Written Answers Nos. 2013-2021
2014. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if the €155,240 allocated to Roscommon County Council for the refurbishment of Ballaghaderreen Library has been drawn down; if her Department has been advised of an opening date for the library; when she intends to visit the refurbished library; the reason for the delay in the library reopening; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29708/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe provision of library services, including the provision of library buildings, is primarily a matter for local authorities in their capacity as library authorities under the Local Government Act 2001. Accordingly, progress on the works in Ballaghaderreen Library, and the timeline for completing the project is, first and foremost, a matter for Roscommon County Council.
In September 2020, my Department approved funding of €60,000 for Roscommon County Council for a Small Scale Capital Works Programme project in Ballaghaderreen Library to support an ambitious and transformative programme of works, including the relocation of the children's area into its own dedicated space and the creation of a new dedicated space for young adults/teenagers. Roscommon County Council subsequently approached my Department in March 2021 with a proposal to install the My Open Library service in Ballaghaderreen Library while it was closed to the public, pending the improvement works. My Department recognised this as being a very practical and cost-efficient approach and l was delighted to approve funding of €95,250 in July 2021 for the installation of the My Open Library service in Ballaghaderreen.
I am advised by Rosccommon County Council that they have conducted a technical assessment of the works that are to be carried out in Ballaghaderreen Library. The local authority has been advised by their engineer that, as the majority of the works are of a mechanical and electrical nature, it would be more efficient and practical for a mechanical and electrical consultant to be appointed to the project. Once appointed, this consultant will then lead a multidisciplinary team to include a conservation expert, and will prepare a scope of works for the project. This will be used to progress the appointment of a contractor to carry out the works. Roscommon County Council have advised that they published a tender on 13 June 2022 seeking the services of a mechanical and electrical consultant and that the closing date for receipt of submissions is 27 June 2022.
Roscommon County Council acknowledges that Ballaghaderreen Library provides a vital service to the community, but the local authority is obliged to follow procurement guidelines and planning regulations. While the local authority advised that works will commence in Q4 2022, they are fully dedicated to the project and will initiate works sooner if at all possible.
Roscommon County Council expect the library to re-open in Q2 2023. I currently have no plans to visit the refurbished library but I would hope to include it on my itinerary as soon as is possible after it re-opens.
Due to the project not yet commencing, the local authority has not yet drawn down any of the funding that was approved for this project.
I am further advised that the mobile library has continued to provide a library service in the town of Ballaghaderreen and, following the monitoring of demand for the service, Roscommon County Council has increased the service from fortnightly to weekly.
2015. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if the €40,000 allocated to Roscommon County Council for the refurbishment of Strokestown Library has been drawn down; if so, when; if her Department has been advised of an opening date for the library; the reason for the exceptional delay in the library reopening; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29709/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraOn 28 September 2020, my Department approved Small Scale Capital Works Programme funding of €40,000 for Roscommon County Council to support the upgrade of windows and flooring in the Strokestown Library. The plans also included a number of changes to the library layout along with the installation of new shelving and furniture to create more usable spaces in the main library and allow for significant expansion of the children’s library space.
Works in Strokestown Library commenced on 27th November 2020 but were delayed due to three issues that were beyond the control of Roscommon County Council.
Firstly, on 8 January 2021 there was a nationwide shutdown of construction activity as part of the national effort to halt the spread of COVID-19, and this resulted in all works on Strokestown Library being paused. Government restrictions were lifted on 4 May 2021 and works resumed immediately with final snagging on the project being completed in September 2021.
Furniture and shelving were delivered to the library in November 2021 but some items of furniture were damaged in transit and required a replacement order. This resulted in final items only being received in February 2022.
Finally, the implementation of a new national library management system during March and April this year caused delays to the processing of the new lending collection for the library. All stock was processed through the new computer system during May and early June and Roscommon County Council have advised me that Strokestown Library reopened to the public on 10th June, followed by an official reopening event on 14 June. In addition to the works carried out, Strokestown Library has also increased its opening hours from 23 hours per week to 28.5 hours per week which will be a very welcome increase in service for patrons.
The funding of €40,000 that was allocated to Roscommon County Council for the refurbishment of Strokestown Library has been fully drawn down.
2016. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the status of an application for a sports facility (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30078/22]
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. I launched this year's programme in February with a total budget of €7 million. This represents an increase of €1.5 million on the budget for the 2021 CLÁR programme.
The measures being funded under CLÁR 2022 are:
Measure 1: Developing Community Facilities and Amenities
Measure 2: Mobility, Cancer Care and Community First Responders Transport
Measure 3: ‘Our Islands’
The 2022 CLÁR programme is now closed for all measures and the assessment process has commenced for all applications.
I can confirm that an application has been received from the group referred to by the Deputy under Measure 1 of the programme.
I hope to make an announcement on the successful applicants under Measures 2 and 3 in the coming weeks and Measure 1 will be announced later this year.
2017. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the projected size of the Dormant Accounts Fund for each of the next five years. [30192/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAt the end of April 2022 the total value of the Dormant Accounts Fund was €280.2 million. The National Treasury Management Agency sets aside part of this to maintain a reserve account for future repayments to account holders or their rightful heirs. This reserve fund currently stands at €108.4 million, leaving a total of €171.8 million available for future disbursements through the Dormant Accounts Annual Action Plan process. There are approvals of €63 million currently in place through Annual Action Plans, including the 2022 Action Plan, and this funding will be drawn down from the €171.8 million available. The 2022 Dormant Accounts Action Plan approved measures worth €55.5 million, and based on the level of funding available within the Fund, a similar amount is expected to be approved for the 2023 Dormant Accounts Action Plan. Future disbursement levels depend on the inflows into the fund, which are difficult to predict. However, given very strong recent expenditure, it is expected that over time disbursement levels will need to gradually reduce to around €40 million per annum, which is a current average rate of net inflows into the fund. This will ensure a continued long term positive impact in terms of addressing disadvantage through the fund. It must also be noted that the use of Dormant Accounts Funds is subject to the constraints of any other voted expenditure and adds overall Government debt, meaning the future use of funds is also subject to these constraints.
2018. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development further to Parliamentary Question No. 785 of 17 May 2022, the reason that works cannot commence at a location (details supplied) until the final quarter of 2022; the estimated duration of the work of the conservation expert; if works will be brought forward and fast-tracked given the closure of a vital service; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30324/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe provision of library services, including the provision of library buildings, is primarily a matter for local authorities in their capacity as library authorities under the Local Government Act 2001. Accordingly, progress on the works in Ballaghaderreen Library, and the timeline for completing the project are, first and foremost, a matter for Roscommon County Council.
Since my reply to Parliamentary Question 785, I have been advised that Roscommon County Council have conducted a further technical assessment of the works that are to be carried out in Ballaghaderreen Library. The local authority has been advised by their engineer that as the majority of the works are of a mechanical and electrical nature, it would be more efficient and practical for a mechanical and electrical consultant to be appointed to the project. Once appointed, this consultant will lead a multidisciplinary team to include a conservation expert, and will then prepare a scope of works for the project. This will be used to progress the appointment of a contractor to carry out the works. Roscommon County Council have advised my Department that they have published a tender on 13 June 2022 seeking the services of a mechanical and electrical consultant with a closing date for receipt of submissions of 27 June 2022. The conservation expert will be in place from the outset to the completion of the project.
Roscommon County Council acknowledges that Ballaghaderreen Library provides a vital service to the community, but the local authority is obliged to follow procurement guidelines and planning regulations. Accordingly, it is not possible for works to be brought forward or fast-tracked. However, while the local authority has advised that works will commence in Q4 2022, they are fully dedicated to the project and will initiate works sooner if at all possible.
In the meantime, Roscommon County Council has advised that the mobile library continues to provide a service in the town every Thursday and the local authority will continue to monitor demand throughout the duration of the works.
2019. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the range of facilities that have been approved funding out of the island's capital subheading of her Department’s allocation broken down by heading (details supplied) since 2011; the amount approved under each heading; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30358/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, responsibility for the Islands transferred to this Department in 2020.
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.
Below is a table outlining the expenditure under the Island Minor Capital Works programme by my Department since taking responsibility for the islands in 2020.
It is important to note that, at this point, only an initial tranche of funding has been approved for 2022, with further applications currently under assessment. An announcement on further funding for 2022 is expected in the coming weeks.
|
Year |
County |
Project Type |
Funding Allocated |
|
2020 |
Donegal |
Consultancy report on Invasive species |
€1,500 |
|
2020 |
Donegal |
Roads |
€132,333 |
|
2020 |
Donegal |
Piers |
€58,166 |
|
2020 |
Donegal |
Recycling facilities |
€11,863 |
|
2020 |
Mayo |
Roads |
€389,340 |
|
2020 |
Mayo |
Piers |
€77,750 |
|
2020 |
Mayo |
Erosion |
€63,182 |
|
2020 |
Mayo |
Helipad |
€107,606 |
|
2020 |
Galway |
Piers |
€101,317 |
|
2020 |
Galway |
Airports |
€13,427 |
|
2020 |
Cork |
Playground |
€37,500 |
|
2020 |
Cork |
Roads |
€191,583 |
|
2020 |
Cork |
Piers |
€31,500 |
|
2021 |
Donegal |
Public Toilets |
€42,750 |
|
2021 |
Donegal |
Roads |
€116,577 |
|
2021 |
Mayo |
Roads |
€861,349 |
|
2021 |
Mayo |
Erosion |
€11,445 |
|
2021 |
Mayo |
Piers |
€193,500 |
|
2021 |
Mayo |
Helipad |
€4,500 |
|
2021 |
Galway |
Roads |
€345,649 |
|
2021 |
Galway |
Piers |
€40,000 |
|
2021 |
Galway |
Airports |
€104,160 |
|
2021 |
Galway |
Erosion |
€63,750 |
|
2021 |
Cork |
Playground |
€10,000 |
|
2021 |
Cork |
Roads |
€172,478 |
|
2021 |
Cork |
Bridge |
€21,319 |
|
2021 |
Sligo |
Roads |
€3,227 |
|
2021 |
Sligo |
Erosion |
€2,800 |
|
2022 |
Donegal |
Roads |
€13,500 |
|
2022 |
Donegal |
Piers |
€108,594 |
|
2022 |
Donegal |
Helipad |
€14,320 |
|
2022 |
Cork |
Roads |
€19,800 |
|
2022 |
Cork |
Piers |
€10,800 |
|
2022 |
Cork |
Helipad |
€14,391 |
|
2022 |
Cork |
Erosion |
€13,500 |
|
2022 |
Cork |
Public Toilets |
€14,400 |
|
2022 |
Cork |
Historical site feasibility study |
€18,000 |
|
2022 |
Mayo |
Roads |
€31,500 |
|
2022 |
Mayo |
Piers |
€27,000 |
Furthermore, there has long been an issue in relation to the poor condition of many roads on the islands in Donegal which were not eligible under the Minor Capital Works programme as they were not in charge of the Local Authority.
In December 2021, officials from my Department and from Donegal County Council finalised a policy that would enable the Department to provide 100% funding to repair and upgrade these roads once Donegal County Council were satisfied that there was a public right of way on each road, and once they agreed to take these roads in charge. Following agreement on the matter, I approved a sum of €2,090,000 for the upgrade of these roads.
2020. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the status of a CLÁR application by a club (details supplied). [30521/22]
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. I launched this year's programme in February with a total budget of €7 million. This represents an increase of €1.5 million on the budget for the 2021 CLÁR programme.
The measures being funded under CLÁR 2022 are:
Measure 1: Developing Community Facilities and Amenities
Measure 2: Mobility, Cancer Care and Community First Responders Transport
Measure 3: ‘Our Islands’
The 2022 CLÁR programme is now closed for all measures and the assessment process has commenced for all applications.
I can confirm that an application has been received from the group referred to by the Deputy under Measure 1 of the programme.
I hope to make an announcement on the successful applicants under Measures 2 and 3 in the coming weeks and Measure 1 will be announced later this year.
2021. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development when the 2022 Community Activities Fund grants will be announced; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30835/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe €9m Community Activities Fund was launched in November 2021 to support community groups impacted by COVID-19. This Fund was allocated under the Department’s Community Enhancement Programme (CEP).
The fund was to 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 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.
This once-off fund was administered locally by the Local Community Development Committees (LCDCs). The 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.
There are currently no plans to run the Community Activities Fund again, however, it is hoped to run another CEP later in 2022.
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.
