Written Answers Nos. 38-57
38. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the controls that are currently in place in relation to keeping dangerous dog breeds; if she will outline the list of breeds that are currently banned; if she will be expanding this list; if she is satisfied with the enforcement of controls; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [62478/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraNo breed of dog is banned in Ireland. However, the relevant legislation in this area, the Control of Dogs Acts 1986 to 2014, sets out a range of requirements for all dog owners or any other person in charge of a dog. The Control of Dogs Regulations 1998, S.I. 442/1998 set out further requirements that owners of specific breeds of dogs, including strains or crosses of those breeds, have to follow. Such dogs must be muzzled and led, on a sufficiently strong leash or chain not exceeding 2 metres in length, by a competent person over 16 years of age, when in a public place.
Concerns had been raised regarding the overall approach to the regulation of restricted breeds. Some stakeholders asserted that more breeds should be added to the list – especially given the newer breeds that have arrived in Ireland over the last number of years. Others believed that a different approach should be taken which would focus on the behavioural issues of individual dogs, rather than specific breeds and should move away from muzzling.
Following a review of this policy area, including a public consultation process to which over 1,000 responses were received, my Department published on gov.ie the report on ‘A Review of Measures relating to the Control of Dogs in Ireland’. A selection of the submissions received were also published alongside the report.
As a result of this review and the ongoing legislative review, my Department is proposing to amend Statutory Instrument S.I. No. 442 /1998 - Control of Dogs Regulations 1998 to include the Presa Canario breed of dog. My Department is also proposing to introduce increased penalties for all offences under the Control of Dogs Acts. This will also include offences under Statutory Instrument S.I. No. 442/1998.
Furthermore, I understand that a cross-departmental review of the legislation relating to dogs is also about to commence, to be led by the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine. The review will focus on strengthening current legislation, enforcement and policy.
My Department will continue to do its part, along with colleagues in the Local Authorities, the Local Authority Veterinary Service and the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, to consolidate efforts in this area and to promote the message of responsible dog ownership.
39. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if the money that has been allocated by her Department to the local authorities to date has been used and or if there is a blockage in the system. [62470/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department provides a wide range of funding and supports for rural areas through the Local Authorities under schemes such as the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund (RRDF), Town and Village Renewal Scheme, Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme and the Local Improvement Scheme. This targeted investment supports rural regeneration, facilitates new working opportunities, and fosters regional enterprise growth.
Good progress is being made under these schemes. For example, under the Local Improvement Scheme (LIS) over €100 million has been invested since my Department was established in 2017. In 2022 I doubled the LIS scheme to €22 million, resulting in improvements to 590 non-public roads and lanes.
The Town and Village Scheme is one of a series of national and local support measures designed to rejuvenate small rural towns and villages throughout Ireland. It is managed on behalf of the Department by the Local Authorities. Since the Town and Village Renewal Scheme commenced in 2016 it has gone from strength to strength with over €149 million in funding approved for over 1600 projects to date under the scheme, with €90 million of the allocated funding paid to date.
The Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS) provides funding for the development of new outdoor recreational infrastructure. To date funding of over €92 million for more than 1400 projects throughout rural Ireland has been approved. I recently announced further funding of almost €14 million under ORIS, which will see the development of 59 outdoor recreation amenities including walking and hiking trails. This latest investment will take cumulative ORIS funding to €104 million since the scheme was launched in 2016, with €57 million of the allocated funding paid to date.
Under the RRDF over €395 million has been approved for 215 projects across Ireland, worth a total of €542 million, including €115 million that was just announced for 23 projects last month. In total, this comprises 112 Category 1 projects and 103 Category 2 projects. To date €115 million has been drawn down, with spend this year likely to be around €35 million.
Challenges do exist in relation to delivery of capital projects under the RRDF and other programmes, with the continued impact of COVID-19 on projects moving to construction, subsequent supply chain issues and, more recently, inflation issues making procurement more challenging. Local Authorities are aware of the importance of delivering on these projects and progress is being made. Under RRDF there are now 13 Category 1 projects complete and a further 43 are at construction phase which will lead to increased levels of completion in 2023 . Others are moving through formal approval and procurement processes.
My officials work closely with Local Authorities on an ongoing basis to maximise spend across our capital schemes. I’m confident that the funding provided by my Department through the various schemes, including those progressed by Local Authorities, will continue to be progressed and deliver benefits for our rural areas and communities in the future.
40. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if she will provide an overview of her Department’s strategy to reverse population decline in rural areas. [62332/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraOur Rural Future was published in March 2021 and is the most ambitious rural development policy for Ireland in decades. It contains more than 150 measures for delivery, for both short-term recovery and longer-term sustainable economic and social development, and environmental and cultural well-being.
The vision of Our Rural Future is of a thriving and vibrant rural Ireland, with the key objective of ensuring our rural towns, villages and communities are attractive places to live, work and raise a family. Our Rural Future aims to move beyond preventing decline, towards a future characterised by opportunity, well-being and quality of life which will attract people back to rural areas. In this regard, I was happy to note that the preliminary results from Census 2022 showed in increase in population in all counties since 2016.
The implementation of Our Rural Future is based on a whole-of-Government approach over a five-year timeframe, with measures being delivered across more than 20 departments and agencies and through sectoral strategies such as the Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan, Food Vision 2030, the National Remote Working Strategy and my own Department's new National Outdoor Recreation Strategy.
In addition to work taking place across Government, my Department has an annual budget of approximately €200 million for a suite of dedicated rural development programmes such as the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund, the National Connected Hubs Network of remote working facilities and the Town and Village Renewal Scheme. In recent months I have also announced a €45 million investment into Community Centre facilities across the country – the largest ever capital investment for their upgrade and development.
Updates on Our Rural Future policy implementation are provided by six-monthly Progress Reports and Annual Work Programmes; the latter allowing for revised priorities in light of emerging opportunities and challenges.
The Second Progress Report was published in August, with a completion rate of 72% on actions, with the Third Progress Report to be published early in 2023. Officials in my Department are also currently engaged in a programme of bilateral meetings with relevant departments as part of the development of the 2023 Work Programme.
I am delighted with the sustained level of engagement across Government to support the ambition of Our Rural Future; the high level of progress to date demonstrates this Government’s continued commitment to rural Ireland.
41. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the rate of LIS completions per county to date in 2022; the outlook for 2023; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [62786/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Local Improvement Scheme, or 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. I am also committed to improving connectivity for rural residents – whether it be access to homes, farms or outdoor amenities.
The Scheme was reintroduced by my Department in 2017 following a number of years with no dedicated funding. From 2017 to 2022, my Department has allocated over €100 million towards improvement works on over 3,600 non-public roads and lanes benefiting over 16,000 landowners and residents in these rural areas.
I launched the 2022 scheme with an initial budget of €11 million. Over the course of the year additional funding was sourced from savings within my Department and I allocated a further €11 million.
I was pleased, as part of Budget 2023, to announce an increase in the base funding for LIS to €12 million.
The table below sets out the position regarding the rate of LIS completions per county in 2022.
|
County |
2022 Allocation |
No. of Roads Approved |
2022 Paid |
No. of Roads Delivered |
|
Carlow |
€944,082 |
37 |
€942,733 |
37 |
|
Cavan |
€1,273,457 |
25 |
€1,213,778 |
25 |
|
Clare |
€1,238,015 |
25 |
€1,230,495 |
25 |
|
Cork |
€1,298,240 |
22 |
€1,173,997 |
22 |
|
Donegal |
€1,711,214 |
68 |
€1,708,228 |
68 |
|
Galway |
€1,682,841 |
50 |
€1,673,486 |
50 |
|
Kerry |
€1,495,490 |
23 |
€1,349,878 |
23 |
|
Kildare |
€435,326 |
11 |
€420,328 |
11 |
|
Kilkenny |
€628,610 |
11 |
€610,499 |
11 |
|
Laois |
€860,277 |
23 |
€854,420 |
23 |
|
Leitrim |
€1,081,038 |
31 |
€1.075,925 |
31 |
|
Limerick |
€930,989 |
27 |
€921,482 |
27 |
|
Longford |
€465,940 |
18 |
€403,581 |
18 |
|
Louth |
€448,273 |
12 |
€439,780 |
12 |
|
Mayo |
€610,944 |
31 |
€597,570 |
31 |
|
Meath |
€569,299 |
9 |
€536,436 |
9 |
|
Monaghan |
€932,889 |
14 |
€932,889 |
14 |
|
Offaly |
€674,785 |
32 |
€662,104 |
32 |
|
Roscommon |
€571,758 |
24 |
€571,758 |
24 |
|
Sligo |
€558,030 |
18 |
€558,030 |
18 |
|
Tipperary |
€1,125,771 |
35 |
€1,125,638 |
35 |
|
Waterford |
€587,176 |
11 |
€336,083 |
11 |
|
Westmeath |
€656,781 |
20 |
€656,781 |
20 |
|
Wexford |
€781,027 |
23 |
€781,027 |
23 |
|
Wicklow |
€637,748 |
8 |
€636,248 |
8 |
|
Totals |
€22,200,000 |
608 |
€21,413,176 |
608 |
42. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if remote working hubs will be provided in rural areas. [62561/22]
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 Connected Hubs ecosystem, 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.
There are currently 298 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. An interactive map is available on connectedhubs.ie that shows the location and details of each remote working hub on the network.
Significant funding has been invested by my department towards the establishment and 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.
To date my focus has been on establishing the Connected Hub Network and on achieving the initial critical mass. Following strong progress on the establishment phase of the project, my focus has now shifted to the next stage of development. To this end, my officials have been consulting with hub managers across the country, with local authorities and communities, and with other stakeholders, including colleagues from the Department of Enterprise Trade and Employment, to better inform the future strategic direction of the National Hub Network and the connectedhubs.ie platform.
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.
43. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the number of centres belonging to an organisation (details supplied) that are supported by her Department by county; the Government supports that have been allocated to the organisation in 2022 in comparison to 2020 and 2021, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [62535/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department has provided a range of supports which both Men's and Women’s Sheds have availed of, depending on the works being completed.
In 2020, the Community Enhancement Programme received total funding of €7.2m, including €5m under the Government's July stimulus package for repairs and upgrades to community centres and community buildings. Under this programme, 15 women's sheds projects benefited and received funding to the value of €23,956.
In 2021, the Community Enhancement Programme provided funding of €4.5m for small capital grants to community groups to enhance their facilities and towards the re-opening of facilities. Women’s sheds along with other community groups could apply to this funding programme.
In November 2021, the €9m Community Activities Fund Programme was launched to support community groups impacted by COVID-19. This fund provided funding to support groups, particularly in disadvantaged areas, with their running/operating costs such as utility or insurance bills, as well as with improvements to their facilities. Women's Sheds were eligible to apply for this funding via their LCDCs.
Unlike Men’s Sheds, Women’s Sheds do not currently operate under a single national representative body, therefore we do not currently know how many are in existence nationwide. However, I do recognise that there is a growing number of Women’s Sheds across the country, and I was delighted to announce funding of €100,000 to support them earlier this year.
This funding was ring-fenced under the recently launched Community Support Fund (CSF) which will provide support to established Women's Sheds throughout the country through the Local Community Development Committees (LCDCs), who are administering the fund on behalf of my Department.
Women's Sheds will also be entitled to apply under the main CSF and I would encourage all interested groups to get in touch with their Local Community Development Committee (LCDC) for further details.
Funding allocations to Women's Sheds are available by county on my Department's website www.gov.ie/drcd as they become available.
|
Community Enhancement Programme 2022 (awarded funding) |
||
|
County |
No. of projects |
Value € |
|
Clare |
3 |
€8,224.00 |
|
Donegal |
1 |
€603.00 |
|
Kildare |
1 |
€8,000.00 |
|
Longford |
1 |
€1,500.00 |
|
Monaghan |
1 |
€500.00 |
|
Offaly |
1 |
€1,629.00 |
|
Waterford |
2 |
€500.00 |
|
Wexford |
4 |
€2,500.00 |
|
Wicklow |
1 |
€500.00 |
|
15 |
€23,956.00 |
|
|
Community Enhancement Programme 2021 (awarded funding) |
||
|
County |
No. of projects |
Value € |
|
Cavan |
1 |
€850.00 |
|
Donegal |
1 |
€826.36 |
|
Galway |
1 |
€750.00 |
|
Kildare |
1 |
€1,440.00 |
|
Leitrim |
1 |
€747.83 |
|
Longford |
1 |
€923.19 |
|
Offaly |
1 |
€750.00 |
|
Roscommon |
2 |
€1,059.95 |
|
Tipperary |
1 |
€902.00 |
|
Waterford |
1 |
€1,445.00 |
|
Westmeath |
1 |
€2,350.00 |
|
Wexford |
3 |
€4,700.00 |
|
Wicklow |
1 |
€1,500.00 |
|
16 |
€18,244.33 |
|
|
Community Support Fund (ring-fenced allocation) (Community Enhancement Programme) 2022 |
|
|
County |
Value € |
|
Carlow |
€2,831 |
|
Cavan |
€2,851 |
|
Clare |
€3,013 |
|
Cork City |
€3,533 |
|
Cork County |
€3,627 |
|
Donegal |
€3,741 |
|
Dublin City |
€5,643 |
|
Dun Laoghaire |
€3,116 |
|
Fingal |
€3,419 |
|
Galway City |
€2,768 |
|
Galway County |
€3,162 |
|
Kerry |
€3,127 |
|
Kildare |
€3,328 |
|
Kilkenny |
€2,907 |
|
Laois |
€2,915 |
|
Leitrim |
€2,652 |
|
Limerick |
€3,506 |
|
Longford |
€2,766 |
|
Louth |
€3,240 |
|
Mayo |
€3,227 |
|
Meath |
€3,144 |
|
Monaghan |
€2,773 |
|
Offaly |
€2,988 |
|
Roscommon |
€2,799 |
|
Sligo |
€2,827 |
|
South Dublin |
€4,098 |
|
Tipperary |
€3,389 |
|
Waterford |
€3,202 |
|
Westmeath |
€2,917 |
|
Wexford |
€3,402 |
|
Wicklow |
€3,088 |
|
€100,000 |
|
44. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if she will provide an update on funding allocations for men’s and women’s sheds from her Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [62467/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department has provided a range of supports which both Men's and Women’s Sheds have availed of, depending on the works being completed.
For example, in 2018 the Community Enhancement Programme (CEP) provided capital funding for community groups which included €0.5m that was ring-fenced for Men's Sheds and again in 2019, €0.5m was ring-fenced under the programme for both Men's and Women's Sheds.
In 2020, the CEP received total funding of €7.2m, including €5m under the Government's July stimulus package for repairs and upgrades to community centres and community buildings. Under this programme, 124 men’s sheds projects benefited and received funding to the value of €207,836, and 15 women's sheds projects benefited and received funding to the value of €23,956.
In 2021, the CEP provided funding of €4.5m for small capital grants to community groups to enhance their facilities and towards the re-opening of facilities. Men's sheds along with other community groups could apply to this funding programme. 68 men’s sheds received funding to the value of €126,804, and 6 women's sheds received funding to the value of €4,728 from this programme.
In November 2021, the €9m Community Activities Fund (CAF), under the CEP was launched to support community groups impacted by COVID-19. This fund provided funding to support groups, particularly in disadvantaged areas, with their running/operating costs such as utility or insurance bills, as well as with improvements to their facilities. Men’s and Women's Sheds were eligible to apply for this funding via their LCDCs.
The Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme (SICAP) has provided supports to over 200 Men’s Sheds since 2018, with small grants totalling over €98,000 awarded to 116 Men’s Sheds. This support is still is available from SICAP.
My Department also funded the Irish Men’s Sheds Association under the COVID-19 Stability Funding in 2020. They distributed €70,424 equally among their member sheds to support the organisation to continue to deliver services despite the challenges brought by COVID-19.
The Scheme to Support National Organisations (SSNO) provides multi-annual funding towards core costs of national, community and voluntary organisations. The current iteration commenced on 1 July 2022 and will cease on 30 June 2025. The Irish Men’s Sheds Association (IMSA) has been allocated total funding of €243,158 over the three-year period of the scheme.
I recently awarded €800,000 in funding to Men's Sheds, meaning each Shed registered under IMSA could get a grant of up to €2,000.
This funding builds on the €100,000 I announced in October, which has been ring - fenced under the recently announced Community Support Fund (CSF) to support the growing network of Women’s Sheds. This funding is being administered by LCDC's on behalf of the Department and any interested Women's Shed should contact their LCDC directly.
Men's Sheds can also apply under CSF - which provides supports to small groups who are struggling with running costs and also funding towards small capital projects. Sheds should contact their local LCDC for details of this fund.
45. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the steps that she is taking to address the backlog in local improvement scheme applications; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [57924/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra64. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if she will provide an update on the steps that have been taken to address the backlog of applications in the local improvement scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [62466/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 45 and 64 together.
The Local Improvement Scheme, or 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. I am also committed to improving connectivity for rural residents – whether it be access to homes, farms or outdoor amenities.
The Local Improvement Scheme was reintroduced by my Department in 2017 following a number of years with no dedicated funding.
From 2017 to 2022, my Department has allocated over €100 million towards improvement works on over 3,600 non-public roads and lanes benefiting over 16,000 landowners and residents in these rural areas.
I launched the 2022 scheme with an initial budget of €11 million. Over the course of the year additional funding was sourced from savings within my Department and I allocated a further €11 million, effectively doubling investment in LIS to bring the total investment this year to €22 million.
I was pleased, as part of Budget 2023, to announce an increase in the base funding for LIS to €12 million. I will continue to closely monitor expenditure patterns next year in my Department and should savings emerge, I will give consideration to again allocating additional funding to the scheme.
Finally, I am continuing to engage with my colleague, the Minister for Transport regarding his Department contributing to a jointly funded LIS scheme so that we can further address the high demand under the Scheme.
46. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the steps that she is taking to assist with the rising cost of energy facing many community organisations; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [62020/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra59. Deputy Christopher O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the steps that her Department is taking to assist community groups with the high energy bills that they are facing. [62731/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 46 and 59 together.
The Community and Voluntary Energy Support Scheme (CVESS), administered by Pobal on behalf of my Department, will provide once-off support to incorporated organisations and registered charities within the community and voluntary sector which fall outside the parameters of other energy support schemes being delivered by Government.
Applications are being assessed in batches to support timely decision making and drawdowns of funds. I was pleased to announce the first tranche of 180 successful applicants this week, with further announcements to follow. Payments will be issued directly into successful applicants bank accounts immediately, and a full list of recipients is available on Gov.ie.
While Phase One of the CVESS closed on 2nd December, I can confirm that my department has streamlined the application process further. Phase two is now open and will remain open until 20th January 2023. Further details are available on Pobal’s website.
The Community Support Fund, with funding of €10 million was also launched on 18th November this year. This is a new fund, under the Community Enhancement Programme, and is designed to assist community groups across the country, in light of the current rising energy costs.
The fund will deliver grants to help groups with rising energy and operational costs such as electricity bills and insurance costs. Groups can also use the funding to carry out small upgrade or refurbishment works and for the purchase of equipment which supports their activities such as laptops and printers, training equipment, tables, chairs etc.
The Community Support Fund is being administered locally by Local Community Development Committees (LCDCs) on behalf of my Department, with support from their Local Authority. Groups should contact their local LCDC for further details on the application process.
My department will continue to work to support community organisations across the country as they deal with the ongoing and emerging challenges.
Finally, the government is urging householders and businesses to ensure that they are availing of the supports that are in place – and to stay warm and well this winter. For more information visit www.gov.ie/reduceyouruse.
47. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the capital and current allocation to her Department for 2022; the expenditure to date of both the current and capital allocation including carry forward from 2021; the main underspends under both headings; the reason for same; if it is intended to carry forward unspent capital from 2022 to 2023; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [62720/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFollowing the recent supplementary estimate my Department has a gross budget of €389 million for 2022, of which €195 million is current and €194 million is capital. However, it should be noted that €10.5 million in capital funding was repurposed from capital to current to provide supports to assist the response to the Ukraine crisis, effectively reducing the capital budget to €183.5 million, which is supplemented by a €16.86 million carry forward from 2021 for use in 2022.
Gross current expenditure at December 8th amounted to €170 million, including the €10.5 million for Ukraine supports which was repurposed from capital to current. There are no areas of significant underspend, and year end current savings will be small across a number of current sub-heads, with a very strong outturn expected. The most significant remaining expenditure area relates to the recent supplementary allocation of €10 million for the energy support scheme for community and voluntary groups.
Gross capital expenditure at December 8th amounted to €176 million, including full use of the capital carry forward from 2021. Significant savings occurred within the A.7 Rural Regeneration and Development sub-head, which supports the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund (RRDF), Town and Village Renewal and the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme. This area had an allocation of €97 million, supplemented by €11.9 million in deferred surrender, giving a total budget of €108.9 million. Spend for this sub-head at December 8th stood at €66 million and I expect a final outturn of around €70 million. The savings in this area have been repurposed for the aforementioned Ukraine Supports, to increase funding for the Local Improvement Scheme by €11 million, to increase funding for the Community Centre Investment Fund (CCIF) by €5 million, and to increase LEADER funding by €4 million.
Delivery of capital projects in this area have been delayed as a result of the continued impact of COVID-19 on projects moving to construction, subsequent supply chain issues and, more recently inflation issues making procurement more challenging. However, progress has greatly improved in the second half of 2022, and there are 13 Category 1 projects complete, and a further 43 are at construction phase. Others are moving through formal approval and procurement processes.
I plan to carry forward €14.5 million of unspent capital funding from 2022, for use in 2023. Given the recent progress made with the RRDF and the CCIF, I expect an increased level of project completion in 2023, and the capital carryover will allow the Department to meet this funding requirement when it is needed.
48. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if she will provide an update on the community centre for Ballyvolane. [62693/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI was delighted to secure €20 million in funding under Budget 2023 to continue the Community Centres Investment Fund. This builds on the €15 million which was announced under the fund in 2022.
On October 12th, I announced over €12.5 million in funding for 580 successful Category 1 applicants. And on December 8th, I announced a further €33 million in funding for 278 successful Category 2 and 3 applicants. Details of the successful applicants are available on my Department’s website.
The 2022 Community Centres Investment Fund was intended for the upgrade and improvement of existing community centres, and not for the construction of new builds. I understand a new build community centre is the requirement in Ballyvolane, as previously referenced by the Deputy. It is intended that the 2023 fund will be targeted for new build community centres as well as upgrades and improvements to existing centres. The details of this scheme are currently being developed by officials within my Department and I hope to announce further details in quarter 1 of 2023.
49. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if consideration will be given to reviewing the existing laws under the Control of Dogs Act 1986; if she will appoint an expert panel to review the legislation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [62477/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Control of Dogs Acts 1986 to 2014, set out a range of requirements for all dog owners or any other person in charge of a dog. S.I. No. 442/1998, the Control of Dogs Regulations 1998, sets out further requirements that owners of specific breeds of dogs, including strains or crosses of those breeds, have to follow. Such dogs must be muzzled and led, on a sufficiently strong leash or chain not exceeding 2 metres in length, by a competent person over 16 years of age, when in a public place.
Concerns had been raised regarding the overall approach to the regulation of restricted breeds. Some stakeholders asserted that more breeds should be added to the list – especially given the newer breeds that have arrived in Ireland over the last number of years. Others believed that a different approach should be taken which would focus on the behavioural issues of individual dogs, rather than specific breeds and should move away from muzzling.
Following a review of this policy area, including a public consultation process to which over 1,000 responses were received, my Department published on gov.ie the report on ‘A Review of Measures relating to the Control of Dogs in Ireland’. A selection of the submissions received were also published alongside the report.
The issues raised in the submissions were wide ranging, complex and required analysis, consultation with stakeholders and an exploration of approaches in other jurisdictions. My Department is now identifying any necessary legislative amendments that may be required.
Furthermore, I understand that a cross-departmental review of the legislation relating to dogs is also about to commence, to be led by the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine. The review will focus on strengthening current legislation, enforcement and policy.
My Department will continue to do its part, along with colleagues in the Local Authorities, the Local Authority Veterinary Service and the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, to consolidate efforts in this area and to promote the message of responsible dog ownership.
50. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if her Department has assessed the potential of the high-speed broadband network to create potential for rural development; and the number of projects emerging for support from her Department's programmes which utilise its potential. [62743/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraOne of the key focuses of Our Rural Future: Rural Development Policy 2021 - 2025 is optimising digital connectivity to support vibrant, sustainable rural communities.
As stated in Our Rural Future, there is an overall ambition for government to transform digital connectivity for rural communities and enterprises. I want to close the digital divide between rural and urban communities and ensure that those living in rural communities are provided with the same opportunities for remote working, online trading and for education as those in larger urban areas. I am working to achieve this ambition by providing significant funding and support through my department.
My department runs a number of schemes, projects and funding programmes to support rural digital development. These programmes are designed to impact communities across the country, from the most rural areas and offshore islands, to villages and regional towns.
Over recent years, my department has allocated €150 million in funding to rural communities around the country to support the use of digital connectivity. This funding has been provided through the Connected Hubs Fund, Town and Village Renewal Scheme, the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund and, most recently, the Community Centre Investment Fund. These programmes have been designed to ensure that infrastructure and services are made available to meet the changing needs of our rural communities. These schemes also support job creation and enable people to stay or return to their communities which may not have been possible previously.
I note that, as of 2nd December 2022, 101,738 premises across 25 counties are able to avail of a high-speed broadband connection from National Broadband Ireland. In addition, I understand that Eir are in the process of extending their fibre services to 1.9m premises, that Siro has passed 450,000 premises with fibre services with another 320,000 premises planned, and that Virgin Media plan to bring gigabit broadband to 1m premises.
I am determined to see these achievements built on.
Through the Broadband Connection Points (BCP) Initiative my department will establish 300 digitally-enabled community hubs. These hubs are based in community centres, GAA clubs and tourist sites across the country and are centres of community life. These BCPs will each have different offerings, some with a focus on remote work while others focused on education programmes and digital skills training. There are currently 290 BCPs live and in use.
Through the National Hub Network initiative, and its online platform connectedhubs.ie, my department and our partners at the Western Development Commission will build a nationwide network of 400 remote and co-working hubs. Today there are 298 hubs in the Network and more than 10,000 registered customers. We will grow these numbers and in doing so, support more people to remotely and reduce their commuting times.
Between 2018 and 2021, my department provided €2m under the Digital Innovation Program to trial innovative technologies across rural Ireland. These projects established the viability and efficacy of a number of technologies, not least in the areas of rural tourism and public safety.
On December 9th 2022 the government published its ambitious Digital Connectivity Strategy. Among the ambitious targets set out in that Strategy is a commitment to have all Irish households and businesses covered by a Gigabit network by 2028, one of the most ambitious targets in the EU. My department will continue to work across local and national government, with communities and other stakeholders to ensure rural Ireland is well-placed to take full advantage of this enhanced connectivity.
51. Deputy Ciarán Cannon asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if successful projects under the town and village renewal scheme will be announced before the end of 2022; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [62797/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Town and Village Renewal Scheme (TVRS) aims to assist with the rejuvenation of rural towns and villages throughout Ireland, making them more attractive places to live, work, and visit. In line with the commitment in Our Rural Future, the 2022 scheme prioritised the renovation of derelict and vacant buildings in our town centres, with a view to bringing these buildings back into use.
Since it was first introduced in 2016, over €149 million has been allocated to more than 1,600 projects across Ireland. It has supported a range of activities from improving public realm areas to initiatives such as the development of enterprise hubs and remote working facilities. These projects have been identified and developed by local community groups and businesses, in conjunction with their local authorities.
I was delighted to announce details of allocations worth €27m under the Scheme yesterday. Full details of the successful applications are available on my Department's website at www.gov.ie/drcd.
52. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the number of applications received under the community support fund to deal with energy bills to date; and their county of origin in tabular form. [62549/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Community Support Fund, launched on 18 November, is a new Fund designed to assist thousands of community groups across the country. Support is available to, for example, Parish Halls, Community Centres, Local Development Associations, Social Clubs, ICA Groups, Senior Citizen Groups, Men’s and Women’s Sheds. The fund will deliver small grants to help groups with running costs and rising energy bills. Groups can also use the funding to carry out small upgrade works and to purchase equipment to support their activities such as laptops and printers, lawnmowers, training equipment, etc.
The funding is administered on behalf of the Department of Rural and Community Development locally by Local Community Development Committees (LCDCs) across the country, with support from their Local Authority. Applications for funding can be made to the relevant LCDC. The fund is at launch/opening stage at present so information in relation to applications is not yet available.
53. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if she will provide an update on the work of the Broadband Mobile Phone Taskforce, particularly the work being carried out in providing alternatives for persons who are waiting for broadband connection for up to five years under the NBP; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [62056/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Mobile Phone and Broadband Taskforce was re-established in December 2021 with an inaugural meeting co-chaired by myself and Minister of State Ossian Smyth TD, involving participation from all key State stakeholders. In April 2022 we held a full meeting of the Taskforce with both State and Industry representatives. After this meeting the Terms of Reference and Work Programme for 2022-2023 were agreed and published on gov.ie.
The most recent meeting of The Mobile Phone and Broadband Taskforce took place on November 16th 2022. The purpose of the meeting was for action holders to provide a progress update on the status of each of their actions. I am pleased with the progress to date and the willingness of all stakeholders to engage with the Taskforce.
The actions in the Work Programme relate to improving mobile phone coverage in rural areas, examining issues around planning permissions and licensing for, and sharing of, telecoms infrastructure, the use of public assets for telecoms purposes, and improving the quality and availability of information for consumers of telecoms services and products.
This iteration of the Taskforce will meet biannually and will meet again in Quarter 2 of 2023. Prior to the next meeting of the Taskforce an Annual Stakeholder Forum will be held in Quarter 1 of 2023. This forum presents an opportunity for state and industry colleagues to come together and take part in panel discussions, presentations and to meet in a less formal setting than the biannual Taskforce meetings.
As of 2nd December 2022, 101,738 premises across 25 counties are able to avail of a high-speed broadband connection from National Broadband Ireland. In addition, I understand that Eir are in the process of extending their fibre services to 1.9m premises, Siro has passed 450,000 premises with fibre services with another 320,000 premises planned, and Virgin Media plan to bring gigabit broadband to 1m premises.
Notwithstanding these achievements, Minister Smyth and I are determined to see future-proofed high-speed broadband services available to all premises as quickly as possible. Accordingly, through the Taskforce officials of both Departments are engaging proactively with public sector and industry representatives to identify obstacles to improved services and taking action as appropriate.
Separately to the work of Taskforce, my Department is working closely with Minister Smyth’s Department to roll out a national network of Broadband Connection Points (BCPs) in areas with poor broadband coverage. To date, 290 of 300 Public BCPs have been installed and are live and in use. My officials will continue to work with local communities to develop the services at BCPs throughout 2023.
Lastly, I would highlight the role of the local authority Broadband Officers. These officers, co-funded by my Department and arising from an early action of the Taskforce, are tasked with supporting local residents, their elected representatives and the telecoms operators to accelerate telecommunications development where appropriate. Broadband Officers are that first port of call for those experiencing difficulties with connectivity. BBOs have expert local knowledge in terms of broadband availability and mobile coverage and can provide practical advice and support.
The most recent data from ComReg shows a marked increase in fibre to the premises (FTTP) connections in Ireland (+36% year on year); data that speaks to the work of Broadband Officers but also the investments made to date by this Government and industry.
55. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development when it is envisaged that Community Centre Investment Fund allocations will be discharged to the community groups and organisations for successful projects under category 1 of the fund; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [62536/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraOn October 12th, I announced over €12.5 million in funding for 580 successful Category 1 applicants under the Community Centres Investment Fund. On December 8th, I was delighted to announce a further €33 million in funding for 278 successful Category 2 and 3 applicants. Details of the successful applicants are available on my Department’s website.
Contact with successful Category 1 applicants is underway and once funding agreements are signed and all due diligence has been carried out in respect of the grants, 90% of the funding award will be transferred to groups/organisations so they can get started with their work. The final 10% will be paid on certified completion. Any queries in relation to the funding should be directed to ccif@drcd.gov.ie.
56. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development her plans to increase grants and funding to community centres and halls to help them transition to more sustainable energy methods and help pay for increased energy costs. [62331/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government is aware of the challenges facing community and voluntary organisations and I was delighted to secure €20 million in funding under Budget 2023 to continue the Community Centres Investment Fund. This builds on the €15 million which was announced under the fund in 2022.
Funding was available for capital works such as, energy retrofitting, new windows, doors and heating systems. It is intended that the 2023 fund will be targeted for new build community centres as well as upgrades and improvements to existing centres. The details of this scheme are currently being developed by officials within my Department and I hope to announce further details in quarter 1 of 2023.
I also launched the Community Support Fund with funding of €10 million on 18th November this year. This is a new fund, under the Community Enhancement Programme, designed to assist community groups with rising energy costs.
The fund will deliver grants to help groups with running costs such as electricity bills and insurance costs. Groups can also use the funding to carry out small upgrade or refurbishment works and for the purchase of equipment which supports their activities such as laptops and printers, training equipment, tables, chairs etc. Groups should contact their local LCDC for details on the application process.
Separately, the Community and Voluntary Energy Support Scheme (CVESS), administered by Pobal on behalf of my Department, will provide once-off energy supports to organisations within the community and voluntary sector which fall outside the parameters of other energy support schemes being delivered by Government.
CVESS will support incorporated C&V sector organisations (i.e. those incorporated as CLGs or Co-Operatives) and/or registered charities. While applications for Phase 1 closed on 2nd December, I can confirm that my department has streamlined the process for a further round of the scheme, which is now open. Eligible organisations who missed the deadline for Phase One may also apply under Phase Two, with applications remaining open until 20th January 2023.
Further details on all funding streams can be found on my Department's website www.gov.ie/drcd.
57. Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the number of Ukrainian refugees that are being supported by her Department by county; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [61796/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department has responsibility for the Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme (SICAP) 2018 – 2023 that provides funding to tackle poverty and social exclusion at a local level through local engagement and partnerships between disadvantaged individuals, community organisations and public sector agencies. SICAP is delivered by 46 Local Development Companies (LDCs) across 51 Geographic Lot areas. The 2023 allocation for SICAP is €44.3m, an increase of 3% for each SICAP Lot area over the 2022 allocation.
Since the start of this crisis, flexibility has been offered by my Department in relation to SICAP so that its some 600 community development workers can contribute locally in responding to the needs of the people from Ukraine to help them settle in and engage with local communities.
I am delighted that my Department secured additional funding of €10m for SICAP in 2023 to allow Local Development Companies to continue their work to support arrivals from Ukraine. This follows an allocation of €5m in 2022 for that work.
The allocation model recommended for this additional €10m allocation is based on the estimated number of arrivals from Ukraine by SICAP Lot Area as of September 2022, using CSO data.
As of 19th December 2022, SICAP has supported:
- 4,572 individuals (KPI 2) with Ukrainian nationality
- 45 Local Community Groups (KPI 1) that refer to Ukraine in their name
- 8,352 people through 195 group events that refer to Ukraine in their description
- 6,214 children/parents through 100 children and family activities that refer to Ukraine in their description
Please see breakdown by county in the table as follows:
|
County |
No. of Individuals (KPI 2) |
No. of LCGs (KPI 1) |
No. of Group Events |
No. of Participants |
No. of Children & Family Activities |
No. of Participants |
|
Carlow |
168 |
0 |
60 |
624 |
0 |
0 |
|
Cavan |
243 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Clare |
18 |
3 |
18 |
1064 |
3 |
123 |
|
Cork |
1028 |
6 |
6 |
610 |
5 |
311 |
|
Donegal |
143 |
0 |
3 |
58 |
0 |
0 |
|
Dublin |
444 |
2 |
23 |
1724 |
18 |
1567 |
|
Galway |
67 |
0 |
3 |
190 |
1 |
50 |
|
Kerry |
139 |
0 |
6 |
189 |
0 |
0 |
|
Kildare |
40 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Kilkenny |
88 |
0 |
4 |
1021 |
1 |
167 |
|
Laois |
57 |
0 |
2 |
135 |
0 |
0 |
|
Leitrim |
152 |
1 |
4 |
365 |
5 |
168 |
|
Limerick |
94 |
0 |
10 |
318 |
25 |
1368 |
|
Longford |
56 |
4 |
7 |
110 |
0 |
0 |
|
Louth |
180 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Mayo |
61 |
1 |
14 |
402 |
23 |
1416 |
|
Meath |
261 |
1 |
1 |
50 |
0 |
0 |
|
Monaghan |
2 |
3 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Offaly |
48 |
8 |
6 |
264 |
0 |
0 |
|
Roscommon |
62 |
0 |
5 |
129 |
0 |
0 |
|
Sligo |
119 |
0 |
1 |
66 |
5 |
169 |
|
Tipperary |
175 |
8 |
5 |
281 |
1 |
14 |
|
Waterford |
137 |
0 |
2 |
23 |
1 |
144 |
|
Westmeath |
399 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Wexford |
114 |
6 |
6 |
66 |
4 |
347 |
|
Wicklow |
277 |
0 |
8 |
663 |
8 |
370 |
|
Total |
4572 |
45 |
195 |
8352 |
100 |
6214 |
It is acknowledged that there may be inconsistencies with the reporting of this data and it may not necessarily present a full representation of SICAP work with the Ukrainian community due to time constraints and the urgency of the response since the crisis began. It is anticipated that there will be a more comprehensive picture of the SICAP supports as the data processes for supports to Ukrainians become more embedded and the annual progress reports are submitted at the end of the year.
The Ukrainian crisis is an evolving situation, with people occasionally moving from one part of the country to another. My Department will engage with LDCs to review the situation during the year, with a view to identifying allocations to be adjusted in line with the needs of each LDC where necessary.
