Seán Sherlock
Ceist:102. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the status of the connected hubs fund; and the number of applications that have been received. [17863/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraDigital Hubs
Ceisteanna (102)
Freagraí scríofa
Our 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 223 hubs live on the platform, with this number increasing on an ongoing basis.
In 2021, under the first Connected Hubs Call, almost €9 million was awarded to more than 100 remote and co-working hubs, including a significant number of public Broadband Connection Points (BCPs) throughout the country. This funding mechanism is designed to ensure additional capacity and improved facilities and to support the long-term viability of existing hubs.
In February, I announced a further €5 million for the sector under the 2022 Connected Hubs Call. The call closed to applications at 6pm yesterday evening, Monday 4th April. My officials are currently evaluating the applications submitted and I expect to announce the successful applicants in the next few weeks.
Details of all these schemes and successful applications will be 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.
Land Issues
Ceisteanna (103)
Matt Carthy
Ceist:103. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development when she intends to bring forward proposals regarding the indemnification of farmers with land that is accessible by the public for hill walking. [17900/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
My Department has, for some time, been examining how best to introduce a scheme to indemnify private land owners in upland areas who allow access to their lands for recreational purposes. This is a complex issue and my Department has been advised that an indemnity scheme such as has been proposed would require legislative provision and that a number of separate pieces of legislation might need to be amended.
In light of the complexities involved, my officials have been considering alternative pilot approaches, including an insurance solution, to address the matter on an interim basis. Through this process, a public liability insurance policy was secured by my Department for the two existing Mountain Access Project areas, the MacGillycuddy Reeks in Kerry and Binn Sléibhe in Galway, and came in to effect in August 2021.
This pilot solution was developed in consultation with Comhairle na Tuaithe and is being implemented on a two year trial basis. The policy represents a substantial step forward on this matter for landowners in the two Mountain Access Project areas involved.
Other options around indemnity and potential amendments to the Occupiers' Liability Act will continue to be explored and progressed over the coming months, including as part of the development of the new National Outdoor Recreation Strategy. My Department is also engaging further with the Attorney General on this matter.
Digital Hubs
Ceisteanna (104, 962)
Emer Higgins
Ceist:104. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if she will report on the funding for hubs under the connected hubs funding stream to facilitate remote working; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17940/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra
Jennifer Carroll MacNeill
Ceist:962. Deputy Jennifer Carroll MacNeill asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if she will report on the funding for hubs under the connected hubs funding stream; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18064/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 104 and 962 together.
Our Rural Future, the Government's Rural Development Policy, clearly recognises the transformative effect that remote working can have for employers and employees all across the country.
In recognition of this, my Department continues to invest heavily in the establishment and development of remote work hub facilities through various funding streams.
In May last year I launched the National Connected Hubs network - connectedhubs.ie. There are currently over 220 hubs live on the platform, with this number rising on an ongoing basis. This represents significant progress within the first year of the existence of the network.
Details for the onboarded hub facilities can be obtained via the Connected hubs platform - www.connectedhubs.ie
I recently launched the Connected Hubs mobile app, which allow users to find their nearest hub facility and easily book a desk space using their mobile device. The Connected Hubs mobile app can be downloaded from the Apple App Store for iOS devices and the Google Play Store for Android.
Last year, I allocated almost €9 million to the 2021 Connected Hubs Fund, which supported over 100 hubs and BCPs, and enabled them to develop and leverage the capacity and quality of existing remote working facilities across the country.
In February this year, I launched the 2022 Connected Hubs Call, a €5 million funding stream to further support remote working facilities, including Broadband Connection Points (BCPs), throughout the country and add further capacity to the National Hub Network. The closing date for this round of funding was 4 April.
The National Hub Network includes a diverse range of hubs, services and facilities, thus facilitating the needs of different employers and employees across Ireland. To date my focus has been on establishing the network and on achieving the initial critical mass. Following strong progress on the establishment phase of the project, my focus has now shifted to the next stage of development.
To this end, my officials have been consulting with hub managers across the country, and with other stake holders, to better inform the future strategic direction of the National Hub Network and of the connectedhubs.ie platform. I also recently announced the commencement of a major promotional campaign which will serve to raise awareness of the services available on connectedhubs.ie.
This shift of focus will help to ensure that the network continues to provide the level of service that employers and employees need as Covid restrictions are eased.
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.
Broadband Infrastructure
Ceisteanna (105)
Ruairí Ó Murchú
Ceist:105. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development her Department’s engagements regarding the report by the European Parliament in relation to regional connectivity and smart villages; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18042/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
While my Department has not been directly engaged with the drafting of the report referred to, my officials have been active in this space for several years.
The Smart Villages concept is primarily about rural communities making best use of both technology and social innovation to respond to ongoing and emerging challenges.
In a recent briefing issued by the Commission, one of the barriers to the expansion of the Smart Village model identified across the EU was the lack of sufficient connectivity. The need for reliable, high-speed broadband has been recognised by the government and, accordingly, the National Broadband Plan (NBP) has commenced.
Notwithstanding delivery of the NBP, which is a matter for the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications, my department has, through a number of schemes and initiatives, supported the development of Smart Communities, Villages, Towns and Cities for several years.
For example, the Broadband Connection Point (BCP) initiative is, by its very nature, a Smart Community programme of significant scale. When complete, 300 publicly accessible and broadband-enabled community hubs will make onsite connectivity available to enable a range of initiatives in areas such as the delivery of digital skills training and remote work and study.
Since early 2020, officials at my department have been investigating opportunities to further develop the smart offering at BCPs and have, to date, rolled out eHealth, arts and culture, digital skills training (including for older people) and remote work / study pilot programmes. These pilots will be expanded and scaled up over 2022 and into 2023.
The Smart Villages concept underlines the need for a greater focus on empowering communities at local level if rural areas are to thrive in the coming decades.
The LEADER Programme is one of the key interventions of Our Rural Future, the Government’s policy for rural development. Given its reach and history, the LEADER programme can play an essential part in the Smart Villages concept in terms of mobilising and empowering local communities, in developing their capacity to design and implement community-led initiatives and promoting innovation and experimentation.
Preparations for the design and delivery of the next LEADER programme from 2023-2027 are well underway and support for the development of Smart Village Strategies will be strongly encouraged as part of that programme.
Community Development Projects
Ceisteanna (106)
David Stanton
Ceist:106. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development her Department’s plans to expand the community centres investment fund to include a strand specifically dedicated to the establishment of community centre facilities in communities in which none currently exists; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17960/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
My Department currently provides a number of funding streams which can be used for the improvement and development of Community Centres throughout the country.
The Rural Regeneration and Development Fund (RRDF) provides funding for the development and construction of large scale capital projects in towns and villages and rural areas across Ireland. I announced the fourth call for Category 1 applications in December 2021, with a closing date for applications of 29 April 2022.
Funding for community centre projects may also be available through the LEADER Transitional programme. This covers the period 2021-2022, and came into effect on 1 April 2021 for new project applications. The LEADER programme is administered by Local Action Groups (LAGs) in each of the 28 LEADER sub-regional areas around the county.
The Community Centres Investment Fund is a new capital fund with a budget of €15m to support community groups with the upgrade and refurbishment of existing community centres. This is an investment in both rural and urban communities across the country. It should be noted that the development of new community centres is not covered by the Fund.
The Community Centres Investment Fund will support community groups, particularly in disadvantaged areas, with the upgrade and development of their community centre facilities.
The fund will assist with projects such as:
- Energy retrofitting projects that reduce an organisation's carbon footprint;
- Works to address safety concerns, including as a result of fire safety audits;
- Works to improve disability access;
- Works to improve communal facilities such as kitchen and toilet facilities, and
- Essential maintenance
Funding will be available under 3 Strands with grants of between €10k and €300K available:
- Strand 1: Small scale projects/improvements to facilities €10,000 - €25,000.
- Strand 2: Larger scale projects - €25,001 to €100,000.
- Strand 3: Major projects. €100,001 to €300,000.
I expect the fund to open to applications shortly. Guidelines and application forms will be available on my Department’s website at www.gov.ie/drcd.
Parking Provision
Ceisteanna (107)
Brian Stanley
Ceist:107. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if funding will be provided for a carpark at the Woodenbridge, Ballacolla, County Laois to facilitate better usage of the amenities located there. [17931/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
My Department provides a wide range of investment programmes to support the development of rural areas, including through the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund, the LEADER Programme, the Town & Village Renewal Scheme, the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme and the CLÁR programme. I would encourage potential applicants to engage with their local authority or LEADER Local Action Group to discuss the investment programme that is most suitable to their needs.
More details would be required in respect of the specific project referred to by the Deputy before indicating the most appropriate investment programme. The 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. Applications are currently being accepted via Local Authorities for funding up to a maximum of €50,000 for community facilities, including car parking, under Measure 1 of the CLÁR programme. However, I understand that the location referred to by the Deputy may not be located in a CLÁR area.
The 2022 Outdoor Recreation Scheme was launched on 18th February last and provides funding to support access to outdoor infrastructure. Funding for car park access may be considered under that scheme where it improves access to recreational infrastructure and where it is part of the wider development of the linked outdoor amenity.
Funding may also be available through the LEADER Programme for the type of project referred to by the Deputy. LEADER is a multi-annual programme which is delivered through 29 Local Action Groups (LAGs) around the country.
Support under the LEADER programme is provided under a broad range of themes, including Economic Development, Enterprise Development and Job Creation. This theme focuses on driving continued local economic development, including diversification of the rural economy, and the creation of employment opportunities for the local community.
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.
Regeneration Projects
Ceisteanna (108)
Seán Sherlock
Ceist:108. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if it is intended to reintroduce town councils to assist with the town centre first policy. [17865/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Government recently published Town Centre First - A Policy Approach for Irish Towns. This publication represents a major new policy that aims to tackle vacancy, combat dereliction and breathe new life into our town centres.
The policy contains 33 actions which will give our towns the tools and resources they need to become more viable and attractive places in which to live, work, socialise and run a business. It will support Town Teams to develop their own Town Centre First (TCF) Plans
The TCF Plans will be developed collaboratively with local Town Teams involving community and business groups, as well as public and private stakeholders. There is no recommendation in the Town Centre First Policy as regards town councils, although local public representatives will have an important role in the process as part of the Town Teams, and through their role in directing the work of the local authorities.
The TCF Plans will cover the importance of “place-making”, town centre living, and the social and economic purpose of the town. They should respond to emerging opportunities such as those linked to remote working, climate action and digitalisation. The plans will also be central to addressing vacancy and dereliction.
The new policy refers to the provision of Town Regeneration Officers (TROs). TROs will be appointed in local authorities to drive the implementation of TCF and will be crucial to managing the implementation of the policy at a local level and ensuring the development and implementation of TCF plans.
I was delighted to secure additional funding for of €2 million for these posts in Budget 2022. As a result, it is envisaged that a TRO will be appointed in local authority areas across the country.
Departmental Policies
Ceisteanna (109)
Jennifer Murnane O'Connor
Ceist:109. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if she will report on the progress she has made in delivering the Our Rural Future policy. [18044/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Our Rural Future 2021-2025 is the most ambitious rural development policy for Ireland in decades.
It was published in March 2021 and contains more than 150 measures across the whole of Government, for both short-term recovery and longer-term development.
Updates on the implementation of the five-year policy will be provided by a series of Progress Reports. Annual work programmes will also be published and will allow for priorities to be updated in light of emerging opportunities and challenges.
The First Progress Report, which was published in February, provides updates on a total of 216 actions contained in the 2021 Work Programme for delivery right across Government. I was delighted with the level of achievement detailed in the report, which saw a completion rate of just under 80% on actions to be carried out under the 2021 Work Programme.
There are a number of ongoing actions also reported on, and the progress report shows significant progress across these actions as well as on many of the individual actions which were not completed as planned in 2021.
A new Work Programme for 2022 is currently being finalised in conjunction with Departments and I expect to publish this shortly. However, I can say that it will demonstrate continued commitment to realising the ambitions of Our Rural Future, including the development of some new measures and actions under the policy.
Many of these actions are already underway, and updates on these will be provided in further Progress Reports to be produced every six months, as per the commitment in the policy.
Question No. 110 answered with Question No. 75.
Question No. 111 answered with Question No. 98.
Vacant Properties
Ceisteanna (112, 963)
Emer Higgins
Ceist:112. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the financial support that has been made available to local authorities in order to bring vacant properties in town centres back into use; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17941/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraJennifer Carroll MacNeill
Ceist:963. Deputy Jennifer Carroll MacNeill asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the detail of the financial support provided to local authorities to bring vacant properties in town centres back into use; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18065/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 112 and 963 together.
The Government recently published Town Centre First - A Policy Approach for Irish Towns. This represents a whole of Government policy and aims to tackle vacancy, combat dereliction and breathe new life into our town centres.
The policy is underpinned by significant levels of public investment spread across major Government schemes such as the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund (RRDF), the Urban Regeneration and Development Fund (URDF), the Croí Conaithe (Towns) Fund and the Town and Village Renewal Scheme (TVRS).
The 2021 TVRS prioritised the renovation of derelict and vacant buildings in our town centres, with a view to bringing these buildings back into use as remote working hubs, multi-purpose community spaces, and/or for residential occupancy.
While the details of the 2022 scheme are still being finalised, there is no doubt that we will again be prioritising projects that bring vacant and derelict buildings back into use and promote residential occupancy in town centres. I will be announcing the details of the 2022 scheme shortly.
The RRDF has now provided €278 million for 191 projects with an investment of some €376 million. The fourth call for Category 1 application is now open for applications until the 29th April 2022. Category One projects are those that have full planning and other consents in place and are ready to commence at the date of application. This will assist in revitalising our rural towns and villages through planned, sustainable regeneration and development including addressing vacancy and the re-use of heritage and other existing buildings.
€50 million in funding is also available under tCroí Cónaithe fund to help service sites and refurbish properties in towns and villages. This scheme is administered by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage.
Rural Schemes
Ceisteanna (113)
Brendan Smith
Ceist:113. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if additional transitional funding will be allocated for the Leader programme pending the commencement of the new programme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17951/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The 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 last year of a €70 million Transitional LEADER Programme which came into effect in April 2021 and will cover the period 2021-2022. €65 million of this budget has been allocated to the LEADER Local Action Groups (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. In addition, in the event that a LAG fully utilises their allocation of administration funding, they can avail of a maximum monthly contribution that will be Exchequer funded and will be available to them to the end of 2022.
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.
Offshore Islands
Ceisteanna (114, 128)
Claire Kerrane
Ceist:114. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if she will report on the forthcoming island development strategy; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17894/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra
Holly Cairns
Ceist:128. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if she will report on the islands action plan. [18054/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 114 and 128 together.
As the Deputy will be aware, the Government is committed to publishing a 10 year policy on island development with associated three year action plans. Work on the policy is underway and my Department has now completed the bilateral meetings with all relevant Government Departments. These bilateral meetings have provided an opportunity for detailed discussion of the issues raised by island communities and for Departments to assess how they might help address the various issues raised.
A number of islands have requested that a consultation meeting be held in person on the island in order for the community to have an opportunity to have an input into the policy. Due to Covid-19 it was not possible for officials to visit islands and these islands did not wish to engage with on-line meetings. The Department has now agreed to these meetings and I understand that they will be held after Easter.
At the most recent meeting of the Interdepartmental Committee for the Islands, participating Departments reviewed progress on the policy development and agreed the next steps to be taken. It was agreed that the various Departments would submit a list of action points that they could undertake to further enhance the future development and sustainability of communities on our offshore islands.
Work has begun on an initial draft of the policy document and I understand that, based on the development work to date, a draft is expected to be ready for my consideration by the middle of this year.
Regeneration Projects
Ceisteanna (115)
Aindrias Moynihan
Ceist:115. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if a town regeneration officer can be assigned to Macroom, County Cork under the town centre first programme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17925/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Government recently published Town Centre First - A Policy Approach for Irish Towns. This publication represents a major new policy that aims to tackle vacancy, combat dereliction and breathe new life into our town centres. It contains 33 actions which will give our towns the tools and resources they need to become more viable and attractive places in which to live, work, socialise and run a business.
Some 26 towns have already been allocated funding of €100,000 to produce their Town Centre First Plans, including Skibbereen in Cork. Additional towns in Cork and across the country will be supported to also develop plans as the policy is rolled out. Action 3 of the new policy refers to the provision of Town Regeneration Officers (TROs). Town Regeneration Officers will be appointed in local authorities to drive the implementation of Town Centre First. They will be crucial to managing the implementation of the policy at a local level and to ensuring the development and implementation of Town Centre First plans. The role of the Town Regeneration Officers is outlined in Appendix 6 of the policy and includes supporting and building the capacity of the Town Teams.
I was delighted to secure additional funding of €2 million for these posts in Budget 2022. As a result, it is envisaged that a Town Regeneration Officer will be appointed in local authority areas across the country, including in Cork County Council. The officers will be responsible for delivery of the Town Centre First policy across the local authority area rather than being assigned solely to an individual town.
Regeneration Projects
Ceisteanna (116)
Jennifer Murnane O'Connor
Ceist:116. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if there is a timeline for when town regeneration officers will be appointed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18043/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Government recently published Town Centre First - A Policy Approach for Irish Towns. This publications represents a major new policy that aims to tackle vacancy, combat dereliction and breathe new life into our town centres. It contains 33 actions which will give our towns the tools and resources they need to become more viable and attractive places in which to live, work, socialise and run a business. Action 3 of the new policy refers to the provision of Town Regeneration Officers (TROs). The TROs will be appointed in local authorities to drive the implementation of Town Centre First (TCF). TROs will be crucial to managing the implementation of the policy at a local level and ensuring the development and implementation of TCF plans. The role of the Town Regeneration Officers is outlined in the policy.
I was delighted to secure additional funding of €2 million for these posts in Budget 2022. As a result, it is envisaged that a TRO will be appointed in local authority areas across the country.
A National Town Centre First Office will drive the delivery of many of the recommendations outlined in the policy and support the co-ordinated roll-out of the policy by local authorities, Town Regeneration Officers, and Town Teams.
My Department has agreed the structure and funding for the national implementation office and the Town Regeneration Officers with local authorities. The first step is the recruitment of the head of the National Implementation Office which will be progressed shortly, and the recruitment of Town Regeneration Officers will follow on from this in the coming weeks.
Refugee Resettlement Programme
Ceisteanna (117)
Joe Carey
Ceist:117. Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the pathways that have been developed in relation to community services programmes throughout the country to activate new and existing schemes under the remit of her Department for those community services programmes that are involved in assisting refugees from Ukraine; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17918/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
A whole of government approach is being adopted to support the Ukrainian refugees arriving in Ireland.
My Department's Community Services Programme (CSP), which is administered by Pobal on behalf of the Department, currently supports over 420 community organisations nationwide, to provide an extensive range of local services and facilities within local communities, through a social enterprise model.
At a webinar held for key stakeholders on 16th March, my Department advised that its existing programmes could be utilised to support the needs of Ukrainian refugees arriving into our communities. My Department and Pobal are monitoring the situation closely, particularly as it affects the CSP Programme. Organisations funded under the CSP can include Ukrainians who have fled the war among the target groups for their services. Arriving Ukrainians are provided with an immediate right to work, and so are entitled to obtain a PPS number and to take up vacancies in CSP funded organisations.
In this regard, my Department has in recent days received a request for additional staffing in one of our CSP supported organisations in County Clare, which is currently being used as the central community hub to co-ordinate the local response. I am pleased to advise that an additional Full Time Equivalent position in the organisation was approved by my Department on 29 March with a start date of 1st April, to support the response effort.
Any further requests for such support under the CSP Programme will be dealt with by my Department on a case by case basis.
Regeneration Projects
Ceisteanna (118)
Cathal Crowe
Ceist:118. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the status of a town and village renewal scheme application by a centre (details supplied). [17843/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Town and Village Renewal Scheme aims to assist with the rejuvenation of rural towns and villages throughout Ireland, making them more attractive places to live, work and visit.
In line with the commitment in Our Rural Future, the 2021 scheme prioritised the renovation of derelict and vacant buildings in our town centres, with a view to bringing these buildings back into use. The scale of projects eligible under the scheme was also increased with funding of up to €500,000 available.
Under the 2021 scheme, each Local Authority was invited to submit up to 8 projects to the Department for consideration. Selection of projects for submission to the Department was a matter for each Local Authority to determine.
Almost 191 applications were received under the 2021 Town and Village Renewal Scheme and the level of funding sought far exceeded the available budget. Funding under the Scheme was awarded on a competitive basis, with all applications being assessed for suitability for funding.
Unfortunately, it was not possible to fund all of the proposals received and the application referred to by the Deputy was not among the 99 successful projects approved for funding of almost €18.3 million that I announced on 25th February.
It should be noted however that the opportunity is open to the community to review their application and resubmit to the Local Authority for consideration under the 2022 scheme which will be announced shortly, or alternatively to look at other avenues for funding a project like this proposal such as through LEADER or the Community Enhancement Programme.
Question No. 119 answered with Question No. 98.
Offshore Islands
Ceisteanna (120)
Holly Cairns
Ceist:120. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the progress that has been made in addressing action 136 of the Rural Development Policy 2021-2025 (details supplied). [18053/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Government's objective is that sustainable, vibrant communities can continue to live on the country’s offshore islands. My Department recognises that for this to be achieved it is essential that investment is made in the maintenance and upgrading of island infrastructure. To this end, I have increased the allocation available for capital works on the islands from €2.64m in 2021 to €4.64m for 2022.
This will enable me to approve an expanded works programme this year, which will include the annual programme for Minor Capital Works on the offshore islands, co-funded by the relevant Local Authorities. So far this year, I have approved works to the value of €2.09m on non-county roads on Donegal islands.
Additionally, island projects set out in Project Ireland 2040 are being progressed this year. These include three major harbour projects, namely: improvement works to piers on Inis Oírr and Inis Meáin in Co. Galway and at Machaire Rabhartaigh serving Oileán Thoraigh in Donegal. These projects are all at different stages in their development and they will continue to be progressed as rapidly as possible.
Departmental Staff
Ceisteanna (121)
Peadar Tóibín
Ceist:121. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the number of staff employed by her Department in each of the years since 2017, in tabular form. [17984/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Department of Rural and Community Development was established on 19th July 2017 to provide a renewed and consolidated focus on rural and community development in Ireland.
I can confirm that the number of staff employed by my Department between 2017 and 2022 is as follows.
|
Year |
Number of Staff (At year end) |
|
2017 |
123 |
|
2018 |
151 |
|
2019 |
153 |
|
2020 |
169 |
|
2021 |
171 |
|
2022 (as of 30/03/2022) |
181 |