Written Answers Nos. 592-601
592. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if he will consider establishing a national network of teen sheds, similar to men’s sheds; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3971/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraLast December, I was delighted to launch the Local Enhancement Programme (LEP) which replaces my Department’s Community Enhancement Programme, with capital funding of €6 million to assist thousands of community groups across the country. A key feature of the Local Enhancement Programme is that it is targeted to the specific challenges facing local community groups and delivers immediate, tangible supports where they are needed most.
In general, support under the Local Enhancement Programme is available to, for example, Parish Halls, Community Centres, Local Development Associations, Social Clubs, Senior Citizen Groups, Men’s and Women’s Sheds and Community Youth Groups. The Local Enhancement Programme will provide capital supports essential for the many small community groups and organisations, particularly those who serve disadvantaged areas in rural and urban areas.
The Local Enhancement Programme is administered on behalf of my Department locally by Local Community Development Committees (LCDCs) across the country, with support from their Local Authority. The relevant LCDC receive and appraise applications, making determinations on how the funding can best support their communities. I would encourage all groups including youth and teen groups and sheds to engage with their LCDC directly for details on how to apply.
Direct supports for Children and Youth Services falls under the remit of the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth. My Department has no role in establishing groups or national networks.
593. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the number of applications for the CLÁR funding under measure 1 and measure 2 in 2023 from County Cavan; and the number of successful applications under each measure, in tabular form. [3996/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraCLÁR is designed to support a vast array of community based projects 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 €70 million being approved for almost 2400 projects throughout rural Ireland.
Funding of almost €13 million for 302 projects was approved under CLÁR 2023.
The measures funded under CLÁR 2023 were:
• Developing Community Facilities and Amenities (Measure 1)
• Mobility, Cancer Care and Community First Responders Transport (Measure 2)
• ‘Our Islands’ (Measure 3)
My Department received 15 applications from County Cavan under measure 1 with a combined value of over €637,000. No applications for measure 2 projects were received from organisations in Cavan.
Following the assessment process, 14 of these applications were approved with associated funding of over €587,000. These are listed in the table below.
|
Cavan Measure 1 |
Description |
Amount |
|
Ballyconnell Community Centre |
Roof, fire and safety measures, accessibility, and reception. |
€50,000 |
|
Gallonray House |
Rebuilding of a perimeter wall along public road, re-surfacing of a section of carpark and marking of car bays |
€32,047 |
|
Templeport Development Association |
Upgrade of Boathouse and Jetty at St Mogues Island |
€49,951 |
|
Killeshandra Community Cinema Project |
Installation of tiered seating system and safety barriers Installation of ceiling mounted Epson laser short throw projector and fit 300cm fixed frame screen |
€50,000 |
|
Kingscourt Harps AFC Car Park |
Develop existing car park |
€22,191 |
|
Munterconnaught Community Walking Track |
Remedial works and lighting for the walking track |
€26,282 |
|
Killyconnan Community Playground |
Upgrade of existing playground |
€50,000 |
|
Gowna District Council |
Provision of fitness equipment in a community gym in the Community Hall |
€24,750 |
|
Killinkere National School |
Provision of a MUGA |
€45,000 |
|
Redhills GAC |
Refurbish spectator stand |
€50,000 |
|
Swanlinbar Development Association |
Interactive musical sensory disability ramp |
€49,581 |
|
Drumgoon Eire Og |
Upgrade of covered seating and stand |
€37,358 |
|
Kill Shamrock |
Provision of disabled car parking and upgrades to spectator stands |
€49,659 |
|
Ballymachugh GAA and community car park |
Upgrading car parking surface |
€50,000 |
|
Total |
€587,069 |
594. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the number of Women’s Sheds supported by her Department, by county basis; what Government supports have been allocated to Women’s Sheds in 2023, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3999/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department provides a range of supports which are available to Women’s Sheds, depending on the works being completed.
In December 2023, I was delighted to launch the Local Enhancement Programme (LEP) which replaces my Department’s Community Enhancement Programme, with capital funding of €6 million to assist thousands of community groups across the country. The overall €6 million LEP includes a special ring-fenced capital fund of €1 million to provide support for Women’s Groups (i.e., Sheds, Groups, Clubs, Networks etc…), and builds on the €100,000 ring-fenced for Women’s Sheds under the 2022 Community Support Fund. The ring-fenced funding allocated for Women’s Groups is provided in tabular form in the attached table.
In addition to the ring-fenced fund, Women’s Sheds will also be eligible to apply under the main Local Enhancement Programme funding stream, 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 funding may be used, but is not limited to; improved access for persons with a disability; enhancing community participation for disadvantaged and marginalised groups, and improving energy efficiency of community facilities to reduce ongoing costs.
The Local Enhancement Programme is administered on behalf of my Department locally by Local Community Development Committees (LCDCs) across the country, with support from their Local Authority. Each LCDC will be advertising the fund and I would encourage all Women's Sheds to engage with their LCDC directly for details on how to apply.
Details of successful Women’s Sheds under the Local Enhancement Programme will be published on my Department’s website www.gov.ie/drcd in quarter 2 of 2024.
The Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme (SICAP) also provides supports to Women’s Sheds, for example in facilitating training courses and holding focus groups. This support remains available through SICAP.
Separately, funding under the LEADER programme is not targeted at any particular group or sector in rural communities. The Department does not, therefore, capture details of the amount of funding approved specifically for Women’s sheds under the LEADER programme.
595. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development when funding will be announced for this year's local improvement schemes; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4100/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Local Improvement Scheme (LIS) supports the improvement of rural roads and laneways that are not normally maintained by local authorities. The scheme makes an important contribution to connectivity in rural Ireland. As part of Our Rural Future, the Government is committed to ensuring that the scheme is funded into the future.
The scheme was re-introduced in 2017 following a number of years with no dedicated funding. Between 2017 and 2023, this 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.
In 2023 alone, almost €30 million in funding was allocated to local authorities across the country, a record investment which demonstrates my commitment to addressing the demand for this scheme.
I am happy to confirm that the allocation in respect of the total scheme for 2024 has already been determined as part of the Budget 2024 and €13.55 million has been allocated to LIS, an increase of €1 million on the initial funding in 2023.
I hope to make an announcement on the launch of this year's scheme shortly in order to give local authorities as much time as possible to complete their lists of priority roads. My Department officials will liaise closely with local authorities to ensure funding is fully utilised.
596. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development to provide a schedule of the number of civilian drivers and Garda drivers attached to her and to Ministers of State of her Department; to provide the official work pattern for each driver and the total annual hours worked by each driver; and to indicate the number of drivers assigned to each Minister and Minister of State. [4226/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Rural and Community Development and also for Social Protection, I have been assigned two Garda Drivers, who are employed by the Department of Justice and as such, my Department does not hold the information requested.
In relation to Minister of State Joe O’Brien, he has two Civilian Drivers and the Department of Social Protection and the Department of Rural and Community Development each covers the cost of one of these.
Hours of attendance amount to on average not less than 41 hours and 15 minutes gross per week. The working pattern is on a (7 day) week-on week-off basis.
597. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if her Department has carried out an assessment of the potential to grow both commercial and social enterprises in developing networks to support the circular economy transformation; and if new initiatives are planned in this arena. [50445/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department of Enterprise Trade and Employment is responsible for broader enterprise policy and its White Paper on Enterprise 2022-2030, confirms that social enterprises are an important and growing part of Ireland’s entrepreneurship ecosystem, creating jobs and stimulating local economic activity.
Falling under my Department’s policy responsibility, social enterprises operate a ‘profit for purpose’ business model. They work primarily to improve social, economic and environmental impact and the lives of people, with any surpluses generated re-invested into achieving their core objectives. They frequently work to support disadvantaged groups, or to address issues such as food poverty, housing, or environmental matters.
Social enterprises are playing an increasing role in the circular economy, as recognised in the Whole of Government Circular Economy Strategy 2022-2023. The Department of Climate, Energy and Communications has confirmed it is developing a successor Circular Economy strategy and my officials will engage with that Department in that regard.
The Circular Economy Innovation Grant Scheme, launched in 2021 by the Department of Environment, Climate and Communications supports circular economy projects by SMEs and social enterprises. Social enterprises, including those focusing on circular economy can avail of a variety of funding opportunities through my Department. For example, the Social Enterprise Scaling up fund provided €1.4 million to 19 social enterprises in 2023.
My Department is currently finalising a new National Social Enterprise Policy to cover the years 2024-2027. One of the proposed pillar themes within that policy is climate action including the circular economy. A public consultation on the new policy launched in December 2023 is open until the end of January and can be accessed on the Department’s website. The consultation document signals Government’s intent to develop further opportunities for social enterprises to deliver on Government climate action targets, and facilitate the inclusion of social enterprises in relevant support schemes related to the circular economy.
598. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if her Department has carried out an assessment of the potential of remote delivery in health and community development; and if new initiatives are planned in this arena. [4243/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraWhile my colleague, Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly T.D., is responsible for remote delivery of health services, there are a number of initiatives underway in my Department which will be of interest to the Deputy.
One of the key focuses of Our Rural Future, the Government's Rural Development Policy 2021-2025, is optimising digital connectivity to support vibrant, sustainable rural communities. I want to close the digital divide between rural and urban communities and ensure that those living in rural communities are provided with the same opportunities as those in larger urban areas. I am working to achieve this ambition by providing significant funding and support through my Department.
The Broadband Connection Point (BCP) initiative has brought connectivity to almost 300 publicly available sites across the country. BCPs are located in publicly accessible buildings, such as community centres, sports clubs and libraries that allow the public to access the internet on site. They are located in some of the most rural communities throughout each local authority area, including islands off Donegal, Mayo, Galway and Cork.
My Department has facilitated a number of projects which will take advantage of the opportunities that connectivity and remote delivery offers, and provide solutions to challenges or address gaps in service that have been identified by the Department, local authority or other stakeholders. Projects in thematic areas such as Remote Working, Digital Skills and Education, eHealth and Arts and Culture have been developed in partnership with key stakeholders and rolled out to suitable BCPs across the network.
Our Rural Future also committed to the establishment a comprehensive, integrated national network of Remote Working Hubs over the lifetime of the policy. Connected Hubs (www.connectedhubs.ie), a Government of Ireland initiative, was launched in May 2021. It is a single network of remote working hubs nationwide that provides users with information on facilities available in each hub, location and a booking and payment service.
The Connected Hubs initiative has grown substantially since its launch and currently has some 340 hubs live on the platform. A number of initiatives have been developed via the Connected Hubs network that benefit the wider community. For example, 'Learning in the Hubs' is a partnership between Technology University of the Shannon and Connected Hubs that enables adult learners to undertake part-time courses together in local hubs with state-of-the-art facilities. The concept allows students to remain in their own locality to study, while also providing a space to meet and network with other students. 'Art In the Hub' is a collaboration between Connected Hub members and the Contemporary Irish Art Society that places art in participating remote working facilities across the country.
599. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development when an announcement will be made in relation to the outdoor recreation infrastructure scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4269/24]
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 more than 1,550 projects across the country.
Last year, I launched the 2023 ORIS scheme with an allocation of €16 million, a €1 million increase on 2022. Applications were invited under the following four Measures:
• Measure 1: small scale projects requiring funding of up to €30,000,
• Measure 2: medium scale projects with funding of up to €200,000,
• Measure 3: large scale projects seeking funding of up to €500,000, and
• Project Development Measure: funding of up to €50,000 for development costs for strategic large scale projects.
A range of projects were submitted under all measures. Applications submitted under measures 1, 2 and 3 of the 2023 scheme are currently being assessed. I hope to announce successful projects for these three measures in the first quarter of this year.
Last November, I approved funding of almost €2.3 million under the Project Development Measure of the 2023 scheme. This funding will support preparatory work required to bring large scale outdoor recreation projects to a shovel-ready stage. This investment will ensure a strong pipeline of outdoor amenity projects right across the country in the coming years.
I'm pleased to confirm that I have secured an allocation of €16 million for ORIS this year as part of Budget 2024. This is a welcome investment that will support a range of outdoor recreation projects nationwide. The next iteration of the scheme will be launched later this year.
600. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the extent to which she continues to liaise with various community groups in Kildare north and throughout the country with a view to assisting them with their requirements under the appropriate headings; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4287/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra601. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the extent to which she continues to engage with rural and community groups with a view to identifying the most pertinent needs of the respective communities; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4288/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra602. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development to indicate whether she intends to expand the mission statement of her Department to meet particular areas that did not previously qualify for assistance; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4289/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra609. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the extent to which she and her Department have targeted areas of social isolation with a view to improving the prospects for those currently living in such areas; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4296/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 600, 601, 602 and 609 together.
My Department will continue to support vibrant, inclusive and sustainable communities across Ireland, and places consultation and engagement at the centre of how it does that.
The Budget 2024 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. Details of all schemes managed by my Department can be found on our website at www.gov.ie/drcd/.
The issue of isolation in rural and urban communities cuts across the work of a number of Departments. My Department provides funding to tackle isolation and support those in our communities in most need of assistance through schemes such as the Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme (SICAP), Community Services Programme, Seniors Alert Scheme, and CLÁR. My Department also provides supports for social enterprises, many of which are based in rural or isolated areas and provide services to communities that may not otherwise be available. The range of schemes on offer ensure that there is access to supports for a very wide range of groups and that such groups right across the country, including in Kildare, can benefit from our supports.
My Department continues to engage with stakeholders and monitor issues impacting on communities in order to respond to the emerging needs of people in communities right across the country.
