Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 9 May 2024
26. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the extent of the monies allocated and spent by her Department through the various schemes available to rural/urban community groups suffering from isolation/deprivation; the extent to which such expenditure continues to benefit directly from schemes under the aegis of her Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20835/24]
View answer27. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the extent to which she intends to continue with her Department’s support for rural and/or urban community groups under the various schemes available in order to reassure people in these areas that it is her intention to continue with such programmes; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20834/24]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 26 and 27 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.
Capital schemes including the Town and Village Renewal Scheme, LEADER, the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund, the Local Improvement Scheme, and the Community Centre Investment Fund are delivering projects throughout the country.
Current funding supports such as the Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme (SICAP) and the Community Services Programme (CSP) are helping to tackle social exclusion, unemployment, promote social cohesion and support thriving communities.
SICAP addresses high and persistent levels of deprivation through targeted and innovative, locally-led approaches. It supports disadvantaged communities and individuals including unemployed people, people living in deprived areas, people with disabilities, single parent families, people on a low income, members of the Traveller and Roma community and other disadvantaged groups. SICAP funding has increased by €8.3 million over 3 years, totalling €51 million in 2024.
The schemes administered by my Department are regularly reviewed and, where necessary, adapted and supplemented in response to emerging needs. Such examples are the Community Call Initiative, the Covid-19 Stability Scheme, the Accelerated Town and Village Renewal Scheme, the Community and Voluntary Energy Support Scheme and the Community Recognition Fund.
Budget 2024 provides my Department with a gross allocation of €431 million. This funding will allow me to maintain the excellent supports in place, and to provide some targeted increases. I also note the recent NDP ceilings provide funding certainty for the capital schemes operated by my Department.
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.
