Tuesday, 31 May 2022

Written Answers Nos. 1-30

Official Engagements

Ceisteanna (14)

Seán Sherlock

Ceist:

14. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the external groups that she has met with personally in relation to her Department’s Statement of Strategy 2021-2023 [27820/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Rural and Community Development

My Department's Statement of Strategy sets out the vision, mission and strategic goals that will guide the work of my Department for the period 2021 to 2023. My Department’s mission is "to promote rural and community development and to support vibrant, inclusive and sustainable communities throughout Ireland".

The programme of work outlined under the strategy provides a roadmap for my Department to deliver on this mission and to build on the extensive achievements since its establishment in 2017. The Statement of Strategy outlines commitments which will be delivered by my Department through a range of programmes and supports for communities and community organisations, and through collaboration across Government and with our wider stakeholders.

The development of the Statement of Strategy was underpinned by an extensive process of engagement with stakeholders and other Government Departments. Through a broad external consultation, I was delighted that we received comprehensive submissions from 40 external groups and a number of other Government Departments.

All of the engagement I have with rural stakeholders and community representatives is with a view to delivering on the vision outlined in the strategy. I collaborate with colleagues across Government and engage in ongoing dialogue with rural and urban stakeholders in order to identify and respond to issues impacting on individuals and communities as they arise.

I am passionate about responding to the needs of rural and urban communities through continued engagement and dialogue and I look forward to continuing to deliver for our communities.

Departmental Policies

Ceisteanna (15, 25)

Bernard Durkan

Ceist:

15. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the degree to which she continues to fund infrastructure throughout the country in such a way as to encourage the retention of jobs and the attraction of investors in jobs throughout the regions; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27715/22]

Bernard Durkan

Ceist:

25. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the extent to which she and her Department hope to continue to support initiatives under the headings of rural and community development with beneficial effect to areas of need in both urban and rural Ireland; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27716/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Rural and Community Development

I propose to take Questions Nos. 15 and 25 together.

My Department's 2022 budget allocation of €379 million supports rural and community development, including through investment in infrastructure and initiatives assisting the retention and attraction of jobs throughout the regions.

The Programme for Government places a strong emphasis on balanced regional development.  My own Department supports this commitment through targeted investment that supports rural regeneration, facilitates new working opportunities, and fosters regional enterprise growth.   

Supports for rural and community development are provided through the various schemes delivered by my Department. Some of my Department's funding and supports which are benefitting areas throughout the regions are as follows:  

- €60 million was allocated in 2022 for the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund . The Fund has provided €278 million for 191 large scale infrastructural projects throughout the country which involve an overall investment of some €377 million.

- The CLÁR programme 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 Town and Village Renewal Scheme prioritises the renovation of derelict and vacant buildings in our town centres.

- The new Town Centre First Policy is underpinned by multi-billion euro investment across a number of Government schemes and targets the economic and social regeneration of our towns.

- The €70 million Transitional LEADER Programme came into effect in April 2021 and ensures that LEADER can remain a key intervention for rural areas.

- Connected Hubs  funding supports the development of remote working facilities as part of the National Connected Hubs Network.

- The Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme provides funding for the development of new outdoor recreational infrastructure such as walking trails, cycleways and blueways.

- The Community Services Programme supports over 420 community organisations to provide employment opportunities and delivery of local services through a social enterprise model.

- Funding of €7.5 million  was provided towards the regeneration of the Dublin North East Inner City area in 2022.

- Lastly, the Empowering Communities Programme involves funding of €2 million  for 2022.

Information on all of the funding and supports available through my Department are available online on the Gov.ie website.  I believe that this substantial investment, which is underpinned by transformative policies such as 'Our Rural Future' and 'Town Centre First', will continue to deliver real economic and social benefits for rural and urban communities.

Departmental Schemes

Ceisteanna (16, 19, 28)

David Stanton

Ceist:

16. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if there will be a further round of local improvement scheme funding in 2022; if her Department has received an update on whether the Department of Transport will match funding for the scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27388/22]

Colm Burke

Ceist:

19. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if there will be a further round of local improvement scheme funding in 2022; if there is an update on whether the Department of Transport will match funding for the scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27623/22]

Brendan Griffin

Ceist:

28. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if she will further increase local improvement scheme funding in 2022; if the Department of Transport will contribute to the scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27822/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Rural and Community Development

I propose to take Questions Nos. 16, 19 and 28 together.

The Local Improvement Scheme (LIS) supports the improvement of rural roads and laneways that are not normally maintained by local authorities. As part of Our Rural Future, the Government is committed to ensuring that the Local Improvement Scheme (LIS) is funded into the future. The scheme makes an important contribution to connectivity in rural Ireland.

The Scheme was reintroduced in 2017 following a number of years with no dedicated funding.  Between 2017-2021, my Department has allocated €80 million towards improvement works on over 3,000 non-public roads and lanes benefiting over 13,300 landowners and residents in these rural areas.

I was pleased, as part of Budget 2022, to announce an increase in the base funding for LIS from €10.5 million to €11 million this year. I announced details of the 2022 Local Improvement Scheme in early April and approvals have now issued for works to commence in all but one Local Authority.

Last year, I was in a position to double the initial LIS allocation to €21 million following the identification of savings in other capital areas. This year, I am continuing to closely monitor expenditure patterns. Should  savings emerge, I will give consideration to again  allocating additional funding to the scheme.

Finally, my colleague, Eamon Ryan, T.D., Minister for Transport has confirmed that his Department is not in a position to allocate funding to upgrade LIS roads at this time. The Minister has indicated his priority remains on the maintenance and renewal of the public regional and local road network and that funding allocations have been made for this year. I will, however, continue to explore the potential for further financial support for LIS from his Department.

Departmental Funding

Ceisteanna (17)

Éamon Ó Cuív

Ceist:

17. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the range of facilities that have had funding approved for them from the capital allocation of her Department broken down between piers, roads, coastal erosion, heath facilities, community facilities, sports facilities, water, electricity, broadband, playgrounds and others to be specified by her Department since 2011; the amount under each heading; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27661/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Rural and Community Development

The development of rural areas and the provision of supports for our communities, both urban and rural, are priorities for Government. This has been clearly demonstrated through ambitious policies such as 'Our Rural Future' and through the increased funding delivered through my Department since its establishment.  

As the Deputy is aware, my Department was established in 2017. For 2017, the Department had a capital funding provision of €77 million – €68 million for the rural development measures and €9 million for the community development programme.

This year my Department has a capital funding provision of €192 million – an increase of 150% compared to 2017. This includes €169 million for rural development and €23 million for community development. This funding is delivering tangible benefits on the ground, right across the country.

While figures are not available at the granular level for each of the specific headings referenced by the Deputy, there is no doubting the significant level of funding being provided under a variety of different investment programmes and for projects of differing scale.

For example, the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund provides funding for the development and construction of large scale capital projects in towns, villages and rural areas across Ireland. To date, 191 projects have been approved for funding of €278 million for projects costing €377 million.

Similarly, the CLÁR Programme is also making an impact by funding smaller scale  facilities such as playgrounds, sensory gardens and other community facilities.

These are just two examples. Detailed information in respect of the projects funded by my Department through the various schemes, is available on my Department’s website.

Broadband Infrastructure

Ceisteanna (18)

Ruairí Ó Murchú

Ceist:

18. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if he will provide an update on the Broadband Connection Points Programme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27825/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Rural and Community Development

The Public BCP (Broadband Connection Point) programme is progressing well with 273 sites officially live and approximately 27 more to be declared live in the coming months. Sites are being completed almost every week and it is expected that around 300 sites will be live by the end of 2022.

My Department works closely with Local Authority Broadband Officers, colleagues at the Department of Environment, Climate and Communications, and the two commercial partners, National Broadband Ireland and Vodafone, to complete each connection.

A large number of BCPs have also availed of funding under the Connected Hubs Call in 2021 and many have applied in 2022.

The usage of the sites is regularly monitored and continues to increase from month to month as more sites are connected and the awareness of the network grows.

As the site connection rate grows, the focus of the project is turning towards stimulating demand for use of the sites. There are a number of programmes being run to increase awareness of the public BCP network and improve the offering at each hub.

There are 4 thematic strands that are being developed at BCPs covering programmes related to remote working, arts and culture, eHealth and education and training. A number of programmes under these themes ran in 2021 and many are still ongoing, including coding for primary school children, painting classes and eHealth pods offering remote access to medical appointments.

This year, in consultation with Public BCP managers and the communities involved, my officials will draft a development strategy for the Public BCP Network. This strategy will guide decisions on future supports and opportunities to improve services.

Question No. 19 answered with Question No. 16.

Flexible Work Practices

Ceisteanna (20, 49)

Jennifer Murnane O'Connor

Ceist:

20. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the initiatives she will undertake to increase the number of remote working hubs available across Ireland in the coming years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27670/22]

David Stanton

Ceist:

49. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the measures being taken by her Department to encourage the establishment of large-scale remote working hubs in provincial towns; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25014/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Rural and Community Development

I propose to take Questions Nos. 20 and 49 together.

Our Rural Future places significant emphasis on remote working as a game changer for rural Ireland. As the Deputies will agree, remote working supports communities, local economies and families to thrive. It also allows many employers to hire the most talented workers, wherever they may happen to live.

My Department has invested some €100m in the development of remote working facilities across a range of schemes, particularly through the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund (RRDF) and the Town and Village Renewal Scheme.

As the Deputy will be aware, I announced funding of more than €18 million under the 2021 Town and Village Renewal Scheme, which included 28 projects related to remote working and hubs.

I have recently launched the 2022 Town & Village Renewal Scheme which will provide funding to bring vacant properties back into use as remote working facilities and also to repurpose community and publicly owned buildings to facilitate remote workers. The RRDF is also funding the regeneration of historic town centre buildings as Enterprise and Co-Working Hubs.

My Department has also now completed the assessments of the Connected Hubs Call 2022, to which I have allocated €5 million to add remote and co-working capacity in existing hubs and Broadband Connection Points across the country. This is in addition to the almost €9 million allocated last year under the same scheme. The successful applicants to the 2022 Call will be announced imminently.

As regards further increasing the number of remote working hubs, I have been clear that my Department will support remote workers and the sector, as required. We have acted quickly and decisively to ensure adequate provision of services to date. As we develop a strategy for the future of the National Hub Network, it is vital that we take stock of what has been achieved and what still needs to be done.

I am particularly  interested to learn how the hubs and their users see the future of the sector. I have directed my officials to engage directly with the remote working community as they assess the impact of both the National Hubs Network (connectedhubs.ie) and the funding provided under the Connected Hubs Call. This will help to inform our ongoing investment in the sector.

Library Projects

Ceisteanna (21)

Seán Sherlock

Ceist:

21. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the amount of library related capital funding projects received by her Department by county and town in tabular form. [27819/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Rural and Community Development

The delivery of public library services is a matter for each local authority in accordance with the Local Government Act, 2001. My department provides capital funding to supplement investment by local authorities in the public library service. Funding is provided as a contribution towards the cost of developing library buildings, ICT infrastructure, the provision of sensory facilities and equipment and library vehicles.

Appendix 1 lists the funding provided by county since my department was formed in 2017. 

In that context, my department funds a Libraries Capital Programme that is investing €29m in 17 projects, as well as the My Open Library service and a Small Scale Capital Works programme, between 2016 and 2022.  My department’s capital budget for library-related expenditure for 2022 is €6.629m.

Appendix 2 lists, by local authority, the Libraries Capital Programme allocations approved by my department since 2017. 

The Rural Regeneration and Development Fund (RRDF) provides funding for the development and construction of capital projects in towns and villages and rural areas across Ireland.  The Fund has, to date, allocated funding of €49 million for 19 projects across the country which include a library element.

Appendix 3 lists, by local authority, the RRDF allocations approved by my department.

A further breakdown of the data supplied in this response is available on request.  

Appendix 1 – Library-related capital funding paid by Local Authority (2017 – 2022)

Local Authority	ICT Expenditure	Delivery Vehicles	Small Scale Capital Works	Sensory Equipment & Facilities	My Open Library	Libraries Capital Programme
Carlow County Council	€78,216.00		€100,000.00	€17,543.88	€97,389.50
Cavan County Council	€88,376.00		€100,000.00	€14,884.00
Clare County Council	€73,353.00		€100,000.00	€20,000.00		€1,313,599.47
Cork City Council	€260,547.54	€21,000.00	€100,000.00	€19,952.00	€74,250.00
Cork County Council	€106,536.00		€100,000.00	€39,602.00	€289,543.50
Donegal County Council	€164,945.38		€100,000.00	€19,983.13	€45,273.50	€52,324.00
Dublin City  Council	€585,999.00		€100,000.00	€26,105.76	€41,137.50	€1,200,000.00
Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council	€200,650.00		€100,000.00	€20,000.00	€106,125.00	€67,723.11
Fingal County Council	€525,474.27		€100,000.00	€19,722.00	€75,000.00
Galway County Council	€280,619.66		€100,000.00	€28,698.08
Kerry County Council	€96,430.00		€24,775.33	€20,000.00		€250,000.00
Kildare County Council	€413,230.00		€100,000.00	€20,249.00		€877,000.00
Kilkenny County Council	€112,140.00		€100,000.00	€20,000.00		€2,479,332.27
Laois County Council	€70,535.00		€100,000.00	€33,075.00	€8,132.84	€2,346,319.10
Leitrim County Council	€37,317.38		€100,000.00	€14,358.00	€114,750.00
Limerick County Council	€275,815.00		€100,000.00	€19,958.18
Longford County Council	€60,348.26		€100,000.00	€23,581.00	€43,593.75	€2,417,563.39
Louth County Council	€206,274.00		€100,000.00	€38,972.27	€72,306.75
Mayo County Council	€215,594.00		€75,868.70	€36,230.62	€146,250.00
Meath County Council	€240,750.00	€36,832.00	€100,000.00	€19,916.26	€61,500.00
Monaghan County Council	€140,739.00	€20,000.00	€100,000.00	€15,952.76	€96,000.00	€2,730,000.00
Offaly County Council	€88,134.00		€100,000.00	€20,000.00	€46,265.90
Roscommon County Council	€132,686.59		€100,000.00	€20,516.19
Sligo County Council	€60,716.00	€18,700.00	€100,000.00	€6,503.80	€33,504.72
South Dublin County Council	€171,229.00		€100,000.00	€22,045.00		€1,000,000.00
Tipperary County Council	€291,930.00		€100,000.00	€19,492.50	€68,659.50	€150,000.00
Waterford County Council	€235,914.00		€100,000.00	€15,625.07	€119,932.53
Westmeath County Council	€44,856.05		€100,000.00	€40,318.03	€139,504.50
Wexford County Council	€223,868.00		€100,000.00	€21,402.28	€86,569.50	€250,000.00
Wicklow County Council	€190,682.00		€100,000.00	€20,392.01		€489,572.00
Total	€5,673,905.13	€96,532.00	€2,900,644.03	€659,971.20	€1,762,210.49	€15,623,433.34

Appendix 2 - Allocations approved under the Libraries Capital Programme 2016-2022

Local Authority	Project	Department Allocation
Longford County Council	Edgeworthstown Library	€2.5m
Clare County Council	Ennis Library	€4m
Laois County Council	Portlaoise Library	€3m
Monaghan County Council	Monaghan Town Library	€2.8m
Kilkenny County Council	Kilkenny City Library	€4.7m
DLR County Council	Stillorgan Library	€1.5m
Limerick County & City Council	Limerick City Central Library	€2m
Donegal County Council	Donegal Town Library	€1m
Offaly County Council	Edenderry Community Library	1.7m
Wicklow County	Wicklow Town Library	€1m
South Dublin County Council	North Clondalkin Library	€1m
Tipperary County Council	Carrick-on-Suir Library	€0.2m
Dublin City Council	Kevin St Library	€1m
Kildare County Council	Athy Community Library	€1.7m
Kerry County Council	Kerry Mobile Library	€0.3m
Tipperary County Council	Tipperary School Van	€0.1m
Wexford County Council	Wexford Mobile Library	€0.3m
Total		€28.7m

Appendix 3 – Allocations approved under the Rural Regeneration Development Fund for projects including a public library element (2019 – 2022)

Local Authority	Project	RRDF Funding
Cavan County Council	Virginia Civic Centre	€3,963,525
Cork County Council	Kinsale Library Project	€2,157,375
Cork County Council	Briery Gap Theatre and Library	€2,000,000
Cork County Council	Youghal Public Library	€4,048,511
Kilkenny County Council	Callan Friary Complex/Upper Bridge St Regeneration & Masterplan for the historic core of Callan Town	€2,100,000
Kilkenny County Council	Thomastown Community Library & Thomastown Community Hall	€2,617,836
Leitrim County Council	Dromahair Regeneration Project	€2,227,388
Mayo County Council	Ballinrobe Regeneration	€975,000
Mayo County Council	Phase 1 Regeneration of Sisters of Mercy Convent Site and Adjacent Lands	€8,278,682
Meath County Council	Trim Library and Cultural Centre	€4,357,741
Monaghan County Council	Castleblayney Market Square Regeneration	€2,611,150
Offaly County Council	Banagher Regeneration Projects	€395,250
Offaly County Council	Edenderry Masterplan & Edenderry Regeneration Phase II	€2,225,031
Offaly County Council	Ferbane Regeneration	€546,400
Westmeath County Council	Kinnegad Regeneration Phases 1 & 2	€8,894,780
Wicklow County Council	Making Baltinglass the Hub for South West Wicklow	€2,675,226
Total		€49,098,895

Flexible Work Practices

Ceisteanna (22)

Jennifer Carroll MacNeill

Ceist:

22. Deputy Jennifer Carroll MacNeill asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development when successful projects in Dún Laoghaire will be announced under the Connected Hubs Fund aimed at further supporting the development of remote working facilities across the country; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27396/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Rural and Community Development

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. Accordingly, over recent years my department has invested some €100 million in the sector, to build, improve and expand hubs.   

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 236 hubs live on the platform, with this number increasing on an ongoing basis. In total 41 of these 236 hubs are located in county Dublin, with a further 32 hubs in county Dublin mapped for invitation to join the network.

The attached table provides a full breakdown of connected hub platform figures.

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, over €670,000 was awarded to applicants across county Dublin, with funding going to, amongst others, Digital HQ hub and the Glasshouse hub in Dun Laoghaire.

In February, I launched the 2022 Connected Hubs Call, a €5 million funding stream to further support remote working facilities (including BCPs) throughout the country and to add further capacity to the National Hub Network. The 2022 evaluation process has now concluded and I will be announcing the successful applicants very shortly.  

Details of successful applicants  will be available on 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.   

TABLE 1 – Connectedhubs.ie - Remote Working Hubs by County (as of the 23rd May 2022) 

County	Live on the connectedhubs.ie platform	Mapped to be invited to join the connectedhubs.ie   platform
Carlow	4	9
Cavan	5	9
Clare	8	14
Cork	23	17
Donegal	12	18
Dublin	41	32
Galway	18	33
Kerry	17	11
Kildare	8	5
Kilkenny	3	6
Laois	4	6
Leitrim	8	17
Limerick	12	12
Longford	3	7
Louth	6	12
Mayo	18	18
Meath	0	20
Monaghan	6	10
Offaly	5	12
Roscommon	4	15
Sligo	4	9
Tipperary	9	19
Waterford	5	13
Westmeath	1	11
Wexford	6	10
Wicklow	6	4
Total	236	349

Departmental Schemes

Ceisteanna (23)

Niamh Smyth

Ceist:

23. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the way applications under the local improvement scheme will be expedited considering the backlog of work that local authorities are dealing with. [27672/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Rural and Community Development

The Local Improvement Scheme (LIS) supports the improvement of rural roads and laneways that are not normally maintained by local authorities.  As part of Our Rural Future, the Government is committed to ensuring that the Scheme is funded into the future.

LIS was reintroduced in 2017 following a number of years with no dedicated funding in place. The Scheme is administered locally by the relevant local authority, which is responsible for prioritising and selecting eligible applications within broad parameters set by my Department. Following the launch of the LIS with the confirmation of county allocations, each local authority submits a priority list of roads, as well as a reserve list to my Department before works commence locally.

From 2017 to 2021, my Department allocated €80 million towards improvement works on over 3,000 non-public roads and lanes benefiting over 13,300 landowners and residents in these rural areas. I was pleased, as part of Budget 2022, to announce an increase in the base funding for LIS from €10.5 million to €11 million this year.

I announced details of the 2022 Scheme in early April and approvals have now issued for works to commence. Last year, I was in a position to double the initial LIS allocation to €21 million following the identification of savings in other capital areas. This year, I am continuing to closely monitor expenditure patterns and my Department is liaising closely with local authorities on their work programmes. Should savings emerge, I will give consideration to again allocating additional funding to the scheme.

Departmental Policies

Ceisteanna (24)

Christopher O'Sullivan

Ceist:

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]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Rural and Community Development

My 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.  

Question No. 25 answered with Question No. 15.

Harbours and Piers

Ceisteanna (26)

Catherine Connolly

Ceist:

26. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development further to Parliamentary Question No. 95 of 5 April 2022, the status of the development of the pier on Inis Oírr; the engagement her Department has had with Galway County Council and the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage to date in 2022 with regard to the updating of the original environmental reports; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27785/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Rural and Community Development

As the Deputy is aware, Galway County Council is the responsible authority for the maintenance and development of pier infrastructure on the Aran islands. 

The development of the pier on Inis Oírr is listed amongst the strategic objectives set out in Project Ireland 2040.  A steering committee consisting of representatives from my Department, Galway County Council and the Consulting Engineers has been meeting regularly to monitor progress. 

I understand that Galway County Council submitted a pre-application, with supporting documents, for a foreshore licence in July 2021. They subsequently held a meeting with the Foreshore Unit in the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, where they were advised that the environmental reports they had submitted needed updating and additional reports were needed. 

Further to that meeting, Galway County Council sought quotations from environmental consultancies to carry out a Gap Analysis Study. This was to review the environmental information available and to compile recommendations for the extent of further studies required which would form a part of the supporting materials for the Foreshore Licence. 

The Gap Analysis study has now been completed and was submitted to my Department recently. The consultancy firm are compiling a list of required works that will need to be undertaken to update the environmental reports to the required standard. Additionally, Galway County Council is in regular contact with the Foreshore Unit of the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government and they have agreed to assist the local authority with mapping the area where the licence will apply. 

Regional Development

Ceisteanna (27)

Claire Kerrane

Ceist:

27. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if she will provide an update on when the 2022 Workplan for Our Rural Future strategy will be made publicly available; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27703/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Rural and Community Development

Our Rural Future – Rural Development Policy 2021-2025 is the most ambitious rural development policy for Ireland in decades.

It was published in March 2021 and contained 152 measures for delivery across the whole of Government.  Delivery of Our Rural Future is monitored and implemented through a series of Work Programmes and Progress Reports.  The First Progress Report was published in February 2022 and provided updates on the actions contained in the 2021 Work Programme.

The 2022 Work Programme has been developed once again in conjunction with Departments and is now available on my Department’s website. It seeks to build on the substantial momentum generated in the policy’s first year, and demonstrates the continued commitment right across Government to realising the ambitions of Our Rural Future.

The development of these annual work programmes enables us to adapt policy priorities to address emerging opportunities and challenges. This is reflected in the extensive and ambitious programme outlined in the 2022 Work Programme, which includes the development of 10 brand new measures, featuring 23 associated actions, under the policy.

In total, more than 300 new and continuing actions will be progressed and delivered across Government in 2022.

Many of these actions are already well underway, and I look forward to providing updates on these in future Progress Reports, the next of which will be published later this summer in line with the commitment set out in the policy.

Question No. 28 answered with Question No. 16.

State Bodies

Ceisteanna (29)

Paul Donnelly

Ceist:

29. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the future personnel structure of the Charities Regulator; and the cost, including salaries of running same. [27792/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Rural and Community Development

The Charities Regulator is fully independent in the performance of its statutory functions. The Regulator has a budget of €4.6 million in 2022, of which €2.8m is in respect of pay.  The Regulator is currently operating with a full staff complement of 48.  The administration of the Regulator, including the personnel structure, is a matter for the Board and Chief Executive of the Regulator. Any consideration of additional resources for the Regulator would fall to be addressed in the context of the annual estimates process. 

As part of its move towards corporate independence, the Regulator continues to directly recruit and employ public servants who have the required expertise to deliver upon its mandate.

The Charities (Amendment) Bill was recently approved by Government and published on 29 April. The proposed amendments aim to improve the ability of the Charities Regulator to conduct its statutory functions, ensuring more proportionate regulation leading to greater public trust and confidence in the charities sector. Any resource implications arising from the proposed amendments will be addressed through the annual estimates process.

Flexible Work Practices

Ceisteanna (30)

Claire Kerrane

Ceist:

30. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if she will provide an update on her Department’s initiative to support remote working; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27706/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Rural and Community Development

Our Rural Future, Ireland’s Rural Development Policy 2021-2025, recognises the opportunity which remote working presents and also the potential of remote working hubs as key economic assets for our rural towns and villages.

My Department has invested some €100m in the development of remote working facilities across a range of schemes.  For example, the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund (RRDF) and the Town and Village Renewal Scheme. The Town and Village Renewal Scheme prioritises the renovation of derelict and vacant buildings in our town centres, with a view to bringing these buildings back into use as multi-purpose community spaces and remote working hubs. The RRDF scheme also supports projects that involve the regeneration of historic town centre buildings as Enterprise and Co-Working spaces. 

In May I launched the National Connected Hubs network together with the connectedhubs.ie platform. This platform will offer a suite of booking, hub management and e-commerce applications to members of the Network. The National Hub Network Working Group initially identified and mapped over 400 remote working hubs. To date, approximately 236 hubs have joined the Connected Hubs Network and been on boarded onto the platform, with this number rising on an ongoing basis.

Table 1 provides a full breakdown by county of Connected Hub figures.

County	Live on the connectedhubs.ie platform	Mapped to be invited to join the connectedhubs.ie platform
Carlow	4	9
Cavan	5	9
Clare	8	14
Cork	23	17
Donegal	12	18
Dublin	41	32
Galway	18	33
Kerry	17	11
Kildare	8	5
Kilkenny	3	6
Laois	4	6
Leitrim	8	17
Limerick	12	12
Longford	3	7
Louth	6	12
Mayo	18	18
Meath	0	20
Monaghan	6	10
Offaly	5	12
Roscommon	4	15
Sligo	4	9
Tipperary	9	19
Waterford	5	13
Westmeath	1	11
Wexford	6	10
Wicklow	6	4
Total	236	349

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 helping to identify the benefits Connected Hubs deliver for their local communities and the wider economy.

My department also recently completed the assessments of the 2022 Connected Hubs Call, to which I have allocated €5M in funding to further develop and leverage the capacity of the National Hub Network. This is in addition to the almost €9M allocated last year under the same scheme. The successful applicants to the 2022 Call will be announced very shortly.

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. I am interested to hear how the hubs and their users see the future of the sector and have directed my officials to engage directly with the remote working community and relevant stakeholders as they assess the impact of both the National Hubs Network (connectedhubs.ie) and the Connected Hubs Call. 

While we have acted quickly and decisively to ensure adequate provision of services to date, it is vital that as we develop a strategy for the development of the National Hub Network, we take stock of what has been achieved and what still needs to be done.

I am committed to  continuing my Department's support for the development of remote working hubs in recognition of the vital role that they can play in our post-Covid recovery.