Seán Sherlock
Ceist:103. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the status of the National Outdoor Recreation Strategy. [19388/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraDepartmental Strategies
Ceisteanna (103)
Freagraí scríofa
Embracing Ireland’s Outdoors, the new National Outdoor Recreation Strategy 2023-2027, was launched last November. The Strategy was developed in collaboration with Comhairle na Tuaithe and is a collaborative cross-Government, stakeholder-led strategy. It reflects the views of stakeholders, the public and the whole of Government and it sets the stage to strengthen and support the sustainable development of the outdoor recreation sector in Ireland for years to come.
Embracing Ireland’s Outdoors will ensure that there is a joined up and coordinated approach to deliver maximum impact from the significant investment in the sector and to build on the natural advantages in place. The Strategy also aims to increase the number of people active in the outdoors, especially young people and under-represented groups, and to foster a greater understanding of how to enjoy the outdoors responsibly.
Better planning and development of outdoor recreation infrastructure will be embedded through the Strategy implementation. This will lead to enhanced protection of the environment and will be in keeping with best practice management of landscape and habitats.
The implementation of Embracing Ireland's Outdoors is being led by my Department and Sport Ireland and progress will be overseen by Comhairle na Tuaithe. A Strategy Implementation and Oversight Group has been established. The Group is meeting later this month to review the progress to date under the Strategy.
Rural Recreation Policy
Ceisteanna (104)
Éamon Ó Cuív
Ceist:104. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the progress made since 2008 in extending the mountain access scheme beyond Binn Shléibhe in Connemara and the MacGillycuddy Reeks; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18200/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Embracing Ireland’s Outdoors, the new National Outdoor Recreation Strategy 2023-2027, was launched in November 2022. It was developed in collaboration with Comhairle na Tuaithe and is a collaborative cross-Government, stakeholder-led strategy. It reflects the views of stakeholders, the public and the whole of Government and it sets the stage to strengthen and support the sustainable development of the outdoor recreation sector in Ireland for years to come.
Embracing Ireland's Outdoors has committed to enhancing access to outdoor recreation amenities, including the expansion of the Mountain Access Project to other uplands areas. My Department and Comhairle na Tuaithe are currently developing guidance for the Mountain Access Project to aid other local groups in the management of key upland areas using good practice models. These guidelines are to be finalised later this year. Following this, it is proposed to commence the expansion of the Mountain Access Project at the end of 2023.
A further commitment under Embracing Ireland's Outdoors will see the piloting of an Upland Recreation Scheme, similar in nature to the Walks Scheme, which will be rolled out through the Mountain Access Project in 2024.
Departmental Funding
Ceisteanna (105)
Michael Ring
Ceist:105. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if she plans to introduce a non-vehicle related capital funding programme for first responder groups such as groups providing defibrillators in the community; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19149/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
My Department does not operate a dedicated fund for first responder groups and there are currently no plans to introduce a specific capital fund dedicated to this purpose.
However, some of my Department's programmes fund the purchase of capital equipment such as through the Community Enhancement Programme (CEP). This programme provides small grants to community groups to enhance facilities in disadvantaged areas.
The 2022 Community Support Fund (CSF) under the Community Enhancement Programme was launched in November 2022, with funding of €10 million to assist thousands of community groups across the country. The funding is administered on behalf of my Department locally by Local Community Development Committees (LCDCs) across the country, with support from their Local Authority.
The fund covered the purchase of equipment (such as defibrillators). The Community Support Fund is now closed to applicants and details of successful projects will be published on my Department’s website www.gov.ie/drcd, in the coming weeks. It is hoped to run another CEP later in 2023, however, details of this programme are not yet confirmed.
The LEADER Programme is also a source of funding for rural areas and the purchase of community defibrillators may be eligible for LEADER funding. Groups should contact their Local Action Group to determine eligibility.
Island Communities
Ceisteanna (106)
Catherine Connolly
Ceist:106. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development further to Parliamentary Question No. 5 of 23 February 2023, the date on which the new policy for the islands will be published; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19312/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As the Deputy will be aware, the Government is committed to publishing an islands policy, in line with the Programme for Government commitment and commitments made in Our Rural Future.
I received the initial draft of the policy before Christmas, and since then officials from my Department have engaged intensively with colleagues across Government Departments and agencies to agree firm commitments for the policy and its accompanying action plan.
I am pleased to say that the policy and accompanying action plan is now nearing completion and I expect to present it to Government for approval in the coming weeks.
Island Communities
Ceisteanna (107)
Éamon Ó Cuív
Ceist:107. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development when the long-promised policy for the islands will be published; whether this policy will address the high costs of motoring for islanders many of whom have to maintain two cars, one on the island and one on the mainland; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18288/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As the Deputy will be aware, the Government is committed to publishing an islands policy, in line with the Programme for Government commitment and commitments made in Our Rural Future.
The process of developing the policy has taken longer than I would have liked, however I am determined to take the time necessary to get it right.
I received an initial draft of the policy before Christmas and, since then, officials from my Department have been engaging very intensively with colleagues across all Government Departments and agencies to tie down firm commitments and agree robust actions to be taken over the next three years.
I am pleased to say that the policy and accompanying action plan is now nearing completion and I expect to present it to Government for approval in the coming weeks.
Matters pertaining to the cost of motoring do not fall under the remit of my Department, and are a matter for the Department of Transport. The Deputy will be aware that a number of concessions already exist for island vehicles, such as a reduced rate of motor tax and an exemption from the NCT.
Departmental Funding
Ceisteanna (108)
Claire Kerrane
Ceist:108. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if she will provide an update on engagement her Department has had with the Department for Transport on securing joint funding for the local improvement scheme, considering the consistent demand for the scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19348/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
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, which I view as an important issue for rural Ireland, 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. Since 2017, my Department has allocated almost €114 million to the scheme. This has upgraded some 3,700 non-public roads and lanes benefiting over 16,000 landowners and residents in these rural areas.
I launched the 2023 scheme earlier this month with an increase in the base funding to €12 million. I also announced an addition €0.55 million for improvement works on our off shore Islands. This is the third consecutive year in which the basic allocation for the Local Improvement Scheme has been increased. I also announced the allocations for 2023 earlier than was the case in 2022 in order to give local authorities the most time possible to complete works on the ground.
I will continue to closely monitor expenditure patterns this year in my Department and should savings emerge, I will give consideration to again allocating additional funding to the scheme as was seen in 2021 and 2022.
Conscious of the level of interest in the scheme, I have corresponded with the Department of Transport and continue to engage with my colleague, the Minister for Transport, regarding the potential for his Department to contribute jointly to the funding of the Local Improvement Scheme which would demonstrate a strong and coherent commitment across Government to supporting rural dwellers.
Question No. 109 answered with Question No. 63.
Question No. 110 answered with Question No. 57.
Regeneration Projects
Ceisteanna (111)
Brian Leddin
Ceist:111. Deputy Brian Leddin asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the steps her Department is taking to collaborate with the LDA and Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage to support the Town Centre First Policy Objectives in the developments it is involved with in towns with a population over 10,000 people, as outlined in action 9 of the Town Centre First policy; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19381/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Town Centre First Policy is a major cross-government policy that supports the objectives of Our Rural Future by aiming at tackling vacancy, combating dereliction and breathing new life into our town centres. It applies to a wide range of towns of all sizes, from village and small towns to large towns with a population of over 10,000.
A National Town Centre First Office has now been established within the Local Government Management Agency with an initial 3-year work programme to drive Town Centre First actions and coordinate stakeholder engagement at a national level and across the local government sector.
My Department co-chairs the National Oversight and Advisory Group for the policy with the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage. This Group oversees the delivery of the policy and ensures there is clear stakeholder visibility in relation to implementation. The Group met for the first time in December and is due to meet again this week.
Central to the Town Centre First approach is the range of Governmental funding in place to support towns and villages, including the Urban Regeneration and Development Fund which specifically supports projects in towns with a population over 10,000 people.
The Land Development Agency has already been identified as stakeholder that can play an important role in the delivery of TCF and is already actively engaging with Local Authorities and other State bodies to identify the potential for reuse of vacant and underutilised State lands for residential purposes. My Department will continue engagement with the LDA to progress Action 9 as part of the broader TCF work programme.
Departmental Programmes
Ceisteanna (112)
Alan Dillon
Ceist:112. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the types of work eligible for support under the CLÁR Programme in 2023; if upgrades to astro turf pitches and improvements to spectator stands at sports grounds are eligible for funding under this year's programme; the closing date for applications in County Mayo; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19133/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The CLÁR Programme provides funding under a number of different measures for small-scale infrastructural projects in designated rural areas that have experienced significant levels of depopulation over a defined period.
Since the CLÁR Programme was relaunched in 2016, it has supported a wide range of measures. Funding of over €57 million has been approved for almost 2,100 projects since its relaunch.
I launched CLÁR 2023 on 29 March 2023 and the measures to be funded are:
• Developing Community Facilities and Amenities (Measure 1)
• Mobility, Cancer Care and Community First Responders Transport (Measure 2)
• ‘Our Islands’ (Measure 3)
Measure 1 of the CLÁR Programme includes funding for upgrades to astro-turf pitches and improvements to spectator stands at local sports grounds.
The Measure is being administered at a local level by the local authorities. Up to 15 project applications may be selected by the local authority for consideration by my Department. All local authorities, including Mayo County Council, are due to submit their applications to my Department by 6th June 2023.
Question No. 113 answered with Question No. 61.
Question No. 114 answered with Question No. 56.
Departmental Funding
Ceisteanna (115)
Pádraig O'Sullivan
Ceist:115. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the level of funding drawn down for local improvements schemes in County Cork for 2022; if all funding allocated to Cork County Council under the scheme for 2022 was drawn down; if not, if moneys will be available to draw down in addition to the 2023 allocation to Cork County Council; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19329/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
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, which I view as an important issue for rural Ireland, 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. Since 2017, my Department has allocated almost €114 million to the scheme. This has upgraded some 3,700 non-public roads and lanes benefiting over 16,000 landowners and residents in these rural areas.
Between 2017 and 2022, almost €7.4 million was provided to County Cork which has resulted in improvement works taking place on 186 roads benefitting landowners and residents in these rural areas.
Cork was allocated a total of €1,298,240 in 2022. It expended a total of €1,173,997 resulting in an underspend of €124,243 which was returned to the exchequer and will not be available as additional funding for 2023. This year €1,065,151 has been allocated to Cork for improvement works, including an Island allocation of €140,000, bringing the total allocation to County Cork since 2017 to just over €8.4 million.
I launched the 2023 scheme earlier this month with an increase in the base funding to €12 million. I also announced an addition €0.55 million for improvement works on our off shore Islands. This is the third consecutive year where the basic allocation for the Scheme has been increased. I also announced the allocations for 2023 earlier than was the case in 2022, in order to give local authorities the most time possible to complete works on the ground.
I will continue to closely monitor expenditure patterns this year in my Department and should savings emerge, I will give consideration to again allocating additional funding to the scheme as was seen in 2021 and 2022.
Finally, I am continuing to engage with my colleague, the Minister for Transport regarding his Department contributing to a jointly funded Local Improvement Scheme.