Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 9 May 2024
327. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the total expenditure she expects to be in a position to make in respect of rural and community efforts with particular reference to demographics; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21131/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra328. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development to outline her expectations in relation to proposed expenditure under the heading of local and community proposals with particular reference to the various needs emerging as determined by the most applicable criteria; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21132/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra329. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the number of applications in hand to date from urban and rural community groups for assistance under schemes available through her Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21133/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 327, 328 and 329 together.
My Department's mission is to promote rural and community development and to support vibrant, inclusive and sustainable communities throughout Ireland. In furtherance of this, my Department drafts policies and manages strategic interventions and funding programmes that support economic, social and cultural development in urban and rural communities.
Budget 2024 provides my Department with a gross allocation of €431 million. Included in this is over €205 million in funding available for the Rural Development Investment Programme, which includes schemes such as Town and Village Renewal, LEADER, and the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund, the Local Improvement Scheme and CLÁR. These schemes provide much needed funding for capital projects that improve the quality of lives of those living in rural Ireland, and the experience of those visiting our rural heartlands.
Over €225 million in funding has been allocated for my Department’s Community Development Programmes. These include the Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme (SICAP), and the Community Services Programme (CSP). These two programmes will have combined core funding of over €100 million.
Many of my Department’s programmes, particularly those that community groups may apply to, are administered by local authorities or Local Action Groups, allowing greater flexibility at local level to make decisions on local and community proposals and respond to emerging needs. Therefore, the number of applications on hand from urban and rural community groups for assistances under schemes are, in general, held in the relevant local authority or Local Action Group and not in the Department.
In delivering on our remit my Department liaises with stakeholders in communities around the country on an ongoing basis, including through the local authorities, Local Community Development Committees, Public Participation Networks and the Local Development Companies, to ensure that supports provided are timely and appropriate to the needs of those communities.
I would encourage anyone interested in my Department’s funding schemes, to visit our website at gov.ie where details of existing programmes are published and future calls will be posted.
