Tuesday, 24 Oct 2023

Written Answers Nos. 648-656

Local Government Reform

Ceisteanna (648)

Catherine Murphy

Ceist:

648. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science in the context of the Local Government Reform Act 2014, if he will provide a schedule of functions of his Department that have been devolved in full or in part, or are in the process of being devolved in full or in part; the date on which the devolutions commenced; and if he will indicate whether any function was returned to the Department subsequently. [46583/23]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science

In the context of the Local Government Reform Act 2014, no functions under this Department have been devolved in full or in part or are in the in the process of being devolved in full or in part.

Departmental Strategies

Ceisteanna (649)

Cian O'Callaghan

Ceist:

649. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science when the new National Student Accommodation Strategy will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46636/23]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science (Deputy Simon Harris)

I am actively prioritising the supply and affordability of student accommodation, in recognition of the challenges our students are facing. Through “Housing for All”, the Government has approved development of policy and funding to increase the supply of student accommodation.

I have to date secured Government approval in principle of up to €61m in funding to unlock the development of up to 1,000 additional student accommodation beds in partnership with our University sector. These projects which are being progressed under my Department’s Short Term Activation Plan, are developments that had planning permission but had stalled as a result of increased construction and financing costs.

My Officials are examining similar proposals with planning permission with UCD and TCD. Subject to approval, I will be seeking Government support in the coming weeks to progress these additional projects through the NDP review process.

A new strategy is being prepared by my officials with a view to bringing proposals to Government in Q4 this year.

Library Projects

Ceisteanna (650)

Claire Kerrane

Ceist:

650. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development to provide an update on works at a building (details supplied); when it will reopen; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46223/23]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Rural and Community Development

The provision of library services, including the provision of library buildings, is primarily a matter for local authorities in their capacity as library authorities under the Local Government Act 2001. Accordingly, progress on the works in Ballaghaderreen Library, and the timeline for completing the project are, first and foremost, a matter for Roscommon County Council.

In response to Parliamentary Question (ref 18989/23) in April this year, I stated that Roscommon County Council published a tender in June 2022 seeking the services of a mechanical and electrical consultants for the project. This tender was successful, and consultants were appointed in September 2022. The consultants are leading a multidisciplinary team that includes a conservation expert, and are providing expert advice in line with the requirements of a Section 57 Declaration under the Planning and Development Act, 2000. In their assessment of the project, the consultants identified additional works required on the heating system. These works will involve the replacement of the existing out-dated heating system, with a new energy-efficient system, and enhancement to the insulation fabric of the building.

I am advised by Roscommon County Council that the consultant conservation architects provided stage 2a/2b pre-tender documents to their client, Roscommon County Council on September 7th last. Following their review of these pre-tender documents, Roscommon County Council reverted to the consultants on September 21st last, to raise queries relating to the Architectural and to the Mechanical & Electrical M&E) documents. Roscommon County Council have informed my Department that both parties are working through the queries raised and are confident that all issues identified can be resolved. Roscommon County Council have confirmed that the invitation to tender will be published before Christmas.

Roscommon County Council have advised that pending a successful tender invitation and the appointment of a building contractor in early 2024, the proposed works are identified as requiring 32 weeks to complete, which will result in the project being completed in late summer/autumn 2024, with the library at Dillon House to re-open in Q3 2024.

As a result of the delays to this project, Roscommon County Council has further advised that they have entered into an agreement to lease the former Tusla office located in Ballaghaderreen. Once the Part 8 Planning Process in relation to the change of use of this office to a library is concluded, Roscommon County Council will immediately move in and operate the library from these premises. Roscommon County Council have also confirmed that they will temporarily operate the library from this building for the remaining duration of the works to Dillon House.

Furthermore, Roscommon County Council have advised that they currently provide a weekly mobile library service in Ballaghaderreen, alongside services to local schools and preschools and attendance at community events. Once the temporary library is operating, the weekly mobile service will no longer be provided in Ballaghaderreen, and this will enable the mobile library to return to providing mobile library services, including more visits to schools in its overall operational area.

My department continues to engage with the Council to ensure that library services are maintained as far as possible in Ballaghaderreen and surrounding areas.

Departmental Funding

Ceisteanna (651)

Jackie Cahill

Ceist:

651. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development when the latest round of Clár announcements will have funding paid out to respective successful groups; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46278/23]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Rural and Community Development

The CLÁR programme provides funding for small-scale projects in designated rural areas that have experienced significant levels of de-population over a defined period. Since the programme was relaunched in 2016, it has supported over 2,100 projects with funding of over €59 million. This funding is making a real difference in many of our smaller and more remote communities.

The 2023 CLÁR programme was launched in March this year. Funding of almost €8 million has been allocated for the 2023 CLÁR programme which is an increase of €0.5m on 2022.

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)

Some 330 applications have been received across all the measures. CLÁR 2023 is now closed for the receipt of applications.

I was pleased to announce in August last the approval of funding of over €2million for 37 projects under Measure 2.

The assessment process is well advanced in relation to measures 1 and 3 of the programme. I expect to be in a position to make a decision on the successful measure 1 and 3 projects in the coming weeks.

Funding is paid out on these projects as they are delivered. The first claim for payment may be submitted when 50% of the estimated project costs have been expended. The successful applicants are advised of the arrangements after the announcement of the successful projects.

Departmental Schemes

Ceisteanna (652)

Peter Burke

Ceist:

652. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if the Wifi4EU project will be relaunched for 2024; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46397/23]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Rural and Community Development

WiFi4EU is an initiative funded by the European Commission and co-funded in Ireland by my Department. The initiative aims to support the development of wireless broadband by providing a high-quality internet service, free of charge, in public spaces such as main streets, public parks, libraries, museums, and other public areas of high footfall.

Under the WiFi4EU scheme, local authorities applied through a competitive process to secure vouchers worth €15,000 each to install Wi-Fi hotspots within their municipalities.

Ireland’s local authorities could apply for up to 4 vouchers each throughout the lifetime of the initiative. Local authorities must install a minimum of 10 access points per voucher. Depending on the location chosen, one or more access point may be required in that location.

Our local authorities have secured 114 vouchers out of a maximum of 124 vouchers available, which makes Ireland one of the most successful countries to take part in the scheme. 30 of the 31 local authorities secured vouchers under the scheme.

My department provided co-funding of up to €15,000 for each voucher secured by the local authorities, effectively doubling the value of the investment.

To date, my department has provided total funding of €1,259,411 to support this initiative.

The Wifi4EU voucher was a payment to cover the infrastructure and installation costs of Wi-Fi hotspots meeting the requirements defined in the EU call text and the Grant Agreement signed with the selected municipalities. The EU Commission granted an extension to implementation deadline for some local authorities until February 2023. However, the Commission has not announced a renewal or a further tranche of the programme.

Budget 2024

Ceisteanna (653)

Jackie Cahill

Ceist:

653. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the funding under Budget 2024 that is being made by her Department for an organisation (details supplied) in rural areas; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46462/23]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Rural and Community Development

My Department provides a range of supports which are available to Women’s Sheds, depending on the works being completed.

The Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme (SICAP) has provided supports to 59 Women’s Sheds, for example in facilitating training courses and holding focus groups. To date the programme also awarded small grants totalling over €9,000 to 6 Women’s Sheds. This support is still available through SICAP.

Last October, I was delighted to announce funding of €100,000 to support Women’s Sheds throughout the country with running costs, such as electricity and insurance bills. This funding was ring-fenced under the €10 million Community Support Fund 2022.

Women's Sheds were also eligible to apply for funding under the Community Support Fund (CSF) that was announced last November under the Community Enhancement Programme (CEP). The €10 million CSF was set up to help small community groups with their energy/running costs but also to provide funding for small capital works projects. The fund was administered by Local Community Development Committees on behalf of the Department and is now closed. Details of successful Women’s Sheds is available at www.gov.ie/DRCD.

Groups are encouraged to engage with their Local Community Development Committees (LCDCs), Local Development Companies and Public Participation Networks (PPN) to ensure they are aware of funding opportunities as they become available.

Separately, funding under the LEADER programme is not targeted at any particular group or sector in rural communities. It is, rather, focused on a thematic approach to rural development. The budget for the LEADER programme is allocated for the duration of the programme rather than on an annual basis to allow more flexibility to the LAG in the allocation of funding.

Organisations, such as Women’s Sheds, may be eligible for LEADER funding but in the first instance contact should be made with the local implementing partner. Contact details for the Implementing Partners are available on my Departments website at www.gov.ie/en/publication/c45498-local-action-groups/.

Rural Schemes

Ceisteanna (654)

Claire Kerrane

Ceist:

654. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the possible funding streams that are available for a community group to apply to for a plaque (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46489/23]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Rural and Community Development

My Department works to ensure that schemes are structured in a way that delivers on commitments under key government policies such as Our Rural Future and the Town Centre First policy. The Town and village Renewal Scheme (TVRS), which was launched in 2016, has funded projects which includes signage and plaques as an element of larger projects but usually not as stand-alone items. The TVRS provides funding in amounts between €20,000 and €500,000 for eligible projects. One of the indicative eligible project types under the 2023 TVRS is the enhancement of heritage assets e.g. local museums/tourism attractions focused on historical aspects of the area, heritage sites/buildings, etc. so an application may be eligible for works that include a plaque to commemorate Douglas Hyde.

The TVRS is administered through local authorities, who work closely with local communities and businesses to develop proposals that can make a lasting impact in revitalising rural towns and villages across the country.

The 2023 TVRS is currently open, with the closing date for receipt of applications from local authorities to the Department is by close of business on 10 November 2023.

Interested parties should contact Roscommon County Council to make an expression of interest for funding under the 2023 scheme.

State Bodies

Ceisteanna (655)

Carol Nolan

Ceist:

655. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development to provide details of all agencies and bodies under the aegis of her Department; if a dedicated Oireachtas email address is available for each; if not, if she will direct that such a dedicated email address be established to facilitate more efficient communication; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46550/23]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Rural and Community Development

The four agencies under the aegis of my Department have dedicated Oireachtas email addresses. These are listed in the table below.

Agency	contact details
Pobal	[e-mail]
Charities Regulator	[e-mail]
Water Safety Ireland	[e-mail]
Western Development Commission	[e-mail]

Local Government Reform

Ceisteanna (656)

Catherine Murphy

Ceist:

656. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development in the context of the Local Government Reform Act 2014, if she will provide a schedule of functions of her Department that have been devolved in full or in part, or are in the process of being devolved in full or in part; the date on which the devolutions commenced; and if she will indicate whether any function was returned to the Department subsequently. [46587/23]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Rural and Community Development

Since the establishment of the Department of Rural and Community Development on the 19th July 2017, no functions have been devolved in full or in part, nor are any functions in the process of being devolved.