Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 31 May 2022
24. Deputy Christopher O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if she will establish a one stop shop advice and support team which would be sufficiently staffed to support and help local communities and voluntary organisations in the application process for the various grants and funding that are made available throughout the year; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27658/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department's mission is “to promote rural and community development and to support vibrant, inclusive and sustainable communities throughout Ireland".
A key part of achieving this mission is ensuring that those most in need are able to access services and supports, and that we deliver outcomes that positively impact the quality of life of those living and working in our communities. Rather than have a single team or "one stop shop" for applicants, my Department prioritises specific and tailored supports for applicants under its different funding programmes. Examples of some of the supports are outlined below.
As part of the recently published Town Centre First - A Policy Approach for Irish Towns, Town Regeneration Officers (TROs) will shortly begin to be appointed in Local Authorities. The remit of the TROs will be to assist local town teams to develop Town Centre First plans and to access funding.
The new €15 million Community Centres Investment Fund will support community groups with the upgrade and development of their community centre facilities. My Department will host two online information events and three online, interactive, support clinics for applicants of this fund. These events are to provide guidance and supports in relation to the application process. They will be recorded and made available on my Department's website. An instructional video and documents providing registration guidance will also be available online.
The new PEACE Plus programme 2021 – 2027, which is currently awaiting approval from the EU Commission and will be managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB), will provide for pre-development application support workshops for potential applicants under a number of investment areas.
LEADER is a multi-annual programme which is delivered through 29 Local Action Groups (LAGs) around the country. The LAGs have dedicated officers to assist local communities and voluntary organisations in the application process.
My Department provides funding to Local Development Companies on 5 offshore islands in Cork, Galway and Mayo, along with funding for Comhdháil Oileáin na hÉireann, the umbrella organisation that represent the interests of all the inhabited offshore island. This structure allows for regular direct contact between representatives of the island communities and my Department and other State bodies.
In relation to the Community Services Programme, organisations deemed a potential fit with the Programme are referred to Pobal to enter into a support and engagement process. Pobal work with the organisation on behalf of my Department to assist with developing a Business Plan to formally apply for the programme.
My Department has previously, in conjunction with Pobal, run a series of 'Helping Hands' events nationwide to engage with communities and create awareness and understanding of our funding programmes. A series of regional ‘Rural Opportunity' information sessions were also hosted by my Department to raise awareness of the wide variety of funding supports available to rural communities from across Government Departments. Staff from my Department and a number of other Departments and agencies were on hand at the events to provide further information to attendees on the range of supports available.
My Department is committed to keeping under review the administration of all our funding programmes and schemes to ensure they remain fit for purpose and can be accessed by those who need the supports most.
