Written Answers Nos. 427-428
427. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the up-to-date position regarding applications under the Community Activities Fund; when the next allocations are due. [28683/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn November 2021, the €9m Community Activities Fund was launched to support community groups impacted by COVID-19.
The fund supports groups, particularly in disadvantaged areas, with their running costs such as utility or insurance bills, as well as with improvements to their facilities.
Groups were also able to use the funding to carry out necessary repairs and to purchase equipment within their community, such as tables and chairs, tools and signage, laptops and printers, lawnmowers, canopies and training equipment.
The once-off fund is administered locally by the Local Community Development Committees (LCDCs). The Community Activities Fund is now closed to applicants. Details of successful projects from each LCDC will be available on the Department’s website at www.gov.ie/drcd.
The Community Activities Fund was allocated under the Department’s Community Enhancement Programme (CEP). This programme provides small grants to community groups to enhance facilities in disadvantaged areas. The 2021 CEP is now closed and it is hoped to run another CEP later in 2022, however, details of this programme are not yet confirmed.
I encourage all organisations to check my department’s website www.gov.ie/drcd and to keep in touch with their Local Community Development Committee for information on funding opportunities.
428. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development when the town and village renewal scheme will close for new applications; the amounts that are available under the scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28687/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Town and Village Renewal Scheme (TVRS) is part of a range of measures to support the revitalisation of rural Ireland. The programme is funded under Project Ireland 2040 as part of “Our Rural Future”.
The Scheme is administered on behalf of my Department by the Local Authorities. Since the introduction of the Scheme in 2016, almost €113 million has been approved for more than 1,400 projects across the country.
I launched the 2022 Town & Village Renewal Scheme last Friday, 27th May. As was the case last year, there will be a strong emphasis on projects which tackle vacancy and dereliction by bringing landmark town centre buildings back to life for use as multi-purpose community spaces or as remote working spaces.
The closing date for receipt of applications under the main measures of the 2022 Scheme is 22nd July 2022. The minimum grant which is available is €20,000. The maximum level of grant funding available is €500,000 in respect of one application from each local authority. A maximum of €250,000 will apply in respect of five applications.
There is a Project Development Measure (funding up to €50,000) again this year, with local authorities now able to submit two applications under the measure. In line with the commitments under "Our Rural Future" I am also introducing a new Marketing Scheme Measure (up to €50,000) to fund marketing campaigns targeted at attracting remote workers and mobile talent to individual counties. Each local authority will be permitted to submit one application for funding of up to €50,000.
This year I have also introduced a new Building Acquisition Measure that will fund the purchase of vacant or derelict buildings for use as community facilities. The measure will provide up to €400,000 to each local authority to purchase vacant and derelict buildings for future development as community assets. This measure will close to applications on the 24th June 2022.
