Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 21 November 2023
615. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the figure provided by her Department to maintain existing levels of service in 2024, under her respective remits ahead of Budget 2024; the figure granted by the Department of Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform in each case; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [51184/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraBudget 2024 provides the Department of Rural and Community Development with a gross allocation of €431 million. This will provide €210 million for capital investment, with the remaining €221 million for current expenditure. These allocations represent a core funding increase of €4 million for capital and €12 million for current, compared to 2023. The capital increase reflects the expenditure ceilings set out in the National Development Plan.
The increased capital funding is being allocated to existing capital programmes, and the additional €12 million in current funding is also being allocated to existing current programmes. The additional capital funding will allow some increases in core funding provisions for the Local Improvement Scheme, CLÁR, and the Community Centre Investment Fund. The current funding increases will allow the Department to maintain existing levels of services in 2024, and achieve some targeted service improvements. The Department will continue to manage its resources, on an ongoing basis, so as to maximise the impact for communities throughout Ireland.
