Written Answers Nos. 687-708
690. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will provide an update on a REAP scheme payment (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10962/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe person named was approved for the Results-Based Environment-Agri Pilot Project (REAP) with a contract commencement date of 1st January 2021. To date payments have issued for REAP to this herd for 2021.
As part of the conditions of the project, the scores allocated to a selection of herds must be re-assessed. This herd was selected for re-assessment. It has been confirmed that the processing of the 2022 REAP payment for the person named is now at an advanced stage and we expect payment to issue shortly.
Administrative checks take place on all REAP claims. All cases must clear validation checks before payment can issue. REAP payments are continuing on a weekly basis as applications pass all validation checks and are approved for payment.
691. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will address concerns that there is only a single factory (details supplied) providing a slaughtering service for grass-fed organic cattle in Ireland; if he agrees that such a de facto monopoly is anti-competitive for farmers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11050/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine is the competent authority responsible for the enforcement of official controls to ensure compliance with EU rules on food and feed hygiene at meat processing establishments under its supervision.
The enterprise mentioned by the Deputy is a private company and the number of food business operators providing approved slaughter activities is entirely a commercial matter.
The number of organic livestock farmers in Ireland continues to grow with over two thousand farmers converting to organic principles under contracts which commenced at the start of 2023. The slaughtering of organic beef is open to all processing facilities and it is expected that, in time, other enterprises will apply for approval to process organic beef to meet supply and demand in the market.
If anyone has concerns regarding the anti-competitive nature of any industry, I advise them to contact the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission which is an independent statutory body responsible for promoting compliance with, and enforcing, competition and consumer protection law in Ireland.
692. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will re-examine the rules excluding robotic farmers for the proposed new TAMS farm equipment grant-aid (details supplied). [11065/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThrough TAMS 3, I believe we have delivered a hugely exciting scheme that will deliver for farmers, for the entire agri-food sector and the wider rural economy over the next number of years. I have assigned €370m for TAMS between 2023 and 2027 with a strong focus on supporting this as well as subsequent generation of farmers.
There are, as the Deputy will be aware, exciting new developments for dairy farmers including higher grant aids of solar panels as well as a range of labour saving items.
TAMS 3 is a hugely exciting scheme with approximately 100 new investment items available to farm families compared to TAMS 2. There are now in the region of 300 investment items in TAMS 3.
I have introduced some changes to TAMS under TAMS 3 to continue to align it with overall agriculture and environmental priorities.
- For applications under the Dairy Equipment Capital Investment Scheme, Women Farmers Capital Investment Scheme and Organic Capital Investment Scheme, applicants may apply for up to 10 milking units in a herringbone parlour, or one robotic milking machine, if they have less than 120 cows on average over the year preceding the making of an application.
- For applicants under the Young Farmer Capital Investment Scheme (YFCIS) and also for registered farm partnerships involving a young farmer, the limit on cow numbers for the preceding year is set at 160 dairy cows. For those applicants under the YFCIS who have between 121 and 160 cows, there will be a requirement that they may not increase cow numbers for five years following payment of grant-aid on the milking machine.
- I can also confirm that the limit relates only to the milking machine investments and does not apply to any other investments under any of the 10 Targeted Agricultural Modernisation Schemes (TAMS 3) that are being put in place.
As part of the discussion with the Commission in relation to the CAP strategic plan, they sought that all investments must be focused on green investments, which are environmental, animal welfare and biodiversity related investments.
Additionally, Ireland’s SWOT Analysis and Needs Assessment for the CAP strategic plan identified the need to increase environmental efficiency in the agricultural sector through on farm investment and the adoption of new technologies; the need to support young farmers in accessing finance so they are in a better position to invest in and develop their farm enterprise; and the need to improve animal health and welfare, and farm safety on farms.
Furthermore, in our view this helps to ensure that TAMS 3 is better aligned with government priorities of delivering environmental public good outputs and is consistent with other policies that are trying to improve the sustainability of our dairy herd such as changes in Nitrates regulations.
Put in context of the overall investment list available to dairy farmers; it is important to acknowledge that a milking machine is only one item from a list extending more than 300 items.
In addition to the investments being carried over from TAMS II there is a wide range of additional investments being introduced for farmers, including farm roadways, bovine fencing, health and fertility monitoring systems, automatic drafting systems, public road underpasses and milk recording systems, to name just a few.
To this end, TAMS is designed to encourage farmers to invest in these animal welfare and environmentally beneficial investments before investing in additional milking equipment.
693. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will review the prescribed Burning Code of Practice. [11082/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe burning of vegetation is controlled by the Wildlife Acts. Individuals who are found to burn vegetation within that prohibited period are liable to prosecution by An Garda Síochána or by the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS).
My Department has no role in enforcement of this legislation. However, the Code of Best Practice for Prescribed Burning – Ireland was first published by my Department in 2012.
The code provides practical guidance for farmers and other landowners to plan and prepare a safe burning of vegetation that is legally compliant. Given the time elapsed and developments in legislation and the practice and management of upland vegetation during this time, I have asked my Dept. to review of this document. I am aware that there is also a need a provide guidance to landowners who may not wish to use fire to manage vegetation and to provide guidance on a wider set of options to manage upland vegetation.
694. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the steps he is taking in response to illegal land burning which occurred in Cork south-west in recent days. [11083/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraUncontrolled burning is a serious matter which puts lives and property at risk as well as having a massive environmental impact.
Under Section 40 of the Wildlife Act, 1976, as amended by the Wildlife (Amendment) Act 2000, growing vegetation cannot be burned between 1st March and 31st August of any given year (the closed period), on any land not yet cultivated.
Burning of agricultural lands and the Regulations (Wildlife Act) that relate to this are the responsibility of the National Parks and Wildlife Services (NPWS), which are part of the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage.
From the perspective of my Department, any agricultural lands that have been burned during the closed period, or which have been burned in an uncontrolled manner in the open period, will be deemed ineligible for all area-based payments made by my Department.
With regard to recent fire events, an investigation has commenced, with the area of burnt land being identified and quantified, with the aid of satellite imagery. The Department will review the Basic Income Support Scheme (BISS) applications submitted in respect of these land parcels in the affected areas. The deadline for applications for 2023 schemes is 29th May and where individuals claim these burnt areas for payment, these applicants will be notified of their non-compliance.
Where an applicant submits clear evidence to demonstrate that they are not responsible, my Department may consider removing any penalties or, in duly justified situations the lands may be considered eligible under Force Majeure.
695. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when the new round of TAMS grants will be open for applications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11117/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraTAMS 3 provides funding for capital investments on farms and will be in place for five years with a budget of €370 million.
TAMS 3 will include 10 schemes:- Solar Capital Investment Scheme (SCIS), Animal Welfare and Nutrient Storage Scheme (AWNSSS), Pig and Poultry Investment Scheme (PPIS), Dairy Equipment Scheme (DES), Low Emissions Slurry Scheme (LESS), Organic Capital Investment Scheme (OCIS), Farm Safety Capital Investment Scheme (FSCIS), Tillage Capital Investment Scheme (TCIS), Young Farmers Capital Investment Scheme (YFCIS), Women Farmers Capital Investment Scheme (WFCIS).
The first TAMS 3 Scheme- the Solar Capital Investment Scheme opened for applications on 22nd February 2023. The remaining Schemes will be opened on a phased basis during March, April and May 2023. The terms and conditions of each scheme will be published prior to the launch date.
It is anticipated that the first Tranche for all schemes will close on 16th June 2023. The scheme does not operate on a first come first served basis and all applications will go through a ranking and selection process after the closing date.
696. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when the 2023 horticultural grants will be opened for applications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11149/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Scheme of Investment Aid for the Development of the Commercial Horticulture Sector provides support to the horticulture sector in the form of grant aid for capital investments in specialised plant and equipment.
The Scheme is subject to EU Guidelines for State Aid in the Agricultural and Forestry Sector and in Rural Areas (Agricultural Guidelines).
New Agricultural Guidelines came into force on 1st January 2023. As a result, my Department had to notify the Scheme of Investment Aid for the Development of the Commercial Horticulture Sector to the EU Commission under these new Agricultural Guidelines. The required notification was submitted in early January and my Department is currently awaiting approval from the EU Commission which has resulted in the delayed opening of the 2023 Scheme.
Once approval is received, my Department will launch the 2023 Scheme without delay as we recognise the importance of Scheme to the horticulture sector and the importance of the sector itself to the rural economy.
697. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the last time a vet from his Department inspected horses engaged in sulky racing in Cork city. [11159/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe use of sulkies on public roads specifically, as with the use of all vehicles, including animal-drawn vehicles, is governed by the relevant provisions of the Roads and Road Traffic Acts. The practice of holding unauthorised races of any kind, including sulky races, on public roads which are open to traffic is dangerous. The Roads Act 1993 requires anyone intending to hold, organise or promote a road race to give at least one month's notice in writing to the road authority and to the Garda Síochána. The road authority may then prohibit or impose conditions on such races. Anyone who contravenes the requirement to give, or such prohibition or conditions is guilty of an offence.
Road racing without a written submission to the Garda Síochána as laid down in the Roads Act 1993 is illegal. Department veterinary inspectors do not attend these events or inspect the horses involved. Enforcement of the provisions of the Roads Act with regard to both authorised and unauthorised races is a matter for the Garda Síochána.
Enforcement of these provisions, as with law enforcement generally, is a matter for the Garda Síochána, in addition to the Road Traffic Acts, local authorities also have powers under the Control of Horses Act, 1996 to introduce by-laws regulating activities involving horses in their respective functional areas.
In considering the animal welfare perspective, the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013 provides robust and wide-ranging protection for all animals. This includes horses and ponies used in racing of any sort, including on roads. Horse owners or keepers who allow harm to come to the animals in their care will have committed an offence under this Act. Anyone employing animals for any purpose, including sulky drivers, must also comply with the Act, which prohibits a person from carrying out any activity in a manner that causes unnecessary pain and suffering or endangerment to the health or welfare of an animal in their control.
The Department operates a confidential animal welfare helpline through which members of the public can report incidents of animal cruelty or neglect for investigation. Incidents of alleged neglect or cruelty will be investigated by the Department and appropriate actions, up to and including prosecution?n, may be taken.
The dedicated e-mail address and Helpline in place for reporting suspected cases of animal welfare are:
Helpline Phone No: 01 607 2379
email: animalwelfare@agriculture.gov.ie
698. Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will clarify the situation regarding grant aid for dairy equipment under TAMS as it relates to young farmers who are over five years established but are still under 40-years and involved in a farm partnership; if the 160 cow threshold applies in this case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11236/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraFor an applicant to qualify as a Young Farmer they must be more than 18 years and under 41 years of age at the date of submitting the application form and meet the requirements of set up for the first time within five years of the date of receipt of an application. Date of set up means the earliest of the following dates:
- date of joining a Teagasc Milk Production Partnership or Department Registered Farm Partnership;
- date of application for registering as a sole or joint user of a herd number/other Department identifier
If an applicant does not meet either of these requirements then they would not qualify as a Young Farmer as per the terms and conditions of the scheme and so the 160 cow threshold would be set at 120 cows as per the other categories of applicants.
699. Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will clarify the situation with regard to aid under TAMS for dairy equipment; if he will outline the methodology being used by his Department when counting cow numbers on an individual herd; if he accepts that ICBF milk recording data is acceptable evidence and a reliable methodology, as reliance on herd number data could include culled cows; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11249/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThrough TAMS 3, I believe we have delivered a hugely exciting scheme that will deliver for farmers, for the entire agri-food sector and the wider rural economy over the next number of years. I have assigned €370m for TAMS between 2023 and 2027 with a strong focus on supporting this as well as subsequent generation of farmers. There are, as the Deputy will be aware, exciting new developments for dairy farmers including higher grant aids of solar panels as well as a range of labour saving items.
TAMS 3 is a hugely exciting scheme with approximately 100 new investment items available to farm families compared to TAMS 2. There are now in the region of 300 investment items in TAMS 3.
For applications under the Dairy Equipment Capital Investment Scheme, Women Farmers Capital Investment Scheme and Organic Capital Investment Scheme, applicants may apply for up to 10 milking units in a herringbone parlour, or one robotic milking machine, if they have less than 120 cows on average over the year preceding the making of an application.
For applicants under the Young Farmer Capital Investment Scheme (YFCIS) and also for registered farm partnerships involving a young farmer, the limit on cow numbers for the preceding year is set at 160 dairy cows. For those applicants under the YFCIS who have between 121 and 160 cows, there will be a requirement that they may not increase cow numbers for five years following payment of grant-aid on the milking machine. I can also confirm that the limit relates only to the milking machine investments and does not apply to any other investments under any of the 10 Targeted Agricultural Modernisation Schemes (TAMS 3) that are being put in place. Over 78% of dairy herds will remain eligible to apply for milking machine investments under the 120 cow ceiling, based on 2021 data and the average dairy herd has 90 dairy cows.
The dairy cow numbers for TAMS 3 are to be calculated in the same manner as for Nitrates. A dairy cow is counted as a dairy cow from when she first calves until she leaves the holding. The calculations are based on the average daily cow numbers for the year preceding application.
700. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his Department supports the use of gender-neutral pronouns in the drafting of legislation or policies initiated by or originating in his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11264/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can confirm that my Department supports the use of gender-neutral pronouns in the drafting of legislation wherever possible.
701. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he is aware and has contacted the HSE with regard to the use of heavy machinery in Priority Annex 1 habitat and the felling of trees in south woods in Merlin Woods, Galway City; how this complies with the EU Habitats Directive (article 6.2); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11356/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe area of Merlin Park, Galway falls within an Urban Area, under the remit of Galway City Council. Under Section 19 of the Forestry Act 2014, tree felling in an urban area is one on the instances where a tree felling licence is not required to fell trees. This would therefore appear to be a matter for Galway City Council. Finally, I understand the NPWS are aware of the situation.
702. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will provide an update on work towards achieving the SDG targets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11427/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the United Nations is a significant and ambitious framework. A whole-of-Government approach to its implementation has been taken in Ireland. My Department is a lead on the following five SDGs:
- Goal 2: Zero Hunger
- Goal 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
- Goal 14: Life below Water
- Goal 15: Life on Land
- Goal 17: Partnerships for the Goals
Ireland’s Second National Implementation Plan for the Sustainable Development Goals, 2022 – 2024, was published in October 2022. The Plan was developed by the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications in collaboration with all Government Departments, key stakeholders, and based on input from two public consultation processes. A key objective of the Plan is to achieve greater policy coherence for Sustainable Development with the aim of accelerating achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) at all levels of Government.
The Plan is supplemented by two supporting documents: an SDG policy map which identifies the lead Departments and relevant national policies for each of the 169 SDG targets; and a Policy Update document which provides policy updates for each of the SDG targets. These documents are available at: www.gov.ie/sdgs
The Central Statistics Office, in collaboration with all Government Departments, has prepared as series of statistical publications which monitor and report on how Ireland is progressing towards meeting its targets under the 17 SDGs. Reports are available for SDGs 1 – 16 and can be found at: www.cso.ie/en/statistics/unsustainabledevelopmentgoals
Ireland will present its second Voluntary National Review (VNR) to the United Nations High-Level Political Forum in July 2023. The VNR report will comprise a high-level data section and a more detailed appendix reporting on progress in respect of achieving the SDGs and related targets.
Food Vision 2030, Ireland's shared agri-food strategy, cross-references the SDGs to 22 Goals across its four high-level missions. The Food Vision 2030 Implementation Plan aligns the missions and goals with specific SDG targets, putting food system transformation at the centre of the agri-food sector’s commitment to help realise the SDGs by 2030.
The SDGs are also referenced in my Department's Statement of Strategy 2021-2024.
703. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the progress made regarding costs associated with pre-movement and post-movement TB testing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11504/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs part of the work of the TB Forum, a dedicated Financial Working Group comprising representatives from my Department and the farming organisations had been set up to review the current financial model of the TB programme.
The Financial Working Group has reached agreement on changes to the TB compensation schemes and the funding of these schemes under the TB programme as well as support as a transitional measure towards the implementation of Animal Health Law requirements for 2023.
In addition to previously published arrangements in relation to the introduction of Animal Health Law on 1st February 2023, a once-off contribution of up to €70 will be provided to breeding herds in 2023 who need to carry out required necessary additional testing on cows of any age or males over 36 months moved from one breeding herd to another breeding herd.
A breeding herd is defined as a herd with a birth registered in 2023.
704. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the policy with regard to registered PV installers subcontracting the installation, commissioning and signing off of the installation of TAMS aided PV solar systems to persons or companies not registered with his Department or with the SEAI; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11532/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraA PV installer subcontracting the installation, commissioning and signing off of the installation of TAMS grant aided PV solar systems to persons or companies not registered with his Department invalidates the TAMS approval.
This is for individual installations and a TAMS grant will not be paid to the applicant. This is the case even where persons or companies are registered with the SEAI; my Department operates its own registered list independent of the SEAI registered list and it is a prerequisite that installers are on my Department's registered list in order to qualify the TAMS application for solar.
Safety of the facilities, both at installation phase and for subsequent use by the farmer is of paramount importance and this is evident in the various technical specifications, not least specification S198 - Minimum Specification for the Installation of Solar PV Systems. All relevant electrical and structural standards are prescribed in this specification.
Furthermore the solar PV installer is required to sign off on a testing and commissioning report that confirms that the system is ready for electricity generation in a safe manner in line with the latest electrical standards applicable. In addition, the provision of an ETCI certificate by a Safe Electric registered electrician for the works completed is required. This certification process monitors the quality of electrical work completed.
705. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine further to Parliamentary Question No. 662 of 24 January 2023, to outline the way in which the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland monitors his Department's registered solar PV installers as outlined in his response; the further role, if any, that the SEAI has in respect of TAMS grant aided solar PV installations on farm buildings especially in relation to safety and standards; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11533/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) does not monitor my Department's registered solar PV installers list per se, rather it monitors its own registered solar PV installers list. Effectively almost all of the companies and businesses on my Department’s registered list are also on the SEAI registered solar PV installers list.
The monitoring process employed by the SEAI on their approved list is a matter for my colleague, the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications.
706. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he accepts that the Forestry Service needs to supplement the income for foresters, in light of the fact that the Forestry Service is not accepting grant-aided applications or issuing new approvals for forestry schemes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11547/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Deputy will be aware that the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine is involved in intensive discussions with the EU Commission to secure state aid approval for the ambitious and attractive forestry programme. I am also acutely aware of the pressures some foresters are currently experiencing. It is crucially important that there are registered foresters available to help us deliver on our ambitious planting targets once the new Forestry Programme receives its State Aid approval from the EU Commission.
My Department has been working with the industry to explore solutions to these temporary problems. Minister of State Hackett met with the pillar banks this week where support for the forestry sector was emphasised. The Department is focused on maximising the volume of work available while ensuring prompt payment for work completed. To this end we have reviewed all options available and have introduced a suite of measures to assist in this regard.
- All applications that are in the system are being worked on and processed in the normal manner, progressing to the point just before certification and approval. The aim is to have all the work done on as many grant aid files as possible so that approvals will be ready to issue as soon as the state aid approval is granted. These sites would then be immediately available to commence.
- I launched the Interim DeMinimis scheme for afforestation and roads to help bridge the lacuna between the old and new Forestry Programmes. As you are aware, there are 1,023 approved afforestation licences with 7,591 ha ready for planting and to date nearly 1,1120 hectares have been approved for planting under the Interim De Minimis scheme as well as 12.333 metres of forest roads. We are continuing to receive and process such applications each day and have worked with the industry to ensure that this work can be carried out as expeditiously as possible.
- I also will be launching an interim scheme for the reconstitution of some 228 approved files for 728 Hectares of ash. This scheme will have attractive additional features which will enable work to commence on those sites.
- Applications for Forestry payments are being processed and expedited by my Department while updates to the IT systems are being made to ensure that the new programme can be implemented when state aid approval is received.
707. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine whether his Department has been asked by Galway County Council to take part in a committee with the Council and his Department to examine the development of a pier (details supplied) that is part owned by the Council and his Department which is used as a ferry and cargo port to two islands; when a decision will be made on this request; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11549/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department’s understanding is that Galway County Council was to set up a Steering Committee to oversee any future development in Cleggan Harbour and to date this committee still has not been convened. My Department has responsibility for the upkeep and maintenance of a small number of specific piers, lights and beacons throughout Ireland, which were constructed under the auspices of the ex-Congested Districts Board. In addition my Department has responsibility for infrastructural works it carried out under the Marine Works (Ireland) Act 1902, some works at Cleggan Pier being part of this. Galway County Council is responsible for the non 1902 Act infrastructure at Cleggan Harbour.
I am however pleased to advise that in relation to funding under the Brexit Adjustment Local Authority Marine Infrastructure Scheme 2022-2023, Galway County Council applied for funding to repair the Palfinger crane at Cleggan Pier and I have approved €38,000 for this project. The scheme under which this project is approved is proposed for funding under the EU Brexit Adjustment Reserve.
708. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development her plans to ensure the viability and sustainability of towns and villages in rural Ireland that have lost or are losing the local post office such as Borris, County Carlow; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11241/23]
Amharc ar fhreagra‘Our Rural Future’, Ireland's Rural Development Policy 2021 – 2025 creates an overarching vision for a thriving rural Ireland which is integral to our national economic, social, cultural and environmental wellbeing and development. Additionally in February of last year the 'Town Centre First' Policy was published, a major cross-government policy that aims to tackle vacancy, combat dereliction and breathe new life into our town centres.
While responsibility for the postal sector rests with the Department of Environment, Climate, and Communications, the above policies represent the Government's blueprint to ensure the viability and sustainability of rural towns and villages.
My Department's mission is to promote rural and community development and to support vibrant, inclusive and sustainable communities throughout Ireland. We do this by delivering a wide range of strategic interventions and investments throughout the country. In 2022 my Department had a budget allocation of €379 million which supported rural and community development, including through investment in infrastructure and initiatives assisting the retention and attraction of jobs throughout the regions. This will continue in 2023.
The Town and Village Renewal Scheme is one such measure that supports the revitalisation of rural Ireland. Last year, I was delighted to confirm a total funding package of €28.5m across the various strands of the Town and Village Renewal Scheme to support a wide range of projects across rural Ireland.
The Rural Regeneration and Development Fund has an allocation of €60m for 2023. To date, 215 projects have been approved for funding of €395 million for projects costing €542 million throughout rural Ireland.
The Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme is another important area of investment with an allocation for 2023 of €16 million. The allocation for this Scheme has increased year on year since 2020, and the projects funded will be key enablers of the recently launched National Outdoor Recreation Strategy, Embracing Ireland's Outdoors.
Similarly, I was delighted to introduce significant new supports for the development of community centres across the country last year, while the CLÁR programme and the Local Improvement Scheme continue to deliver important projects in rural communities across the country each year.
Scheme priorities are reviewed at the end of each scheme year and this process is at an advanced stage in respect of planning for our 2023 schemes. As part of this process, I am anxious to ensure that the range of schemes offered by my Department continue to be structured in a way that ensures clear coherence, shows alignment with key policies such as Our Rural Future and the Town Centre First policy, and that delivers real and tangible benefits for communities. Scheduling of scheme announcements for 2023 is currently under review by my officials and I expect to be in a position to announce details of my Department's rural regeneration schemes shortly.
