Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 9 May 2024
330. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if she expects to extend the criteria whereby urban and rural community groups might be expected to more readily qualify for grant assistance from her Department depending on the need; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21134/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra333. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the extent to which she might consider broadening the eligibility for the various rural community schemes operated by her Department in the future; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21137/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra336. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the degree to which her Department continues to address the issue of urban and rural isolation with particular reference to those who live alone and depend on community support; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21140/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 330, 333 and 336 together.
My Department operates a range of programmes and schemes that support economic and community development in urban and rural areas throughout the country. The targeted investments and supports which my Department provides to regional, rural and local communities through a wide range of initiatives promote social inclusion, rural, town and village regeneration, outdoor recreation, facilitate new working opportunities, and foster regional enterprise growth.
In delivering on our remit my Department liaises with stakeholders in communities around the county 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 ongoing and changing needs of those communities.
My Department will continue to engage with rural and urban stakeholders to identify issues impacting on communities and respond to emerging needs. I am confident that the funding supports and policies provided by my Department will continue to deliver tangible benefits for both urban and rural communities.
Addressing the issue of isolation in communities has become more important than ever before. Many of my Department's policies and funding programmes aim to address social isolation issues in communities, and also deliver benefits by responding to the challenges facing vulnerable individuals. Funding to tackle social isolation and support those in our communities in most need of assistance is channelled through schemes such as the Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme (SICAP), the Community Services Programme (CSP), and the Seniors Alert Scheme (SAS).
I am confident that the broad range of schemes in place ensure that all types and sizes of community groups can access funding at an appropriate level, and will continue to focus on ensuring our grant funding impacts positively on our communities.
