Written Answers Nos. 262-271
262. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development when the next CLÁR funding recipients will be announced for County Kerry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [55796/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 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.
So far this year I have approved funding of over €6.7 million for 150 projects across the CLÁR areas. I was pleased to announce the approval of funding of over €2 million for 37 projects under Measure 2 in August of this year. This included support for six projects in County Kerry.
Earlier this month I approved funding of over €4.7 million for 113 sports infrastructure projects nationwide. Included in these approvals were four projects in County Kerry.
I expect to announce further approvals under Measure 1 (Developing Community Facilities & Amenities) and Measure 3 (Our Islands) shortly.
A full list of approved projects can be found on my Departments website at: www.gov.ie/en/collection/1c20c-clar-2023-funding-approvals/
263. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development how long recipients of the most recent tranche of CLÁR funding will have to draw down the funding; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [55797/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 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.
CLÁR is designed to support a vast array of projects that will benefit people of all ages and abilities such as astro-turf facilities, playgrounds, sensory gardens, outdoor cinemas, walking tracks and community gyms.
Since the programme was relaunched in 2016, it has supported a wide range of measures with over €65.7 million being approved for over 2,250 projects throughout rural Ireland. So far this year I have approved funding of over €6.7 million for 150 projects across the CLÁR areas. I expect to make further announcements under Measure 1 and Measure 3 in the near future.
Projects approved under Measure 1 - Developing Community Facilities & Amenities and Measure 3 - ‘Our Islands’ should draw down approved funds by March 28th, 2025.
Projects funded under Measure 2 - Mobility, Cancer Care and Community First Responders Transport have until July 26th, 2024 to draw down approved funding.
264. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if an application to draw down funding in respect of the Inch Beach Masterplan (CLÁR) has been made; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [55798/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraI understand that the project referred to by the Deputy is being funded under the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS) Project Development Measure. ORIS is funded by my Department under Our Rural Future. The scheme provides funding for the development and enhancement of outdoor recreational infrastructure such as walking trails, cycleways and blue ways throughout rural Ireland.
Since the launch of the scheme in 2016, funding of almost €109 million has supported 1,555 projects across the country.
Kerry County Council requested, and were granted, an extension for the Inch Infrastructural Development Plan project by my officials until 15th December 2023. To date no request for a drawdown of funding has been made to my Department.
265. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development when the next round of ORIS funding will be announced; if she will provide a list of the three strands of Kerry applications; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [55799/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS) is funded by my Department under Our Rural Future. The scheme provides funding for the development and enhancement of outdoor recreational infrastructure such as walking trails, cycleways and blue ways throughout rural Ireland.
Since the launch of the scheme in 2016, funding of almost €109 million has supported 1,555 projects across the country. A range of applications have been submitted in respect of County Kerry under Measures 1, 2 and 3 of this year's scheme. The assessment process is currently ongoing with approvals due to be announced in Quarter 1, 2024. Please see details of the applications received in the table below.
|
Measure |
Applicant |
Project Name |
|
1 |
Kerry County Council |
Marketing the Kingdom of Kerry Greenways |
|
1 |
Kerry County Council |
Trail Improvements at Reenagross Woodland Park, Kenmare |
|
1 |
Kerry County Council |
Ballybunion – Beach Access (South Beach) |
|
1 |
Kerry County Council |
Glanageenty Forest Recreation Park – Traffic Congestion Relief for the Access Road |
|
1 |
Kerry County Council |
Jarvey Lane Rest Stations Project |
|
1 |
Kerry County Council |
River Lee Walkway/Cycleway, Tralee |
|
1 |
Kerry County Council |
Kerry Dark Skies Accessible Infrastructure Project |
|
1 |
North East West Kerry Development |
The North Kerry Way |
|
1 |
North East West Kerry Development |
The Dingle Way |
|
1 |
North East West Kerry Development |
Glanageenty Walks Upgrades |
|
1 |
South Kerry Development Partnership CLG |
Dromid Cycling & Walking Route |
|
1 |
South Kerry Development Partnership CLG |
St. Brendans Well Loop Walk |
|
1 |
South Kerry Development Partnership CLG |
Cuas Crom & Killorglin Biodiversity & Recreation Enhancement Project |
|
2 |
Kerry County Council |
Ballyseedy Wood Amenity Trail |
|
2 |
Kerry County Council |
Recreational Enhancement at three Blue Flag Beaches - Ballinskelligs, Banna and Rossbeigh |
|
2 |
Kerry County Council |
Jarvey Lane Repair and Upgrade Project |
|
3 |
Kerry County Council |
Milltown - Kilderry Looped Amenity Walk |
266. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development how much has been drawn down in respect of the town and village renewal funding announced for Killorglin in 2021; the current status of the plan; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [55800/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Killorglin Town Centre Smart Rural Regeneration Project was approved for Category 2 funding of €961,800 from the third call for Category 2 applications under the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund (RRDF) in 2022. The lead party for the project is Kerry County Council.
The project will develop plans to re-use a vacant building as a multifunction hub for tourism, education, training and co-working purposes, renovate a derelict former courthouse as a heritage and cultural centre, develop public realm works incorporating smart travel and public spaces and enhance connectivity to the amenities of the River Laune. The project aims to build on the town’s assets to ensure that economic development opportunities are optimised.
To date, RRDF funding of €123,122 has been drawn down for the project. My officials maintain ongoing contact with lead applicants in respect of progress with individual RRDF projects. In this instance, I am aware that the project is progressing and the most recent update from Kerry County Council indicates an expected completion timeline of Quarter 4 of 2024.
267. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development when county allocations for LIS 2024 will be announced; if she will take into account that over 600 roads in Kerry, about one fifth of the national total, await improvement; if she will consider allocating funding relative to the number of roads awaiting improvement per local authority area; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [55801/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 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 Local Improvement Scheme (LIS) is funded into the future. The LIS supports improving rural roads and laneways not usually maintained by local authorities. The scheme makes an essential contribution to connectivity in rural Ireland.
Between 2017 and 2023, my Department has allocated almost €130 million towards improvement works on over 4,000 non-public roads and lanes. These works have benefitted over 20,000 landowners and residents in rural Ireland. Kerry County Council have received over €7 million in LIS funding between 2017 and 2023. In 2023 alone Kerry was allocated over €1.5 million.
The 2024 LIS Scheme will be launched in early 2024, in order to give each local authority as much time as possible to complete outstanding LIS road works.
While my department funds LIS, it is administered by local authorities who prioritise road projects and establish eligibility as per Section 81 of the Local Government Act 2001. My officials continue to engage with all local authorities in relation to the management of LIS waiting lists. In addition, I have been in ongoing communication with my colleague, the Minister for Transport regarding his Department contributing to a jointly funded LIS scheme so that we can further address the demand under the Scheme.
268. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development what funding allocations to County Kerry have been withdrawn by her Department since 2016; the reasons for any such withdrawals; the total percentage this amount represents of her Department’s allocations in respect of the county; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [55802/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraSince my Department was established in 2017, County Kerry has been allocated approximately €84.65 million through schemes such as the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund, the Leader Programme, the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme, the CLÁR Programme, the Town and Village Renewal Scheme and the Community Services Programme.
From time to time, due to various reasons, some funding allocations are withdrawn or de-committed. The total amount of funding allocated to County Kerry withdrawn or de-committed is approximately €1.47 million which represents 1.7% of the €84.65 million. Details of these projects are set out below. As detailed, the majority of such funding was de-committed by the local authority for reasons such as not being able to proceed with projects. The Department works closely with all local authorities and other delivery partners to maximise delivery for all agreed projects.
CLÁR
|
Year |
Reference |
Project Name |
Amount Paid |
Amount Granted |
Amount Withdrawn |
Reason |
|
2018 |
C118KY02 |
Rathmore Community Council |
€0 |
€49,500.00 |
€49,500.00 |
The Department de-committed this project due to extensive delays and changes to the project |
|
2018 |
C119KY04 |
Barraduff Tidy Village Committee |
€0 |
€24,750.00 |
€24,750.00 |
Local Authority notified the Department that the project was not proceeding |
|
2020 |
C3A20KY06 |
St Vincent de Paul Society Castleisland |
€0 |
€4,860.00 |
€4,860.00 |
The organisation notified the Department that the funding approved would not be spent. |
|
2021 |
CIM21KY04 |
Mid Kerry Tourism Cluster |
€0 |
€28,500.00 |
€28,500.00 |
The organisation notified the Department that they could no longer proceed with the project due to a restructure of the organisation |
Rural Regeneration and Development Fund
|
Year |
Call |
Category |
Project |
Amount |
Reason |
|
2019 |
1 |
2 |
Ceann Mara Net Factory |
€275,000 |
Funding was de-committed as site identified in the application could not be purchased. |
Town and Village Renewal Scheme
|
Scheme Year |
Project Reference |
Town / Village |
Grant Approved |
Grant Paid |
Amount De-committed |
Reason |
|
2017 |
TV17KY15 |
Rathmore |
€100,000.00 |
€50,000.00 |
€50,000.00 |
€50,000 de-committed for one element of the project which was funded through another source. |
|
2019 |
TV19KY03 |
Waterville |
€200,000.00 |
€0.00 |
€200,000.00 |
Funding de-committed as Kerry County Council notified the Department that the project was not progressing. |
|
2020 |
TVAC20KY11 |
Kerry Countywide Marketing Initiative |
€40,000.00 |
€0.00 |
€40,000.00 |
The project was not progressed within the allowed timeline therefore the funding was de-committed. |
|
2020 |
TVAC20KY19 |
Killarney |
€40,000.00 |
€0.00 |
€40,000.00 |
The project was not progressed within the allowed timeline therefore the funding was de-committed. |
|
2020 |
TV20KY09 |
Castleisland |
€96,300.00 |
€0.00 |
€96,300.00 |
Funding de-committed as Kerry County Council notified the Department that the project was not progressing. |
|
2020 |
TV20KY10 |
Milltown |
€94,500.00 |
€0.00 |
€94,500.00 |
Funding de-committed as Kerry County Council notified the Department that the project was not progressing. |
|
2023 |
BAM23KY01 |
Kenmare |
€500,000.00 |
€0.00 |
€500,000.00 |
Per the terms of the 2023 Building Acquisition Measure, funding had to be drawn down in 2023 and Kerry County Council could not complete the purchase in this timescale. |
Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Fund
|
Scheme Year |
Project Reference |
Project Name |
Grant Approved |
Grant Paid |
Amount Withdrawn |
Reason |
|
2017 |
OR117KY07 |
Doorus Nature Trail |
€8,651.00 |
€4,836.69 |
€3,814.31 |
Funding de-committed as Kerry County Council notified the Department that the project was not progressing. |
|
2017 |
OR217KY02 |
Milltown Heritage and Recreation Trail |
€100,000.00 |
€86,210.10 |
€13,789.90 |
Balance of funding de-committed due to change in scope of the project. |
Town Centre First: Town Centre First Plan Initiative
In December 2021, I announced €2.6 million in funding for 26 towns for the development of Town Centre First (TCF) Plans as part of the TCF policy. Milltown was selected as the town to complete the TCF plan for Kerry. Kerry County Council was awarded €100,000 in order to develop the plan. An advance payment of €75,000 was paid in December 2021, where the remaining €25,000 would be paid upon completion of the plan within the agreed timeframe.
The original end date was set at 30th June 2023. In the interests of giving the maximum opportunity for Kerry County Council to complete the plan to a high standard and based on the necessary consultation with the local community, the Department agreed to an exceptional extension to 17th November 2023. This date represented the latest possible date for the consideration of a claim in relation to the completion of the plan.
As Kerry County Council had not completed the plan within the agreed timeframe, the remaining €25,000 allocated to the project was formally de-committed. Notice of de-commitment of this funding was issued to Kerry County Council on 20th November 2023.
Community Services Programme
The Community Services Programme (CSP) supports over 420 community-based organisations, to provide local services through a social enterprise model. The CSP transferred to my Department in January 2018. Kerry Flyer CLG were in receipt of CSP funding of €174,747 up to 2018 supporting one manager and 7.5 full time equivalent positions. In March 2019, Kerry Flyer transferred the CSP supported service to Kerry Accessible Transport Services (KATS) CLG, that organisation then relinquished the CSP contract as it was no longer viable and voluntarily exited the CSP in June 2019. The CSP Programme is based on individual organisation contracts, rather than County allocations. The total allocation for organisations in County Kerry during 2019 was €1,760,892, the Kerry Flyer/KATS element accounted for almost 10% of this. It should be noted that the CSP allocation to organisations in County Kerry currently stands at €1.835 million, supporting 15 Community Organisations.
269. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development her future plans for the town and village renewal scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [55803/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Town and Village Renewal Scheme (TVRS) was introduced in 2016 and is one of a number of measures designed to rejuvenate rural towns and villages throughout Ireland. Since the launch of the scheme over €156 million has been allocated to more than 1,700 projects across Ireland. The Scheme has supported towns and villages the length and breadth of the country.
TVRS is a key driver of the national Rural Development Policies, Our Rural Future, Our Living Islands, and the Town Centre First Policy. In line with the commitment in Our Rural Future, TVRS priorities are reviewed at the end of each scheme year to ensure that funding is targeted effectively to support vibrant and attractive communities and to respond to changing needs and opportunities.
This year's Scheme has a renewed focus on town centre economic and social vibrancy and regeneration. This will be achieved through projects focusing on town centre regeneration, enhancing our streetscapes and bringing vacant and derelict buildings back into use as community multi-purpose spaces through refurbishment and renovation.
The 2023 scheme is now closed and the assessment process of applications received has now commenced. I expect to be in a position to announce the successful projects in Quarter 1 of 2024.
This years scheme had an increased timeframe of 16 weeks, up from 8 in previous years, from the launch of the scheme to deadline for applications, in line with the Departments elongated calendar of schemes for 2023. This provided local authorities additional time to advertise the scheme, compile applications for submission, and also to complete ongoing projects from previous years. An elongated timeframe for the delivery of island projects in recognition of logistical challenges has also been introduced in this year’s scheme. A further review of the Scheme's focus and operation will take place in early 2024 and will inform plans for the next iteration of the Scheme.
270. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development her future plans for the community centre programme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [55804/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraCommunity Centres are the cornerstone of community life in many towns, villages and urban areas around the country. This Government recognises the important role they play in community life in Ireland, bringing people together and engaging with those who may be marginalised or disadvantaged.
With this in mind, I have put in place an integrated programme of supports for the establishment and development of community centres across schemes such as CLÁR, LEADER, the Town and Village Renewal Scheme, and of course the new Community Centres Investment Fund. Only last week I announced funding of €6 million under a new 'Department of Rural and Community Development Local Enhancement Programme' with a particular focus on small capital works/improvements, and the purchase of equipment for community use.
The 2022 Community Centres Investment Fund was warmly welcomed the length and breadth of the country. Over €45.8 million has been committed to the improvement and refurbishment of existing community centres across Ireland under this iteration of the Fund.
Following on from this, I wanted to assist community groups striving to build their own community centre to service local needs, so this year the focus of the Community Centres Investment has moved to new builds.
In March 2023, I announced a €20 million Fund to support communities with ‘shovel-ready’ projects on green or brownfield sites to build new community centres. The 2023 Fund will target areas which do not have an appropriate facility to meet the needs of their area.
Twenty-two applications under the Community Centre Investment Fund 2023 are currently being assessed by my Department and it is expected that successful projects will be announced in quarter one 2024. Once the current round of funding has been finalised, I will then give consideration to the need for, and conditions that might be attached to, any further iterations of the scheme in the context of the available funding.
271. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if she is considering any new funding streams for 2024; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [55805/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraBudget 2024 provides my Department with the resources to continue our policy and programme priorities in 2024. The gross allocation of €431 million 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.
Our most recent Statement of Strategy was published in August 2023, and this sets out the Department's mission as “to promote and support vibrant, inclusive and sustainable communities throughout Ireland” to 2025. The Department’s existing policies and funding schemes will support delivery of this mission, and my Department will continue to consider supports in response to emerging needs of communities right across the country.
The Rural Development Investment Programme will continue to support investment throughout rural Ireland in 2024 by delivering schemes including the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund (RRDF), the LEADER Programme, Town and Village Renewal, the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme and the CLÁR Programme. These schemes are having a huge impact throughout the country, and they offer local authorities and communities significant flexibility in the type of projects put forward for funding.
Applications are currently open for RRDF Category 1 projects. This call is for large-scale projects with planning and consents in place and ready to proceed. The minimum request for Category 1 projects is €500,000, with no maximum set. The closing date for applications is 8 February 2024.
With regard to community development, key funding programmes including the Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme (SICAP) and the Community Services Programme (CSP) will continue in 2024. I will be announcing successful projects for funding for new-build community centres under the Community Centre Investment Fund (CCIF) for the first time in 2024. I recently announced funding of €6 million for a new Local Enhancement Programme which will provide capital supports essential for the many small community groups and organisations, particularly those who serve disadvantaged areas in rural and urban areas. There will be a particular focus on small capital works/improvements, and the purchase of equipment for community use. The scheme is designed to ensure local priorities are identified and met and to improve and enhance community facilities for all. €1 million of this fund is reserved for Women’s Groups in recognition of the fact that there is a growing number of Women’s Sheds, groups and networks across the country. The funding is administered locally by Local Community Development Committees (LCDCs) across the country, and applications for funding can be made directly to the relevant LCDC.
Details of all funding schemes for 2024 will be made available on my Department’s website at www.gov.ie/drcd as they become available.
