Written Answers Nos. 176-178
176. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the total amount in the community recognition fund; the amount allocated to County Mayo; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17010/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Community Recognition Fund was first introduced in 2023 to recognise the huge efforts made by communities in welcoming and supporting people coming to Ireland.
Through the 2023 allocation, funding of €50 million was approved for some 900 projects in providing support to cities, towns and villages nationwide that have welcomed people from Ukraine and other countries.
To further support communities, I announced a further €50 million in funding under the Community Recognition Fund on March 15th last. The additional funding is specifically targeted at projects that are located in cities, towns and villages that are hosting the Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection and/or International Protection Applicants.
This allocation is being targeted at larger projects than in 2023, with a minimum of €50,000 per project, thereby providing a real and tangible benefit to communities. Applications under the current round of funding can be submitted by local authorities across three phases, so as to allow flexibility and adequate engagement and collaboration on larger projects.
Under Community Recognition Fund 2023, €2,354,126 was allocated to 48 projects in County Mayo. I am delighted to confirm an additional €2,428,540 has been allocated to County Mayo under the 2024 Community Recognition Fund.
177. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the capital envelope required for a library project proposed for Blackrock-Mahon in Cork city. [16926/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 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, the delivery of library services in Blackrock/Mahon is primarily a matter for Cork City Council.
My Department has been informed by Cork City Council that a potential site has been identified in principle for a library in Blackrock/Mahon on the grounds of Nagle Community College, on the Avenue De Rennes. I am advised that the local authority and Cork Education and Training Board (Cork ETB) will sign a Memorandum Of Understanding for the project in early May, and details of this are currently being finalised.
In my reply to Parliamentary Question 11523/24 which was submitted by the Deputy, I advised that Cork City Council were to submit a Stage 1 Application for Approval in Principle for the project to my Department before the end of March. My Department has now been advised by Cork City Council that their Architects Office are currently completing the Stage 1 Application, which will be submitted to my Department in May. Costs for this project are currently unknown, as it is in the early stages of planning, but cost estimates will be contained in the Stage 1 Application when it is submitted.
My Department invited proposals for funding under a new Libraries Capital Programme in April 2023, but Cork City Council did not submit a proposal for Blackrock/Mahon on this occasion as discussions had not been concluded before the submission date.
178. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development for an update on an application under the 2024 local enhancement programme by a group (details supplied) in County Donegal; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16989/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraLast December, I launched the Local Enhancement Programme (LEP), with capital funding of €6 million to assist community groups across the country. The LEP is targeted to the specific challenges facing local community groups and delivers immediate, tangible supports where they are needed most.
There was 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. The relevant LCDC receive and appraise applications, making determinations on how the funding can best support their communities.
The Local Enhancement Programme is now closed to applicants, and my officials are currently assessing details of the successful applicants recently submitted by Donegal County Council. Details of successful projects will be published on my Department’s website, www.gov.ie/drcd, in the coming weeks.
