Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 18 October 2023
304. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development how the people of Clare will benefit from her Department’s allocations in Budget 2024; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45780/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department, through Budget 2024, will continue to support vibrant, inclusive and sustainable communities across Ireland, including in Co. Clare.
The Budget provision of €431 million for my Department provides over €205 million for rural development and over €225 million for community development. This will support investment in regional, rural and local communities, investment in our islands, as well as a wide range of initiatives promoting social inclusion.
In addition to the core funding of €410 million, for my Department in 2024, €21 million of the total €431 million allocation with support our response to the Ukraine crisis. In that regard, €11 million is allocated to provide assistance to new arrivals from Ukraine through the Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme (SICAP), and €10 million is being provided to fund projects approved under the Community Recognition Fund, which acknowledges the contribution by so many communities in welcoming and hosting arrivals from Ukraine and other countries.
The overall funding provided by my Department will help promote social cohesion and support the development of rural and urban communities throughout the country and in Co. Clare through ongoing schemes such as the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund (RRDF), the Town and Village Renewal Scheme (TVRS), the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS) the Community Centre Investment Fund (CCIF), the CLÁR Programme, and the Community Services Programme (CSP).
Between 2020 and 2023, my Department approved almost €45 million for projects in County Clare. Approved projects include, for example; €3.9 million under the RRDF to re-purpose the Old Rectory House at Mountshannon as a community and visitor hub; €3.5 million under the RRDF for the redevelopment of a vacant building at Kilrush Marina to be used as a Maritime Training Centre; €500,000 through ORIS to repair and upgrade a section of the looped North Coastal Walk at the Cliffs of Moher, and; €200,000 under the TVRS to upgrade the Burren Centre at Kilfenora. The funding for my Department in 2024 will ensure that projects such as these are delivered in County Clare and throughout the country.
