Written Answers Nos. 894-910
894. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the extent to which Ireland continues to make progress towards achieving targets for emission reductions in comparison with other agri-food producing countries throughout the globe with particular reference to competing jurisdictions that are doing better or worse than Ireland throughout Europe or globally; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39305/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Climate Act 2021 commits the agriculture sector to reducing emissions by 22-30% by 2030 based on an emissions baseline of 23MT CO2 eq in 2018. A sectoral emission ceiling will be established for the sector, which will place a legal limit on the quantity of CO2 eq emissions the sector can produce over two budget periods.
My position as Minister has been clear from the outset, the sector must play its part in reducing its emissions.
However, I have also been clear that the final target established for the sector is fair and allows the sector to continue to produce the world class meat and milk protein that this country is appreciated for all over the globe.
The Climate Action Plan sets out a range of measures, whether it be reduced chemical nitrogen use, increased use of protected urea, earlier finishing age of our of prime beef cattle, and increased levels of organic productuion which will bring the sector close to its target range. It is anticipated that some new technologies will be needed to bring us into our target range, however, this is consistent with all sectors of the economy.
While international comparisons are valid by comparing the emissions intensity of production, we have legislative targets now in place and we must strive towards achieving these, irrespective of what other countries are doing.
We continue to monitor progress in other countries to ensure that all appropriate technologies are being used in Ireland. The most obvious example of this is the role that protected urea now plays in New Zealand dairy production, something that we can replicate in our livestock production systems here.
895. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the extent to which a specific plan for the pigmeat industry continues in Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39306/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe continued development of the pigmeat sector is a priority for the Government, given the pivotal role the industry plays in the national economic context.
The sector supports approximately 8,000 jobs spanning production, slaughter, processing, feed manufacture and services. I am acutely aware of the challenges pig farmers are facing at present.
On 13th June, I announced the opening of applications for the Pig Exceptional Payment Scheme 2 (PEPS2). A total fund of €13 million is being made available for this voluntary scheme for pig farmers, to support the viability of this important sector. The scheme closed for applications on Monday 11th July.
The PEPS2 scheme is in addition to the Pig Exceptional Payment Scheme I announced in February, funded by the Exchequer and notified under the agriculture de minimis state aid provisions, to support commercial pig farmers. This scheme provided for a payment of up to €20,000 per farmer. All payments have now been processed under that scheme.
The financial schemes detailed above are part of a wider package of measures to support the pigmeat sector, including intensified efforts by Bord Bia to promote quality assured Irish pigmeat in the domestic and export markets, with dedicated media advertising campaigns under way nationally, as well as EU-funded pigmeat promotion programmes running in key export markets.
Teagasc has also intensified its dedicated, ongoing advisory supports being provided to pig farmers and is actively engaging with pig farmers to explore the options available to them.
My Department continues to monitor the market situation closely and engage at EU level to ensure a joined-up EU approach to the challenges arising from Russia's illegal invasion of Ukraine.
In terms of ongoing stakeholder engagement my colleague, Minister of State Heydon, chairs quarterly meetings of the Pig Roundtable. Including representatives from the farming and processing sectors, Teagasc, Bord Bia, and Department officials, the Roundtable's overarching objective is to serve as a vehicle for constructive discussion in driving forward the development of the sector as well as taking a high level approach to guiding the actions for the sector set out in Food Vision 2030.
Both Minister Heydon and I want to ensure the long term viability of the sector given its huge importance.
896. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the extent to which he can confirm the future of the beef industry in Ireland with particular reference to production conditions, husbandry, processing, breeding and market presentation; the extent to which the industry will prevail in this regard in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39307/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraOur beef and suckler farm families produce a work-class product that is in demand in markets across the globe. I am fully committed to delivering a sustainable and exciting future for the sector.
To date in 2022, beef prices remain at a seven year high with R3 Steer prices at 541.82c/kg as of 3rd June, and an increase in slaughter of 10% in the year to date compared to 2021.
Teagasc forecasts that EU beef supply will decline in 2022 and that UK supply will remain unchanged. The outlook for Irish beef exports remains generally positive for 2022 according to Bord Bia.
I am, however, acutely aware of the potential pressures being faced by many sectors across the agriculture industry due to the increase in input costs.
Practices at all stages of the production process will need to continue to adapt to respond to evolving market and environmental requirements. CSP interventions as well as the work of the Food Vision Beef and Sheep group will support this adaptation at primary producer level.
I have taken a proactive approach in responding to the impact of illegal war in Ukraine on the agri-food sector, through the various measures I have announced since this crisis started, to support our farm families and their businesses and I will continue to do so.
897. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the extent to which his Department continues to ensure the viability of the fishing industry for the benefit of family's dependent on the industry; the extent to which further action is required in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39308/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA) will, unfortunately, have an impact on our fishing industry. However, this impact would have been far greater had the Barnier Task Force agreed to UK demands, or had we been in a no-deal scenario which would have seen all EU vessels barred from UK waters and subsequent displacement into Ireland's fishing zone.
I established the Seafood Sector Task Force in March 2021 to examine the impacts of the TCA on our fishing sector and coastal communities and to make recommendations to me on a mitigation strategy. I received the Report of the Seafood Task Force in October 2021 and it recommends some 16 support schemes at a cost of €423 million. Seven of these schemes have already been implemented or are current with others being progressed having regard to State Aid approval, eligibility under the EU Brexit Adjustment Reserve and the Public Spending Code.
In addition to the measures recommended by the Task Force, my Department’s €240 million European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF) Programme 2014-20 has been operating since 2016, supporting the sustainable development of our seafood sector. The Programme has been providing a wide range of financial supports to fisheries, aquaculture and seafood processing enterprises and to enterprises, groups and individuals in coastal communities. These include supports for capital investment, innovation, professional advisory services and marketing. Through these measures, the Programme has been fostering the economic development of the seafood industry and coastal communities, building value and growing exports in these enterprises. The EMFF Programme is now coming to an end and a new Seafood Development Programme 2021-27 is being prepared by my Department, with the aim of its adoption by the European Commission by end 2022.
I can assure the Deputy that this Government is committed to addressing the challenges facing our seafood sector following the TCA. I am pursuing all opportunities at EU level to help address the unequal burden sharing whereby Ireland carries an excessive burden of the EU quota transfers to the UK including in the CFP review which is currently in progress.
The Programme for Government sets down an ambitious programme of actions that promote a sustainable seafood industry and I am committed to working to continue to build on the progress that has been made to secure a sustainable future for our fishing industry and the coastal communities which depend upon it.
898. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the degree to which conditions in the poultry industry continue to be lucrative for producers; the degree to which efforts are ongoing to ensure the sustainability of the industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39309/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraPoultry meat, which is a food high in protein, has seen an increase in demand in recent years.
Poultry throughput for 2021 was slightly down on 2020 (-1.1%) with a total of 110.4 million birds processed. The current average price of 242.67 cents/kg is the highest level seen in recent years, seeing an increase of just under 10 cents/kg on the previous month.
Poultry is normally reared under contract to processors, for a pre-agreed price, and therefore poultry producers are not typically subject to the same price fluctuations as other farmers.
CSO figures show that while the volume of exports fell by 29.3% to 94,295 tonnes in 2021, the value of Irish poultry exports for 2021 fell by 7.2% to just under €237m.
The UK (€181m) accounted for 76.5% of exports. France (€8.4m), Germany (€6.5m), Netherlands (€14.8m) and Ghana (€5m) also featured prominently as export destinations. Securing market access and diversifying trade remains a key aim for my Department. Developing market opportunities at home and abroad is one of the goals of Food Vision 2030.
As of April 2022 the year-to-date value of poultrymeat exports was 67.2% higher than the same period of 2021, at €106.8 million.
As in other meat sectors, global trade conditions will be crucial in determining the outlook for the Irish poultry sector over the medium to longer term.
I am aware of the pressures being faced by many in the agri-food sector due to the increase in input costs, exacerbated by the impact of the illegal war in Ukraine. The Department continues to monitor the markets and any impacts on the agri-food sector.
899. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the degree to which markets remain lucrative throughout Europe and further afield for Irish lamb and lamb products; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39310/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraIrish sheep farm families produce a world-class product that is in demand cross many global market.
According to the Central Statistics Office (CSO) sheepmeat exports worth approximately €385 million, or 57,737 tonnes were exported in 2021, an increase of 8.3% in value on 2020. The overall market outlook for Irish and EU lamb prices for 2022/2023 remains reasonable, although Irish lamb prices are forecast to experience some decline from the record high levels received in 2021.
Nonetheless, for the week commencing 27 June, the year-to-date average price for sheep meat was 730.55c/kg which is a 18% increase on the same period in the previous year.
I am, however, acutely aware of the potential pressures being faced by many sectors across the agriculture industry due to the increase in input costs. Since the invasion of Ukraine, I have taken a proactive approach to dealing with the massive challenges arising for the agri-food and fisheries sector.
Farming is not alone in dealing with these challenges, but our sector is particularly exposed as a result of the invasion. I have taken a proactive approach, through the various measures I have announced since this crisis started, to support our farm families and their businesses and I will continue to do so.
Securing market access and diversifying trade remains a key aim for my Department. Developing market opportunities at home and abroad is one of the goals of Food Vision 2030. Irish sheep meat exports continue to thrive.
The top three markets in terms of value last year were all in the European Union (France, Germany and Sweden).
In terms of international markets, I was delighted to announce in April the agreement with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) on a veterinary health certificate for the export of Irish sheep meat to the US. Securing agreement on a bilateral health certificate allows Irish sheep meat plants to formally apply for approval to export to the US. I hope to see exporters take advantage of this significant opportunity as soon as possible.
900. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the extent to which animal diseases such as bovine tuberculosis continue to be eliminated in a meaningful way; the extent to which any breakdowns have occurred by region; the efforts being made to identify the causes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39311/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraBovine tuberculosis (bTB) is a serious disease of cattle which causes significant hardship for farmers and farming families, and I am fully committed to the objectives of the Bovine TB Eradication Strategy, which aims to reduce and ultimately eradicate this disease in Ireland.
While the incidence of bTB is now low relative to historical levels, the number of new restrictions and reactor numbers gradually increased between 2016 and the end of 2020. There were encouraging signs in 2021, as bTB levels were lower than in 2020, with fewer reactors and a lower herd incidence. Herd incidence at end of 2021 was 4.34% compared to 4.38% at end of 2020.
The table below details the number of herds experiencing a new restriction due to bTB, since 1st January each year, by county over the past 5 years to date, and the number of reactors related to these restrictions .
The reasons for increase in disease over the last number of years often relate to a combination of national and local factors.
The expansion of the dairy herd since 2015 has had an impact on bTB levels since dairy herds, larger herds, fragmented farms, and herds that buy in cattle are all more at risk of bTB breakdown. Wildlife can also be a factor.
The causes of bTB outbreaks are complex, and can vary from area to area, requiring a range of actions to address the problem. My Department's policy Divisions are supported by the 16 Regional Veterinary Offices throughout the country, each of which prioritises bTB management.
The bTB programme in each county focuses on factors including wildlife, how disease is distributed in the area, contiguous programmes, gamma interferon testing, cleansing and disinfection, testing compliance and swift isolation and removal of reactors. Each bTB outbreak is investigated by a veterinary inspector to identify the source of infection. In the case of every outbreak involving two or more standard reactors, there is a veterinary visit to advise the herdowner on how to eliminate infection and measures necessary to help reduce the risk of recurrence. Emphasis is placed on biosecurity measures a farmer can take to reduce risks on his or her farm, and when buying in animals.
In an area that show a significant increase in bTB levels, the Regional Veterinary Office (RVO) implements a High Impact bTB Control Plan and works with farmers and other stakeholders to reduce levels of bTB in those areas. These control plans involve increased levels of testing and other control measures. Intensified co-operation and collaboration with local famers and other stakeholders in these areas helps to reduce the level of disease.
In 2021, I launched a new Bovine TB Eradication Strategy 2021-2030. Implementation is overseen by the Bovine TB Stakeholders Forum with support from three working groups on science, implementation and finance to ensure that all aspects of the Strategy are addressed. We now have the building blocks in place to lower disease incidence and reduce the challenges associated with a bTB restriction.
Ireland's bovine TB Eradication Programme operates in line with best national and international scientific research and advice. A large body of peer-reviewed research has been conducted into the spread of bTB in Ireland and the risks underlying its transmission. This research has found that the principle causes of bTB introduction and spread include:
movement of cattle with undetected infection;
residual infection in cattle previously exposed to bTB, but not identified at time of test;
spread across farm boundaries;
indirect spread through other biosecurity breaches, and/or
spread from infected badgers to cattle.
This research has recently been reviewed in its entirety for the Bovine TB Stakeholder Forum by its Scientific Working Group, which comprises a panel of internationally recognised experts in bTB research.
The details of the new TB Strategy along with the results of the review are available on www.bovinetb.ie.
|
County |
New Herd Restrictions 2017 |
Reactor numbers 2017 |
New Herd Restrictions 2018 |
Reactor numbers 2018 |
New Herd Restrictions 2019 |
Reactor numbers 2019 |
New Herd Restrictions 2020 |
Reactor numbers 2020 |
New Herd Restrictions 2021 |
Reactor numbers 2021 |
New Herd Restrictions 2022 to date |
Reactor numbers 2022 to date |
|
Carlow |
46 |
103 |
35 |
105 |
37 |
77 |
44 |
145 |
39 |
81 |
21 |
29 |
|
Cavan |
263 |
1,408 |
201 |
893 |
216 |
941 |
261 |
1174 |
243 |
851 |
76 |
168 |
|
Clare |
204 |
1,207 |
225 |
1265 |
273 |
1,190 |
264 |
1569 |
172 |
631 |
78 |
254 |
|
Cork North |
270 |
1,775 |
320 |
2086 |
342 |
1,993 |
435 |
2999 |
475 |
3003 |
167 |
1018 |
|
Cork South |
246 |
809 |
161 |
582 |
181 |
898 |
228 |
952 |
345 |
1820 |
111 |
636 |
|
Donegal |
104 |
184 |
87 |
113 |
117 |
219 |
87 |
263 |
142 |
371 |
45 |
92 |
|
Dublin |
21 |
86 |
30 |
169 |
18 |
137 |
26 |
158 |
17 |
186 |
17 |
162 |
|
Galway |
284 |
975 |
241 |
838 |
299 |
1,181 |
349 |
1190 |
304 |
1070 |
126 |
411 |
|
Kerry |
180 |
1,173 |
172 |
1069 |
184 |
832 |
165 |
1201 |
208 |
1282 |
116 |
529 |
|
Kildare |
68 |
146 |
63 |
167 |
55 |
84 |
74 |
177 |
89 |
245 |
47 |
117 |
|
Kilkenny |
99 |
421 |
88 |
352 |
131 |
507 |
111 |
368 |
124 |
551 |
69 |
383 |
|
Laois |
93 |
667 |
100 |
505 |
114 |
446 |
146 |
800 |
136 |
541 |
65 |
144 |
|
Leitrim |
83 |
309 |
58 |
185 |
73 |
258 |
60 |
164 |
64 |
276 |
37 |
93 |
|
Limerick |
121 |
533 |
94 |
364 |
105 |
357 |
144 |
748 |
156 |
923 |
92 |
489 |
|
Longford |
52 |
73 |
46 |
207 |
51 |
116 |
77 |
281 |
93 |
302 |
47 |
108 |
|
Louth |
46 |
181 |
56 |
101 |
64 |
194 |
85 |
286 |
38 |
173 |
24 |
106 |
|
Mayo |
197 |
507 |
193 |
501 |
141 |
379 |
223 |
717 |
158 |
456 |
89 |
258 |
|
Meath |
206 |
654 |
193 |
754 |
199 |
555 |
270 |
1001 |
255 |
881 |
113 |
586 |
|
Monaghan |
207 |
1,089 |
371 |
1677 |
292 |
1,336 |
303 |
1154 |
223 |
758 |
125 |
480 |
|
Offaly |
114 |
346 |
122 |
360 |
154 |
598 |
165 |
738 |
187 |
695 |
89 |
321 |
|
Roscommon |
146 |
422 |
144 |
336 |
163 |
464 |
156 |
354 |
150 |
385 |
53 |
85 |
|
Sligo |
105 |
290 |
134 |
482 |
97 |
232 |
133 |
404 |
119 |
282 |
50 |
149 |
|
Tipperary North |
146 |
842 |
165 |
1296 |
142 |
851 |
222 |
1370 |
190 |
1092 |
86 |
398 |
|
Tipperary South |
111 |
361 |
96 |
399 |
95 |
377 |
160 |
1088 |
148 |
875 |
59 |
496 |
|
Waterford |
36 |
149 |
59 |
343 |
51 |
148 |
56 |
196 |
103 |
616 |
34 |
284 |
|
Westmeath |
175 |
919 |
147 |
666 |
157 |
626 |
203 |
1192 |
203 |
683 |
76 |
433 |
|
Wexford |
138 |
907 |
129 |
709 |
147 |
743 |
137 |
701 |
122 |
383 |
58 |
386 |
|
Wicklow East |
63 |
421 |
98 |
596 |
100 |
939 |
96 |
648 |
82 |
1099 |
50 |
446 |
|
Wicklow West |
61 |
309 |
46 |
371 |
62 |
380 |
73 |
576 |
90 |
420 |
32 |
374 |
|
Total |
3,885 |
17,266 |
3,874 |
17,491 |
4,060 |
17,058 |
4,753 |
22,614 |
4,675 |
20,931 |
2,052 |
9,435 |
901. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of farmers who received payments under the areas of natural constraint scheme in 2021 under each category and payment rate; the average number of hectares on which land was claimed in each in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39343/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraPlease find the information requested in the table below which shows the different categories of payment rates applicable to payments under the ANC Scheme, the number of farmers who received payments under each category of payment rate the overall area claimed under the scheme for each category and the average number of hectares claimed under the scheme for each category.
Please note that applicants can have more than one land category in their application and their application under each category may contain land receiving payment under both the higher and lower payment rates per category. As such an individual applicant may count towards the overall number of applicants paid in multiple different categories and payment rates.
|
Measure/Categories |
Category 1: 1st 12 ha Payment Rate €148.00 |
Category 1: 13 - 34 Ha Payment Rate €112.00 |
Category 2 1st 10ha - Payment Rate €111.00 |
Category 2: 11 – 30ha Payment Rate €104.00 |
Category 3: 1st 8ha Payment Rate: €93.00 |
Category 3: 9 – 30ha Payment Rate €88.25 Low |
|
Herds Paid: |
30,411 |
22,839 |
53,492 |
42,266 |
24,074 |
20,224 |
|
Area Claimed: |
1,067,591.62ha |
N/A |
1,411,151.40ha |
N/A |
834,671.16ha |
N/A |
|
Average number of hectares claimed: |
35.1ha |
|
26.4ha |
|
34.7 |
|
902. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of farmers who received payments under the areas of specific constraint islands scheme in 2021 under each category and payment rate; the average number of hectares on which land was claimed in each in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39344/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraTo-date, a total of 851 applicants have received payments totalling €2,496,886 under the 2021 Areas of Specific Constraints(Island Farming) Scheme. The claimed area for these 851 applicants was 12,433.96, with an average area of 14.6 hectares.
Please note that under this scheme, there is only one category of area i.e. offshore island land. However, there are three payments rates which apply to the area claimed by an applicant above the thresholds identified in the table below. The payment rates are €250 for the first 20 eligible hectares, €170 for eligible hectares 20 to 34, and €70 for eligible hectares 34-40.
|
Measure/Categories |
Up to and including the first 20 hectares – Payment rate €250 |
Greater than 20 hectares or less than or equal to 34 hectares – Payment rate €170.00 |
Greater than 34 hectares of less than or equal to 34 hectares – Payment rate €70.00 |
|
Number of Herds Paid Per Measure/Category: |
851 |
185 |
86 |
903. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the amount allocated to the areas of natural constraint scheme and areas of specific constraint islands scheme in 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39345/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraSince 2019, the annual allocated budget for the Areas of Natural Constraints (ANC)/Areas of Specific Constraints (Island Farming) schemes has been €250m per annum.
904. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of part-time and full-time students enrolled in Teagasc agricultural colleges in each of the years 2019 to date in 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39346/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraTeagasc was established under the “Agriculture (Research, Training and Advice) Act”, 1988, as the national agency with responsibility for the provision of research, training and advisory services to the agriculture and food industry.
The question raised by the Deputy is an operational matter for Teagasc and, therefore, the question has been referred to the body for direct reply.
905. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will expand on the recently announced proposals for the roll-out of solar panels for farmers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39481/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department currently provides grant aid through the Targeted Agricultural Modernisation Scheme (TAMS II) to assist our farmers in maximising their contribution to the production of renewable energy through the installation of Solar PV technology along with battery storage on Irish farms.
Solar energy for on-farm use is grant aided under the Animal Welfare Nutrient Storage and Safety Scheme, Young Farmers Capital Investment Scheme, the Organic Capital Investment Scheme and the Pig and Poultry Investment Scheme measures under TAMS. The solar PV systems grant aided under TAMS includes Solar PV Panels and Solar PV Rechargeable Batteries and Solar Panels for water heating under the Pigs and Poultry scheme.
To date, some 249 applications for solar panels have been approved under the TAMS scheme.The maximum size of PV panels eligible for grant aid is 62KW for Pig and Poultry Farmers and 11kw for all other applicants. An applicant can install larger, but at their own cost.
It is also proposed that support for renewable energy investments will continue under the new Capital Investment Scheme as part of the CAP Strategic Plan (CSP) submitted to the EU Commission for approval last December.
My Department is also working closely with Minister Eamon Ryan, whose Department launched the Microgeneration Support Scheme (MSS) in December 2021, which are a suite of new measures which that Department has introduced for renewable production this year.
I will continue to engage with Minister Eamon Ryan and his Department and I am examining all ways to support farmers in this area.
906. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if a group (details supplied) will be allocated additional funding through round 1 of the connected hubs fund given the fact that a number of funding recipients did not draw down this money and therefore additional funds should be available through round 1. [38834/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraOur Rural Future, Ireland’s Rural Development Policy 2021-2025, recognises the opportunity for rural rejuvenation that remote working presents and commits to establishing a comprehensive and integrated network of remote working hubs over the lifetime of the policy to 2025.
In furtherance of this commitment, my Department continues to focus on strategically developing the national hubs network, and adding capacity to Ireland's existing remote working infrastructure.
Over €100m has been invested in the development of remote working facilities by my department in recent years, through programmes such as the Town and Village Renewal Scheme, the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund, and the Connected Hubs Call. Successful projects under these schemes are developed in collaboration with local authorities and communities with many projects seeing vacant and derelict buildings in rural towns and villages converted into remote working hubs.
On 21 February , I announced the 2022 Connected Hubs Call. The aim of this fund is to add additional capacity to existing remote working infrastructure in Ireland by upgrading established hubs and Broadband Connection Points (BCPs).
Eligible works included the expansion of hubs, installation of privacy booths, access control and security systems, the conversion of existing open plan space to modular offices, and the provision of enhanced audio visual, networking and conferencing facilities.
By the deadline of 4 April, my Department had received 189 applications requesting over €11m in funding. This represents a very high level of interest, and on 8 June, I announced €5.1 million in funding to 81 successful applicants.
All applications were subject to a uniform assessment and selection process. This process was centred on a competitive scoring system in line with a number of criteria which were publicised in advance of applications being developed and received.
With regard to the specific hub referenced by the Deputy, the application met the qualifying standard and was assessed and scored competitively along with all other applications. As the Call was significantly over subscribed this year, it was not possible to offer funding to all qualifying applications. Unfortunately, this application was not one of the 81 projects to succeed this year based on the competitive scoring process.
No additional funding will be allocated through the 2022 Connected Hubs call. I would like to clarify that an unsuccessful application this year will not negatively impact on any future applications to the Connected Hubs Fund.
907. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if funding is available from her Department for the construction of a building for a group (details supplied) in Oranmore, County Galway in which a suitable site is available; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38832/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department provides supports for organisations such as the one referred to by the Deputy under a number of schemes, depending on the exact works being completed. They include the following:
The Town and Village Renewal Scheme (TVRS)
- The Town and Village Renewal Scheme (TVRS) was introduced in 2016 and is one of a number of measures designed to rejuvenate rural towns and villages throughout Ireland. Since its launch in 2016 almost €113 million has been allocated to over 1,400 projects across Ireland.
- The 2022 TVRS places particular emphasis on projects supporting bringing vacant and derelict buildings and sites back into use as multipurpose spaces.
- Priority A1 provides for projects that bring vacant and derelict buildings and sites back into use as multipurpose spaces, such as enterprise spaces, arts, tourism, youth hubs and other community uses.
- Priority A2 provides for new build community centres (where there is a clearly identified and defined need in a town or village that cannot be met with an existing premises).
- Applications for TVRS may be made by sending an expression of interest to the local authority who prepare applications for submission to the Department. The deadline for submission of applications to TVRS 2022 is 22nd July 2022.
LEADER
- Funding may 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, one of which is Social Inclusion.
- 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 Local Action Group, 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.
Community Centres Investment Fund
- I launched the Community Centres Investment Fund on the 15th April 2022. This is a €15million fund to support community groups, particularly in disadvantaged areas, with the upgrade and development of their 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.
- Funding will be on the basis of a competitive assessment process. Guidelines and a sample application form are available at www.gov.ie/en/service/fec91-community-centres-investment-fund/.
- Applications can be made up until the closing date of Thursday 14th July 2022 at 3:00pm.
908. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the number of staff who are abated under her Department in accordance with the Public Service Pensions (Single Scheme and Other Provisions) Act 2012, in tabular form. [38958/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can confirm there are no staff abated under the Department of Rural and Community Development in accordance with the Public Service Pensions (Single Scheme and Other Provisions) Act 2012.
909. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the present maximum adult islander fare charged on subsidised island ferry services; the increase or decrease in this in the past five years; the number of islands that have subsidised and non-subsidised ferry services operated by different operators on the same routes to islands; the names of the islands that have such services; if she intends on decreasing the islander fares charged to travel to and from the islands; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39027/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy is aware, my Department currently manages a suite of contracts covering 26 transport services to 19 separate off-shore islands. These lifeline services ensure that the island communities can avail of reliable, affordable, year round connectivity to the mainland.
Contracts for these subsidised passenger and cargo services are procured by the Department of Rural and Community Development on the open market through the e-tenders procurement process. This ensures that all providers are treated equally and that the selection process is fair and transparent for all.
To ensure that a subsidised service remains affordable for the duration of an agreed contract, the Department sets maximum fares that an operator can charge visitors and islanders respectively for using the service. Each operator is free to set their own prices up to the maximum rates specified within the contract.
The islander rates represent a significant discount – up to 67% in some cases – compared to the standard visitor rates, in order to ensure that the services are affordable for island communities at all times of the year.
The maximum rates vary across the 26 services managed by this Department. Within the contacts currently in place, the present maximum islander rates range from €5 to €12. The comparable maximum rates for visitors range from €6 to €30, meaning visitors pay at least 20% more than islanders and in many cases the visitor rates are significantly higher than the islanders rates.
The maximum rates for most services have not changed in the past five years. The maximum rates applying to each contract are set out in advance of each service being procured and form an integral part of the contract for each service.
As the Deputy will appreciate, any unilateral action to alter the terms of the existing contracts could represent a breach of contract and bring the entire procurement process into disrepute, which could have a detrimental impact on the ongoing operation of these vital services.
My Department will continue to examine ways of ensuring the affordability and sustainability of island transport services, both within existing contracts and in future.
My Department does not maintain any data in relation to non-subsidised ferry services. The Marine Survey Office (MSO) in the Department of Transport may be in a position to provide the Deputy with the information requested in this regard.
910. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development her future plans for the development of additional community hubs in rural areas; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39244/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraOur Rural Future, Ireland’s Rural Development Policy was launched in early 2021. The policy recognises the opportunity for rural rejuvenation that remote working presents and commits to establishing a comprehensive and integrated national network of 400 remote working hubs by 2025.
In furtherance of this commitment, my Department’s focus to date has been on strategically developing the National Hub Network, the Network's shared online booking platform connectedhubs.ie, adding capacity to Ireland's existing remote working infrastructure and supporting the establishment of new hubs.
Over €100m has been invested by my department in the development of remote working facilities through programmes such as the Town and Village Renewal Scheme and the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund. Successful projects are developed in collaboration with local authorities and communities with many projects seeing vacant and derelict buildings in rural towns and villages converted into remote working hubs.
On 8 June, I announced that 81 projects across the country were successful in securing funding via the Connected Hubs Call 2022, allocating €5 million in funding to add additional capacity to the existing remote working infrastructure in remote working hubs and Broadband Connection Points throughout the country. This follows the award of almost €9M under the Connected Hubs Call in 2021.
In addition to the National Hub Network, my department is working closely with officials at the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications (DECC) to establish the nationwide network of Broadband Connection Points (BCPs).
BCPs are publicly accessible facilities, typically community centres and sports clubs, in predominantly rural and isolated areas. These facilities offer onsite internet access for a variety of community uses, including skills training and STEM activities for children and young people, eHealth initiatives and remote working. To date 273 of 300 sites are live, with the remainder scheduled for completion this year.
To date my focus has been on establishing the National Hub Network and the BCP network and on achieving the initial critical mass. Following strong progress on the establishment phase of both projects, 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, with local authorities and communities, and with other stakeholders, to better inform the future strategic direction of the National Hub Network, the connectedhubs.ie platform and the BCP program.
