeted investment programme which provides funding for small-scale infrastructural projects in rural areas that have suffered the greatest levels of population decline. The Measures being funded under the 2022 CLÁR Programme are; Measure 1: Developing Community Facilities & Amenities; Measure 2: Mobility, Cancer Care and Community First Responders Transport and Measure 3: “Our Islands”. Full details of the 2022 programme are available at www.gov.ie/en/policy-information/91ba52-clar/?section=2022-clar-measures.
My Department’s Community Services Programme (CSP), currently supports over 420 community organisations, some of which have been awarded charitable status, to provide employment opportunities and local services through a social enterprise model. My Department and Pobal are currently working on the restructuring of the programme, following the independent review of the CSP, undertaken by Indecon International Economic Consultants and are engaging with a Consultative Group representative of stakeholders on the matter. In the interim, all existing CSP contracts are extended up to the end of December 2022. Pending the transition to the new restructured programme, the scheme is currently closed to new applications through the expression of interest process. It is anticipated that the Programme will open calls to address identified gaps in service delivery in 2022, however, I am unable, at this stage, to elaborate on the timing of potential calls, as the matter is currently under consideration. Funding for additional new entrants will be considered in light of available budgets, during the year.
My Department continues to support social enterprises in a number of different ways including through the annual €2.3m Dormant Accounts funded Social Enterprise Measure. I plan to make further announcements on new supports later this year in line with policy commitments.
My Department’s Community & Voluntary Supports programme provides a cohesive framework of support for the community and voluntary sector. €5.5m has been provided in 2022 under this programme to support 29 Volunteer Centres, a number of national organisations such as Volunteer Ireland, and to support the implementation of the National Volunteering Strategy 2021-2025. Funding under this framework is provided to strengthen and support volunteering, to facilitate and foster volunteerism in Ireland and to build a support structure to develop volunteering locally. It enables Volunteer Centres in each county to play a central role in facilitating and supporting the development of volunteering in their areas.
Funding has also been provided to The Community Volunteer Programme. This programme is co-ordinated by Volunteer Ireland and the network of Volunteer Centres with support from the local authorities. The programme will enhance current volunteering capacity for forthcoming events and potential emergencies.
LEADER is a multi-annual programme which is delivered through 29 Local Action Groups (LAGs) around the country. Funding for organisations referred to by the Deputy may be available through the LEADER Programme. The Transitional LEADER Programme came into effect from 1 April 2021 and will run to the end of 2022. A total of €70 million is being made available over this programming period. 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 for the relevant LEADER area, and it must comply with the Operating Rules and EU Regulations in place for the programme. Prospective applicants should, in the first instance, contact their 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 the Gov.ie website at: www.gov.ie/en/publication/c45498-local-action-groups.
The Town and Village Scheme (T&V) is one of a series of national and local support measures designed to rejuvenate small rural towns and villages throughout Ireland. Local Authorities were invited to submit up to 8 applications per Local Authority area under the 2021 T&V Scheme. The 2022 scheme is not yet announced for applications to be made.
The new Connected Hubs Call will support and complement the development of the National Hub Network, which is a key action of the Rural Development Policy - Our Rural Future and the National Remote Working Strategy – Making Remote Work. The Connected Hubs Call aims to add additional capacity to the existing remote working infrastructure in Ireland by upgrading existing hubs and Broadband Connection Points (BCPs), while continuing to support COVID-19 mitigation measures. The Connected Hubs Call will provide owners, operators and managers of existing remote working facilities and BCPs with the opportunity to identify and develop their own solutions in consultation with local authorities, local business interests (e.g. Chambers of Commerce), Town Teams (or similar bodies) and community groups as appropriate. Deadline for Applications – 6pm on April 4th 2022. More information on the scheme and how to apply can be found at: www.gov.ie/en/service/16b47-connected-hubs-fund/.
Projects approved for funding under the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund (RRDF) are large scale, ambitious projects that have the potential to transform rural economies and communities. Applications to the RRDF must be led by a State-funded body, however other organisations can partner in an application. The fourth call for Category 1 projects was announced in December 2021 and the closing date for applications is 29th April 2022. Further information on the RRDF and details on how to apply are available at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/policy-information/c77144-rural-regeneration-and-development-fund/.
The €9 million Community Activities Fund will support groups, particularly in disadvantaged areas, with their running costs such as utility or insurance bills, as well as with improvements to their facilities. Groups will also be able to use the funding to carry out necessary repairs and to purchase equipment such as tables and chairs, tools and signage, laptops and printers, lawnmowers, canopies and training equipment. The once-off fund will be allocated under the Department’s Community Enhancement Programme and is administered locally by the Local Community Development Committees (LCDCs). Applications were accepted until the 25 February 2022.
The Community Enhancement Programme (CEP) provides capital funding to community groups in disadvantaged areas across Ireland. The CEP is funded by the Department of Rural and Community Development and provides grant funding for communities to enhance their local facilities. It is intended that the CEP will open again in Q2 2022. The CEP is administered by the Local Community Development Committees (LCDCs) in each Local Authority area, on behalf of my Department.
The €15 million 2022 Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS) will see the development of natural amenities such as our mountains, lakes, beaches, bogs, walkways, greenways and blueways. The Scheme, will place a particular focus on developing adventure tourism in Rural Ireland. It will support activities such as hiking, mountaineering, kayaking, swimming and cycling, which were especially popular among families throughout the Pandemic. In this case applicants eligible are Local Authorities and Local Development Companies, who must work with local communities to identify projects. Full details of the application process are available at the following link: www.gov.ie/pdf/?file=https://assets.gov.ie/216398/f2177cba-177b-49c3-97e0-67b3cacb92f4.pdf#page=null.
The Scheme to Support National Organisations (SSNO) provides multi-annual funding towards core costs of national community and voluntary organisations that demonstrate good governance and deliver services and supports that have a focus on one or more of the following: addressing poverty, social exclusion and promoting equality. The Scheme is administered by Pobal on behalf of my Department. The current three year scheme commenced on 1 July 2019 and will cease on 30 June 2022. A total of €18.8 million has been allocated under the current scheme to a total of 74 organisations. A new iteration of the scheme will commence in July 2022. The application portal for this new iteration opened on 10 February 2022, with a closing date of 24 February 2022. Funding for the Scheme to Support National Organisations (SSNO Scheme) has increased from €5.9 million to €6.7 million in 2022.
Groups or organisations qualify for support schemes or programmes provided by my Department where they meet the requisite eligibility criteria. Groups should check my Departments website for scheme announcements and regarding closing dates for applications at gov.ie.
Ongoing dialogue is maintained by my Department with rural and urban stakeholders in order to identify and respond to issues impacting on individuals and communities. I will also continue to collaborate with my Government colleagues and will monitor the issues which impact our urban and rural communities in order to respond to emerging needs.
