Written Answers Nos. 2176-2196
2176. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if she intends introducing a new scheme for the development of new community centres where there is a clear community need for same and where there are projects available that have advanced planning done on them; if there will be a requirement of co-funding from the local authority for such a scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42231/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department currently provides a number of funding streams for the development of community centres, (local authority co-funding is not a requirement in all cases) including through the following schemes:
The new Community Centres Investment Fund, which I launched on the 15th April 2022, with a deadline for applications of 14th July 2022. This is a €15 million fund to support community groups, particularly in disadvantaged areas, with the upgrade and development of their existing community centres. It should be noted, however, that the development of new community centres is not covered by the Fund. Further information on the Fund is available online at www.gov.ie/en/service/fec91-community-centres-investment-fund/
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. 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 was 22nd July 2022.
Funding may also be available through the LEADER Programme. LEADER is a multi-annual programme which is delivered through Local Action Groups (LAGs) around the country. 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
2177. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development when decisions will be made on applications under the present round of the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund; the number of applications received; the amount of funding available in 2022 for approval; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42233/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra2178. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development when her Department received an application under the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund for 2022 (details supplied); when a decision will be made on this application; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42234/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 2177 and 2178 together.
The Rural Regeneration and Development Fund provides funding for the development and construction of capital projects in towns and villages and rural areas across Ireland. To date, 191 projects have been approved for funding of €279 million for projects costing €379 million.
Calls for applications to the Fund are sought under two categories – Category 1 and Category 2. Category 1 relates to large scale ambitious capital projects with all necessary planning and other consents in place, and which are ready to proceed. Category 2 provides smaller grant funding to enable the development of project proposals suitable for future calls for Category 1 applications.
The fourth call for Category 1 applications to the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund closed on the 29 April 2022. My Department received 42 applications to this call, together seeking funding of over €149 million. I understand that an application was received for the project referred to by the Deputy.
The application process for the Fund is competitive in nature. Applications are currently being assessed by my Department under the oversight of the Project Advisory Board, comprised of representatives from key Government Departments and independent experts. Once the assessment process is complete, my Department will prepare a report setting out recommended projects. My role as Minister will be to consider that report and make final decisions in relation to the allocation of funding.
I expect to be in a position to announce the successful projects in the coming weeks. The level of funding will be confirmed as part of the announcement based on the quality of the applications and in the context of the available budget in the coming years.
2179. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the status of a CLÁR application (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42241/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe CLÁR programme provides funding under a number of different measures for small-scale infrastructural projects in designated rural areas. This year's programme was launched in February last 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’
On the 15th of August last, following competitive assessment of project applications, I was delighted to announce almost €7.4 million in funding to support 175 community projects nationwide under Measure 1 of CLÁR. This funding was in respect of the first tranche of approvals under Measure 1. I hope to be in a position to make a further announcement shortly in relation to a further tranche of applications. The project to which the Deputy refers remains under consideration in this regard.
2180. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development further to Parliamentary Question No. 245 of 15 June 2022, the number of applications that have been received by each county council for the streetscape enhancement scheme; the total amount of funding allocated to each council; the amount of funding drawn down by each council; if all approved applicants were paid; if she will allow each council to administer grants to applicants who have a genuine reason for being late in claiming the grant based on the work being completed before 30 April 2022; if there is an appeal process for the scheme; and if not, if she will introduce one. [42292/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra2181. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the expected timelines and implementation of resources to Dunleer further to its designation as a pathfinder town pursuant to the town centre first policy; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42337/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Town Centre First (TCF) Policy is a major cross-government policy that aims to tackle vacancy, combat dereliction and breathe new life into our town centres. The policy is a key deliverable under Our Rural Future, the Government's Rural Development Policy for the period to 2025.
A key step in delivering the TCF Policy the establishment of the National Implementation Office to assist in the delivery and implementation of the policy, and to co-ordinate stakeholder engagement at a national level. This office will be responsible for supporting Town Regeneration Officers (TRO) in driving implementation of the policy in pathfinder towns such as Dunleer and will also produce an Annual Implementation Plan that monitors progress and delivery.
My Department has agreed the structure and funding for the National Office and the TROs with local authorities and a National TCF Coordinator has been appointed to head up the National Implementation Office. Local authorities are also currently at an advanced stage in recruitment of TROs, who will drive the development of TCF Plans at local level across the country in conjunction with local stakeholders, with the appointment of a TRO for Louth expected shortly.
The policy is underpinned by significant levels of public investment spread across major Government schemes, such as the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund, the Urban Regeneration and Development Fund, the Croí Conaithe (Towns) Fund and the Town and Village Renewal Scheme.
For example, earlier this year I announced funding of €18.5m under the 2021 Town and Village Renewal Scheme and I also launched the 2022 Scheme, including a new Building Acquisition Measure. This measure provided up to €400,000 to each local authority to purchase vacant and derelict buildings in rural towns and villages for development as community assets. Such supports will be a key support for communities in towns such as Dunleer in implementing the Town Centre First approach locally.
I am committed to ensuring that the continued roll out of the Town Centre First policy will work to deliver on the goal of revitalising rural towns and villages as set out in Our Rural Future.
2182. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the funding that is available for remedial and prevention works for ongoing erosion damage on a farm caused by a river running through the land and exacerbated by the increasing number of adverse weather events, the impact of which is encroaching on a private dwelling on the land; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42444/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can confirm that my Department does not provide funding under any of its programmes or schemes for the type of works outlined by the Deputy.
2183. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the reason that capital spending under her Vote group is -43.6% to date in 2022; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42529/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFor 2022 my Department was provided with a gross capital allocation of €192 million. The Department also had a deferred surrender of €16.86 million in 2021, to be utilized in 2022.
The -43.6% referenced by the Deputy refers to the level of capital expenditure by my Department relative to profile to the end of June 2022, with actual capital expenditure of €29 million compared to a profiled spend of €51 million. This information is detailed in the mid-year expenditure report published by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform. It is important to note that this expenditure does not include the use of the deferred surrender from 2021 to 2022. To date €12.4 million of a deferred surrender of €16.86 million has been spent and the deferred surrender will be fully utilised by year end.
The capital underspend to date mainly relates to the Rural Regeneration and Development area, for which €97 million was provided in 2022 to fund a range of schemes, namely the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund (RRDF), the Town and Village Renewal Scheme (TVRS) and the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS). The level of spend to date has been slower than anticipated under these schemes due largely to a build-up of demand in the construction sector and supply chain delays. Despite these challenges, good progress is being made in project delivery and I expect a strong flow of claims in the remainder of 2022.
My Department is engaging with relevant stakeholders, and Local Authorities in particular, to ensure the Department's capital budget is utilised appropriately over the course of 2022. I have also emphasised directly to the chief executives of the local authorities the importance of ensuring delivery of our capital projects. I am also keeping our funding under constant review so as to ensure we put our allocated funding to best use.
2184. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the number of hubs that have joined the connected hubs network and have been onboarded onto the ConnectedHubs.ie platform; when she expects to reach the target of 400 hubs nationwide; her future plans for the development of additional hubs; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42535/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraOur Rural Future, Ireland’s Rural Development Policy, was published in March 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.
Last year I launched the National Hub Network together with its online booking platform, connectedhubs.ie. It is a single network that provides users with information on the location of, and facilities available at, remote working hubs throughout Ireland. The network includes a diverse range of hubs, services and facilities.
There are currently 279 remote and co-working facilities across the country on-boarded to the connectedhubs.ie platform. This number is growing all the time meaning we are well on track to meet our target of 400 remote working hubs nationwide by 2025.
On 8 June, I announced the 81 projects that were successful in securing funding from the 2022 Connected Hubs Call, allocating €5 million to add additional capacity to existing remote working hubs and Broadband Connection Points throughout the country. This follows the award of almost €9 million in funding allocated via the 2021 Connected Hubs Call. To date my department has invested over €100 million to support the establishment, improvement and sustainability of hubs, many of them operated by public bodies, social enterprises and community groups.
Following strong progress on the establishment phase of the project, my focus has now shifted to the next stage of development: the long-term sustainability and evolution of the hub network 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 and the connectedhubs.ie platform.
I am also pleased to say that the connectedhubs.ie team, have for some time been developing a corporate service to engage with and support corporate clients interested in using our nationwide network to accommodate their employees, but also to gain access to the vast pool of talent that Ireland has to offer, whether those talented people live in our cities, towns, villages or rural parishes. I believe that this work represents a significant opportunity for workers and employers to make good use of a national asset of scale and significance.
I am committed to ensuring that the National Hub Network will continue to make a central contribution to the achievement of the Government's vision for rural Ireland, as set out in Our Rural Future.
2185. Deputy Richard O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if her attention has been drawn to the fact that not all landowners have a herd number and that in order to avail of the local improvement scheme a herd number is required; if this will be amended in order that more persons can avail of the scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42618/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 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 LIS is funded into the future. The scheme makes an important contribution to connectivity in rural Ireland.
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. Following a review of savings within the Department, I have recently announced an additional €11 million for the scheme, thus doubling the 2022 allocation to €22 million. This brings the allocation since 2017 to over €100 million.
The Scheme in administered and managed locally by relevant local authorities. Eligibility is verified locally in line with a Scheme Outline prepared by my Department. The onus is on the applicant to provide evidence to verify agricultural or harvesting activity in line with the parameters of the Scheme. While this can be demonstrated by presenting relevant herd or flock numbers, alternative methods may also be employed if they can definitively demonstrate eligibility.
Individual applicants should engage with their local municipal district office to discuss the various eligibility requirements that relate to the Scheme.
2186. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív den Aire Forbartha Tuaithe agus Pobail cén dul chun cinn atá déanta le bliain anuas ar fhorbairt Chéibh an Chalaidh Mhóir in Inis Meáin; cén t-údar go bhfuil an oiread moille le cur chun cinn an togra seo [42623/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraTá forbairt Ché an Chalaidh Mhóir in Inis Meáin san áireamh sa Phlean Forbartha Náisiúnta. Mar is eol don Teachta, is iad Comhairle Contae na Gaillimhe atá freagrach as Céim 3 den togra seo.
Mar chuid den obair ullmhúcháin, d’iarr Comhairle Contae na Gaillimhe ar Choláiste Náisiúnta Mara na hÉireann (NMCI) ionsamhlú den chuan a chruthú. Chun cinntiú go mbeadh an t-ionsamhlú seo chomh cruinn agus beacht agus is féidir, b’éigean don Chomhairle Contae sonraíocht teicniúil na mbád a bhaineann úsáid as an gcé a bhailiú.
Anuas air sin, b’éigean suirbhé baitaiméadrach a dhéanamh i mbéal an chuain chun tuilleadh eolais a bhailiú ar chúinsí mara agus comhshaoil. Is suirbhé thar a bheith sonrach é seo, a bhain úsáid as mapáil léasair, agus b’éigean fanacht go raibh na cúinsí mara oiriúnach le tabhairt faoi.
Bíonn cruinnithe rialta idir oifigigh na Roinne agus Comhairle Contae na Gaillimhe maidir leis an bhforbairt seo. Ag an gcruinniú is deireanaí, dheimhnigh an Comhairle Contae go raibh an t-eolas ábhartha ar fad bailithe acu agus seolta ar aghaidh chuig an NMCI. Tá súil acu go mbeidh an t-ionsamhlú críochnaithe, tástáilte agus aiseolas tugtha sna seachtainí atá romhainn.
Nuair atá an obair seo curtha i gcrích, cuirfidh Comhairle Contae na Gaillimhe na torthaí san áireamh agus iad ag dréachtú cás gnó.
2187. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development when a decision will be made on an application under the community centres refurbishment fund 2022 (details supplied);; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42631/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Community Centres Investment Fund application closing date was Thursday 14th July 2022, and I can confirm my Department received an application from the group the Deputy refers to.
The appraisal process is currently ongoing. All applications will be subject to a competitive assessment process based on the assessment criteria as set out in the fund guidelines.
Due to the high level of applications to the fund, it is expected to be quarter 4 of 2022 when applicants are notified of the outcome of the application and appraisal process.
2188. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if she intends re-instating the group water scheme top-up scheme available under CLÁR from its inception to 2011 to ensure that all houses in the State have access to water at an affordable cost; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42747/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra2189. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the number of group water schemes that availed of the group water scheme top-up scheme under the Clár programme during the lifetime of the scheme; the number of houses connected under the scheme; the total cost of the scheme; if the scheme represented value for money in her view; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42748/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 2188 and 2189 together.
The CLÁR programme, which was originally launched in 2001, provides funding for small scale projects in rural areas that have experienced significant levels of de-population. The Programme was closed in 2010 and then reopened in 2016.
CLÁR, as originally constituted, leveraged existing funding streams across a wide variety of developments including group water schemes, roads, health projects, and sports capital projects. The Group Water Scheme top-up element was closed to new applicants in 2008.
CLÁR was re-structured and re-opened in 2016. The Scheme now has an increased focus on collaboration between communities and local authorities. The leveraging aspect has been discontinued. My Department, which was established in the Summer of 2017, now manages the programme. Due to the passage of time the Department does not have the records relating to the earlier group water scheme measure of the Programme readily to hand.
That said, the importance of investment in water infrastructure is well recognised within Our Rural Future, and my colleague, the Minister of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, through his Department builds its strategic water policy and infrastructure delivery programmes around the National Planning Framework 2018-2040 and the National Development Plan 2021-2030 (NDP). Investment is primarily delivered through Irish Water while his Department operates the Rural Water Programme directly. The strategic objective of the Programme is to improve the quality, reliability and efficiency of water services for rural dwellers.
The Programme delivers improvements to private water services in areas of rural Ireland where there is no access to piped water services. Under the NDP, funding has been allocated over the period 2021 to 2025 for (non-Irish Water) investment in rural water infrastructure. This includes €175 million for the Rural Water Programme. In addition an annual subsidy is payable by local authorities to group water schemes towards their operational and management costs of supplying water for domestic use.
At present, I have no plans to reinstate the group water scheme top up to the CLÁR Programme.
2190. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the full extent of funding made available to Kildare County Council in each of the past four years to date under the LEADER programme or similar provision; the degree to which this met requirements; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42767/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe LEADER Programme is a key intervention of Our Rural Future, the Government’s Policy for rural development launched last year which aims to deliver a range of actions to rural communities over the lifetime of the policy. It is a multi-annual programme for rural development co-funded by the EU through the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP). The programme is based on a community-led approach to rural development and plays an important role in supporting communities and enterprises in progressing job creation, social inclusion and environmental projects at local level.
The 2014-2020 LEADER programme for Ireland had an allocation of €250 million. €225 million of this budget was allocated at the outset of the programme to Local Action Groups (LAGs) who deliver the programme and approve projects at local level. This allocation covered both core project expenditure and the administration costs of the LAG.
A further €70 million was allocated for the Transitional LEADER Programme which covers the period 2021-2022 of which €65 million was allocated to the LAGs to deliver the programme.
The LEADER programme is delivered in county Kildare by Kildare Local Community Development Committee (LCDC) as the LAG, with County Kildare LEADER Partnership as the Implementing Partner and Kildare County Council as the Lead Financial Partner (LFP).
The total amount allocated to the Kildare LAG under both the 2014-2020 and Transitional programme was €6,816,164. This funding is allocated at the start of the relevant programming period rather than on an annual basis in keeping with the flexibility afforded to LAGs in managing delivery. To date, €4,909,649 has been drawn down in respect of support for both approved projects and the administration and animation costs of the LAG. Further funding in relation to approved projects will be drawn down as these are completed and claims for payment are submitted by the promoters.
In situations where the LAGs administration and animation allocations are utilised, I approved additional funding in this area, subject to a maximum monthly contribution from the Exchequer, the limits of which were notified to each LAG in April 2021. This contribution is based on the average monthly administration and animation allocation over the period July 2016 to December 2020.
Therefore, should the Kildare LAG utilise all its administration and animation programme funding, my Department will provide a maximum monthly contribution of €24,359 from the Exchequer towards the administration and animation costs incurred. Last week I announced the continuation of this exchequer funding, where necessary, to all LAGs, including the Kildare LAG, into 2023.
2191. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the totality of grant-aid and or subsidy provided to each local authority in 2019, 2020, 2021 and to date in 2022 (details supplied). [42834/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department operates an extensive range of programmes which involve the provision of grant funding to local authorities for delivery of projects and schemes at local level. Grant funding is also provided to support specific policies at local level, such as public participation networks and volunteering.
The local authorities are key to delivery of many policy and programme areas within the Department. As such, grant payments are made under schemes including the Walks Scheme, the Local Improvement Scheme, CLÁR, Town and Village Renewal, the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme, the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund, the LEADER Programme, the Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme, Libraries Development and the Community Enhancement Programme. Supports are also provided for areas such as Volunteering, Public Participation Networks and Local Community Development Committees. All funding provided to local authorities for the period in question has been in the form of grant funding. It should be noted that in some instances, such as the Community Enhancement Programme, the funding made available to local authorities is subsequently further disbursed by each authority.
The following table provides the total grant funding provided to each local authority by the Department of Rural and Community Development for the period 2019-2021 and for 2022 to date. It should be noted that the Department provides information on funding to local authorities to the Office of the Comptroller and Auditor General on an annual basis to contribute to the report on Central Government funding of Local Authorities.
|
Grants Provided (€) by DRCD to Local Authorities 2019-2022 (Year to date) |
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|
|
|
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LOCAL AUTHORITY/YEAR |
2019 |
2020 |
2021 |
2022* |
|
CARLOW COUNTY COUNCIL |
3,548,524 |
3,284,642 |
4,115,598 |
1,407,940 |
|
CAVAN COUNTY COUNCIL |
5,509,027 |
7,317,689 |
6,716,986 |
2,898,280 |
|
CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL |
7,929,901 |
4,157,862 |
6,177,545 |
2,063,498 |
|
CORK CITY COUNCIL |
1,818,649 |
2,245,758 |
2,300,681 |
1,385,190 |
|
CORK COUNTY COUNCIL |
7,368,886 |
11,218,918 |
11,559,298 |
5,232,029 |
|
DONEGAL COUNTY COUNCIL |
6,822,346 |
11,356,038 |
9,752,327 |
5,643,002 |
|
DUBLIN CITY COUNCIL |
10,880,068 |
11,805,532 |
12,410,785 |
5,767,544 |
|
DUN LAOGHAIRE/RATHDOWN CO CO |
1,716,205 |
2,025,065 |
1,661,066 |
1,092,567 |
|
FINGAL COUNTY COUNCIL |
2,634,783 |
3,604,711 |
3,628,070 |
2,340,259 |
|
GALWAY CITY COUNCIL |
1,006,730 |
1,201,024 |
1,745,146 |
805,551 |
|
GALWAY COUNTY COUNCIL |
8,174,782 |
4,880,682 |
6,989,896 |
2,145,415 |
|
KERRY COUNTY COUNCIL |
6,661,240 |
6,665,341 |
7,175,482 |
4,084,846 |
|
KILDARE COUNTY COUNCIL |
3,245,640 |
6,798,978 |
4,481,338 |
1,987,869 |
|
KILKENNY COUNTY COUNCIL |
2,535,198 |
3,439,046 |
6,264,217 |
1,270,398 |
|
LAOIS COUNTY COUNCIL |
3,580,105 |
4,798,225 |
5,479,460 |
2,247,835 |
|
LEITRIM COUNTY COUNCIL |
3,622,949 |
4,943,111 |
4,068,571 |
2,744,536 |
|
LIMERICK CITY & COUNTY COUNCIL |
6,840,480 |
8,882,253 |
8,776,600 |
5,011,325 |
|
LONGFORD COUNTY COUNCIL |
7,229,062 |
7,514,612 |
6,086,380 |
1,882,091 |
|
LOUTH COUNTY COUNCIL |
4,588,310 |
4,590,835 |
5,014,701 |
2,389,184 |
|
MAYO COUNTY COUNCIL |
9,302,354 |
9,387,551 |
8,007,077 |
3,326,144 |
|
MEATH COUNTY COUNCIL |
3,803,256 |
6,802,279 |
6,196,827 |
2,487,531 |
|
MONAGHAN COUNTY COUNCIL |
4,253,543 |
6,130,448 |
8,414,838 |
3,241,728 |
|
OFFALY COUNTY COUNCIL |
5,132,869 |
4,645,717 |
4,824,585 |
2,300,915 |
|
ROSCOMMON COUNTY COUNCIL |
5,001,470 |
6,776,421 |
5,716,306 |
2,714,853 |
|
SLIGO COUNTY COUNCIL LOCAL |
4,570,547 |
4,471,346 |
4,885,040 |
1,712,266 |
|
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL |
4,057,321 |
3,144,822 |
3,083,449 |
2,189,561 |
|
TIPPERARY COUNTY COUNCIL |
6,080,441 |
9,141,825 |
9,239,538 |
3,229,494 |
|
WATERFORD CITY & COUNTY COUNCIL |
4,428,559 |
4,628,596 |
6,215,176 |
4,145,706 |
|
WESTMEATH COUNTY COUNCIL |
3,948,875 |
5,799,482 |
8,591,838 |
1,989,492 |
|
WEXFORD COUNTY COUNCIL |
7,018,023 |
7,188,486 |
7,130,321 |
3,343,068 |
|
WICKLOW COUNTY COUNCIL. |
3,501,071 |
5,069,919 |
6,073,520 |
2,140,425 |
|
Other Grants** |
3,714,393 |
|
|
|
|
Total |
160,525,606 |
183,917,214 |
192,782,662 |
85,220,542 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
* Provisional figures for year to 11th August 2022 |
|
|
|
|
|
** Additional payments made through other Departments and re-imbursed by DRCD |
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|
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2192. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development when it is intended to seek new expressions of interest for the Community Services Programme in view of the number of suitable possible projects available for the scheme; if it is intended to ensure that all community centres that received State capital funding will have the benefit of the scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42876/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department’s Community Services Programme, or CSP, currently supports over 430 community organisations to provide employment opportunities and deliver a diverse range of local services, including community centres, through a social enterprise model.
Following an independent review of the CSP, the programme is currently being redesigned. It is anticipated that all existing organisations will transition to the new programme in January 2023 following an application process later this year. The new programme will include community assets, such as community centres, under sub programme 1 Spaces and Services.
Pending the transition to the new restructured programme, the scheme is closed to new applications through the Expression of Interest process. It is anticipated that the programme may open calls to address identified gaps in service delivery later in 2022, and any additional entrants will be considered in light of available budgets.
Organisations who wish to be contacted should a targeted call open later in 2022, can provide their relevant contact details to my Department at csp@drcd.ie and we will keep them on file and notify them at the appropriate time.
In the interim, as open calls under the CSP can be a lengthy process, organisations that currently require immediate supports should consider contacting their Local Development Company who may be able to provide some guidance on other supports available at this time such as my Department of Social Protection's Rural Social Scheme (RSS), Tús and Community Employment (CE) schemes.
2193. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if he will provide details regarding the outdoor recreation investment scheme funding eligibility; if municipal districts (details supplied) that are predominantly urban in nature but still have rural areas are eligible for this funding; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43016/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS) provides funding for the development and enhancement of outdoor recreational infrastructure such as trails, walkways, cycleways, blueways and bridleways in rural areas.
Earlier this year, I launched the 2022 Scheme with a budget of €15 million to support outdoor recreation projects nationwide.
The Measures being funded under this year’s Scheme are:
- Measure 1: Small Scale Repair/Development/Promotion and Marketing (grant amounts up to €30,000.)
- Measure 2: Medium Scale Repair/Upgrade and New Trail/Amenity Development (grant amounts up to €200,000)
- Measure 3: Strategic Large Scale Repair/Upgrade and New Strategic Trail/Amenity Development (grant amounts up to €500,000)
- Project Development Measure: Development costs for Strategic large Scale Projects (grant amounts up to €50,000).
While ORIS projects have traditionally been mainly located primarily in the countryside, this year eligibility is longer confined to such locations. Increased emphasis in 2022 on recreational amenities located near rivers, lakes and beaches, has served to widen eligibility to include projects located within rural towns and villages, including municipal districts primarily urban in nature.
ORIS funding may also support recreational infrastructure linking a town or village into the countryside, and in particular serve as a link between rural towns or villages and outdoor recreation facilities located in the countryside.
Each project submitted under ORIS is assessed on its own merits, within broad parameters set down in the Scheme outline prepared by my Department. Projects are assessed locally by the relevant local authority before being prioritised and submitted to my Department for final assessment.
The 2022 scheme is now closed for application under all Measures. I have announced successful applications under both Measure 1 (up to €30k) and the Project Development Measure. I expect to make an announcement in the coming weeks on the successful applicants under Measures 2 and 3.
2194. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the status of a grant for a centre (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43105/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Community Centres Investment Fund application closing date was Thursday 14th July 2022, and I can confirm my Department received an application from the group the Deputy refers to.
The appraisal process is currently ongoing. All applications will be subject to a competitive assessment process based on the assessment criteria as set out in the fund guidelines.
Due to the high level of applications to the fund, it is expected to be quarter 4 of 2022 when applicants are notified of the outcome of the application and appraisal process.
2195. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development her plans to rectify an issue concerning the salary of a manager in a community scheme (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43281/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department’s Community Services Programme (CSP), currently supports over 430 community organisations to provide employment opportunities and the delivery of a diverse range of local services, through a social enterprise model.
The CSP contribution is not aligned to the minimum wage and does not meet the full salary cost of supported posts, rather it is a fixed annual contribution towards the salary costs of employees in supported organisations, with funding of €19,033 currently provided for each full time equivalent (FTE) position and €32,000 towards a manager's salary, where warranted.
The CSP contribution must be co-funded by the organisation concerned from other sources, for example, from income received from the public use of their facilities and services.
Following an independent review of the CSP, the programme is currently being redesigned. It is anticipated that all existing organisations will transition to the new programme in January 2023 following an application process later this year.
As part of the restructuring process, a new funding rate allocation model for the CSP programme will be introduced, as an alternative to the current flat rate payment model. The revised funding rates for the restructured programme have not yet been agreed and will be subject to the budget available to the programme in 2023.
That said, the internal operations of CSP supported organisations, including general employment or salary issues relating to CSP supported posts, are solely matters for the boards of those organisations to manage for the respective employees.
2196. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if there are plans to increase the level of funding for staff wages on the Community Services Programme due to the current high cost of living; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43282/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department’s Community Services Programme (CSP), currently supports over 430 community organisations to provide employment opportunities and the delivery of a diverse range of local services, through a social enterprise model.
The CSP contribution is not aligned to the minimum wage and does not meet the full salary cost of supported posts, rather it is a fixed annual contribution towards the salary costs of employees in supported organisations, with funding of €19,033 currently provided for each full time equivalent (FTE) position and €32,000 towards a manager's salary, where warranted.
The CSP contribution must be co-funded by the organisation concerned from other sources, for example, from income received from the public use of their facilities and services.
Following an independent review of the CSP, the programme is currently being redesigned. It is anticipated that all existing organisations will transition to the new programme in January 2023 following an application process later this year.
As part of the restructuring process, a new funding rate allocation model for the CSP programme will be introduced, as an alternative to the current flat rate payment model. The revised funding rates for the restructured programme have not yet been agreed and will be subject to the budget available to the programme in 2023.
