Paul Murphy
Question:62. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if her Department has plans to support a local library for the City West area. [50089/21]
View answerLibrary Services
Questions (62)
Written answers
My Department funds a Libraries Capital Programme that is investing a total of €29m in 17 projects, as well as the My Open Library service and a Small Scale Capital Works programme, in the period between 2016 and 2022. This programme was developed on the basis of priority proposals submitted by local authorities.
My Department approved funding of €1m under the Libraries Capital Programme for the construction of the new North Clondalkin library in South Dublin which opened in December 2020. The Libraries Capital Programme is currently fully committed. However, funding for new library projects can be considered as additional funds become available.
Local authorities may also submit library development proposals as elements of broader regeneration projects under the Urban Regeneration and Development Funds (URDF) which is administered by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage. In the event that South Dublin County Council submits an application for funding under the URDF, they must also submit their application to my Department for technical assessment of the proposed new library to ensure that the Standards and Benchmarks for public libraries are being adhered to. This is the procedure for all new public library projects, including those being funded by URDF.
The provision of the 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 development of a library in the City West area is first and foremost a matter for South Dublin County Council. No application for funding has been received from South Dublin County Council to support the provision of a library for the City West area.
Rural Schemes
Questions (63)
Brendan Griffin
Question:63. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development when the next tranche of rural regeneration funding will be announced; the status of the application for Killorglin, County Kerry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50131/21]
View answerWritten answers
The Rural Regeneration and Development Fund provides funding for the development and construction of capital projects in towns and villages and rural areas across Ireland. To date, 164 projects have been approved for funding of €252m for projects costing over €343m.
Calls for applications to the Fund are sought under two categories – Category 1 and Category 2. Category 1 relates to large scale ambitious capital projects with all necessary planning and other consents in place and which are ready to proceed. Category 2 provides smaller grant funding to enable the development of project proposals suitable for future calls for Category 1 applications
The third call for Category 2 applications to the Fund closed on 30th July 2021. My Department received 53 applications to this call and I understand that an application was received for the project referred to by the Deputy.
The application process for the Fund is competitive in nature. Applications are currently being assessed by my Department under the oversight of the Project Advisory Board, comprised of representatives from key Government Departments and independent experts. Once that process is complete, my Department will prepare a report setting out recommended projects and my role as Minister will be to consider that report and make final decisions in relation to the allocation of funding. I expect to announce the successful projects before the end of 2021.
Question No. 64 answered with Question No. 40.
Rural Recreation Policy
Questions (65)
Jennifer Murnane O'Connor
Question:65. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the status of the outdoor recreation infrastructure scheme funding for walking infrastructure in County Carlow for 2021; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50159/21]
View answerWritten answers
The Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS) provides funding for the development and enhancement of outdoor recreational infrastructure such as trails, walkways, cycleways, blueways and bridleways in rural areas. It is funded by my Department in partnership with Fáilte Ireland.
Since 2016, my Department has invested €68 million in almost 1,000 projects under the scheme. Over that period, 16 projects to the value of €994,907 have been approved under the Scheme for County Carlow. Indeed earlier this year, I approved funding for the following projects:
- €371,250 to connect the Wicklow Way with the South Leinster Way
- €200,000 for Oak Park Forest Park Looped Walks
- €19,913 for signage along the River Barrow towpath
The 2021 scheme was launched in April and over 310 applications were received seeking funding of almost €25 million. My officials are currently assessing applications submitted under ORIS 2021 on a measure by measure basis and I hope to be in a position to announce details of successful applications by year end.
Rural Schemes
Questions (66)
Brian Stanley
Question:66. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the amount of funding that has been provided to counties Laois and Offaly through the LEADER programme in 2019 and 2020. [49416/21]
View answerWritten answers
The 2014-2020 LEADER programme for Ireland had an allocation of €250 million. €225 million of this budget was allocated at the outset of the programme to Local Action Groups (LAGs) who deliver the programme and approve projects at local level. This allocation covers both core project expenditure and the administration costs of the LAG.
The balance of €25 million is provided for thematic projects which are approved at national level.
The amount allocated to Co. Laois for that period was €7.1 million and to Co. Offaly was €8 million.
At the end of 2020, the Laois LAG had approved 129 projects with a combined value of €5.4 million, while in the same period, the Offaly LAG had approved 249 projects worth a combined value of €6.6 million.
The breakdown of expenditure incurred in 2019 and 2020 by the Laois and Offaly LAGs is provided in Table 1 below.
Final claims for payment under the 2014-2020 programme must be submitted to my Department no later than 30 June 2024.
Table 1: Table of Expenditure for Laois and Offaly LAGs
|
Counties Laois & Offaly Local Action Groups |
LEADER (2014-2020) Allocation |
Expenditure |
|
|
2019 |
2020 |
||
|
Laois |
€7,124,587 |
€1,006,406 |
€1,123,295 |
|
Offaly |
€8,036,764 |
€1,850,754 |
€1,389,167 |
Community Development Projects
Questions (67)
Brendan Smith
Question:67. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if additional funding will be provided for the Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme which is delivered by local development companies and is of great importance to many individuals and organisations in rural communities; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50084/21]
View answerWritten answers
The Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme (SICAP) aims to reduce poverty and promote social inclusion and equality by supporting rural and urban communities and individuals using community development approaches, engagement and collaboration.
My Department is providing SICAP funding in excess of €220 million over six years (2018-2023). This year over €39 million was allocated to the programme, supporting front line workers in Local Development Companies to deliver SICAP on the ground.
The programme does vital work in helping individuals and groups, by improving the life chances of those who are marginalised in society, living in poverty or unemployed. Indeed, since 2018, the programme has supported over 80,000 individuals and 6,200 Local Community Groups. SICAP also supports Social Enterprises - in 2020 for example, 448 Social Enterprises received support though the programme. In addition, it supports collective community engagement and the development of more sustainable and stronger communities, improving the quality of life of those facing social exclusion and inequality.
The funding for SICAP is subject to the annual budgetary estimates process and I am delighted to have secured a 10 per cent increase for SICAP for 2022, the largest increase since the programme was launched. This represents a €4 million increase and provides for the creation of a significant number of job places for new community work on the ground in communities across Ireland. It will allow for engagement with groups that are currently under-represented on the programme, including Travellers, Roma, people with a disability and new communities. This will have a positive impact for our communities in 2022 and beyond.
Rural Schemes
Questions (68)
Cathal Crowe
Question:68. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if her Department has received an application for town and village renewal made by Clare County Council in respect of Clonlara Village, County Clare. [49950/21]
View answerWritten answers
The Town and Village Renewal Scheme provides funding to support the revitalisation of our rural towns and villages. This year's Town and Village Renewal Scheme, with an indicative budget of €15 million, will place particular emphasis on addressing vacancy and dereliction, supporting remote working, and enhancing town centre living in line with the objectives of “Our Rural Future – Ireland’s Rural Development Policy 2021-2025".
The closing date for applications to the 2021 Scheme was Friday 16th July. I can confirm that an application in respect of the project referred to by the Deputy was submitted by Clare County Council to my Department for consideration under the 2021 Town and Village Renewal Scheme.
Applications are currently undergoing a formal assessment process, with funding being allocated to the successful applications, on foot of the outcome of this process. I expect to announce the successful applications before the end of the year.
Rural Schemes
Questions (69)
Catherine Connolly
Question:69. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the work of the interdepartmental group which was established to develop a town centre first approach; the number of times the group has met to date; when the group will bring forward its recommendations; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50137/21]
View answerWritten answers
The Programme for Government "Our Shared Future" commits to the development of a Town Centre First (TCF) policy. A TCF Inter-Departmental Group (IDG) was established in November 2020 and is jointly chaired by my Department and the Department of Housing, Local Government, and Heritage. It has met on four occasions since its inaugural meeting in November last year.
In parallel with the IDG, a Town Centre First Advisory Group was also established to enable the experiences of a broader group of stakeholders to support the work of the IDG. It is chaired by my colleague, Mr. Peter Burke T.D., Minister of State for Planning and Local Government. It is comprised of individual representatives from a broad range of sectors to ensure effective and diverse representation with the capacity and experience to contribute in a meaningful way to the preparation and implementation of a practical TCF approach.
There is general agreement within the groups that there is no one solution or issue that can or should be addressed in isolation but rather that that TCF should take a holistic approach and be capable of being tailored to address towns of varying size and characteristics.
I understand that a report on the implementation of a Town Centre First approach, together with recommendations on how to proceed, is nearing completion. I expect that the report will be finalised and brought to Government before the end of the year.
Question No. 70 answered with Question No. 22.
National Development Plan
Questions (71)
Bernard Durkan
Question:71. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the extent to which she expects to be in a position to address issues affecting rural life in the context of the National Development Plan; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50129/21]
View answerWritten answers
The National Development Plan 2021 – 2030 places a particular focus on priority solutions to strengthen housing, climate ambitions, transport, healthcare, jobs growth in every region and economic renewal for the decade ahead. With an investment of €165 billion over its timeframe it will be the largest National Development Plan in the history of the State.
While the Plan is a whole of Government approach, my Department will play a key role in delivering on the Strategic Objectives in Chapter 8: Strengthened Rural Economies and Communities.
Due to the volume and timings in the calls for schemes administered by my Department it is not feasible to provide details of each specific project, however, over the lifetime of the NDP my Department will continue to invest in, and support, rural Ireland and communities across the country.
My Department will do this through a wide range of funding schemes such as the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund, LEADER Programme, Town and Village Renewal Scheme, Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme, Local Improvement Scheme, CLÁR Programme, Islands Capital Programme, Community Enhancement Programme, Libraries Investment Capital funding and the PEACE PLUS Programme.
Earlier in the year, I was delighted to launch Our Rural Future a new whole-of-Government Rural Development Policy for the next five years, which sets out a range of measures to strengthen the resilience of our rural communities and economies, including addressing the impacts of challenges experienced by people living and working in rural Ireland and maximising opportunities for rural areas. The NDP will support the achievement of the ambitious objectives set out in Our Rural Future and bring tangible benefits to rural communities.
Rural Recreation Policy
Questions (72)
Holly Cairns
Question:72. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the status of her engagement with an organisation (details supplied) regarding the employment of additional rural recreational officers. [50122/21]
View answerWritten answers
The Walks Scheme, which is funded by my Department, contracts landholders to undertake maintenance work on National Waymarked Ways and other priority trails that traverse their lands. The landholders receive modest payments for maintenance work undertaken in line with agreed work plans.
On 29 September, I announced the 'approval in principle' of 31 new trails to join the Walks Scheme. In order to facilitate this expansion, and in keeping with recommendations from the recently published review of the Walks Scheme, I have committed to funding 8 new Rural Recreation Officer (RROs) posts in Local Development Companies. This is in addition to the 13 posts already in place. I have also committed to providing additional administration funding for the Local Development Companies to support them in delivering the scheme locally. It is anticipated that there will be new RROs facilitating the delivery of trails in Kerry, Louth, Waterford, Limerick, Cavan and surrounding areas, and the Islands.
Funding for an additional RRO post is also being provided to the organisation in West Cork referred to by the Deputy given the large number of existing participants on the scheme there. There will also be a new RRO post for the remainder of County Cork. The funding for these positions will ultimately be determined by the development of an acceptable business case by the companies concerned. My Department has been engaging with the relevant Local Development Companies in this regard.
Question No. 73 answered with Question No. 18.
Rural Schemes
Questions (74)
Cathal Crowe
Question:74. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if her Department has received an application for town and village renewal made by Clare County Council in respect of Drumgeely Neighbourhood Centre, Shannon Town, County Clare. [49951/21]
View answerWritten answers
The Town and Village Renewal Scheme provides funding to support the revitalisation of our rural towns and villages. This year's Town and Village Renewal Scheme, with an indicative budget of €15 million, will place particular emphasis on addressing vacancy and dereliction, projects supporting remote working, and enhancing town centre living as outlined in “Our Rural Future – Ireland’s Rural Development Policy 2021-2025.
The closing date for applications to the 2021 Scheme was Friday 16th July. I can confirm that an application in respect of the project referred to by the Deputy was submitted by Clare County Council to my Department for consideration under the 2021 Town and Village Renewal Scheme.
Applications are currently undergoing a formal assessment process, with funding being allocated to the successful applications on foot of the outcome of this process. I expect to announce the successful applications before the end of the year.
Rural Recreation Policy
Questions (75)
Neale Richmond
Question:75. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if she plans to expand the walks scheme to include walking trails in the Dublin mountains; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [49454/21]
View answerWritten answers
The Walks Scheme, which is funded by my Department, contracts landholders to undertake maintenance work on National Waymarked Ways and other priority trails that traverse their lands. The landholders receive modest payments for maintenance work undertaken in line with agreed work plans.
On 29 September, I announced the 'approval in principle' of 31 new trails to join the Walks Scheme. This fulfils the commitment in the Programme for Government and Our Rural Future to double the number of trails on the Scheme to 80 trails. These trails will be formally brought onto the scheme by Local Development Companies who deliver the Walks Scheme locally and who will develop work plans for each of the individual landholders involved. Once these trails are fully operational under the Scheme, I will examine the potential for the further expansion of the Scheme.
Trails that are eligible for inclusion in the Walks Scheme are those that are registered with Sport Ireland and covered by the Sport Ireland trail insurance policy. For example, I understand that the Dublin Mountains Way is registered with Sport Ireland and may be eligible to apply to the scheme in the future. There may be other routes that are not included on the Sport Ireland register and would not be eligible for the scheme. As such, the position in respect of each trail would have to be assessed on a case by case basis before they could be considered for the scheme.
An expression of interest process will be opened for new trails in advance of any further expansion of the scheme.
Question No. 76 answered with Question No. 25.
Community Development Projects
Questions (77)
Jennifer Murnane O'Connor
Question:77. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the funding provided under the community enhancement programme for County Carlow in 2021; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50158/21]
View answerWritten answers
The Community Enhancement Programme (CEP) was first launched by my Department in 2018. The Programme provides funding to community groups and organisations across Ireland, with a focus on areas of disadvantage. Funding is provided to each Local Authority area, and the programme is administered by the Local Community Development Committees (LCDC) on the basis of local need.
In May this year I launched the 2021 CEP with an allocation of €4.5m. The key theme was to support groups as they reopen facilities which were closed due to COVID-19. The 2021 CEP is now closed to applicants and the vast majority of LCDCs have assessed and approved applications for funding.
The funding provided under the CEP for County Carlow in 2021 was €134,206 and 81 local projects were approved.
A full list of the successful projects in Carlow is available online at: www.gov.ie/en/press-release/e8cad-our-rural-future-ministers-humphreys-and-obrien-announce-134206-for-81-local-projects-in-carlow-under-the-community-enhancement-programme/.
Question No. 78 answered with Question No. 47.
Rural Schemes
Questions (79)
Bernard Durkan
Question:79. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the extent to which she continues to liaise with urban and rural communities with a view to addressing such concerns as isolation and the ongoing need for services to address issues arising; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50130/21]
View answerWritten answers
A vital part of the Department for Rural and Community Development's mission is to support the creation of vibrant and sustainable communities across this country. In delivering on its mission my Department delivers a wide range of strategic interventions, funding programmes and policies to support urban and rural communities, including helping to address the issue of isolation in communities.
Funding includes the Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme (SICAP), the Community Services Programme, the CLÁR Programme, the Community Enhancement Programme, and the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund.
Addressing the issue of rural isolation cuts across Government Departments, with ongoing actions being progressed including those aimed at enhancing community policing, rural transport links and tackling social inclusion. Many of my Department's policies and funding programmes contribute to addressing isolation issues in communities including through the Seniors Alert Scheme, the Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme (SICAP), and supports for social enterprises to provide vital services to communities that may not otherwise be available.
My Department is also responsible for a number of national policies containing measures to improve the lives of people throughout the country. These include the National Policy on Social Enterprise, and Sustainable, Inclusive and Empowered Communities: 5 Year Strategy to Support the Community and Voluntary Sector 2019-2024 .
Earlier this year my Department published Our Rural Future, a whole-of-Government rural development policy for the next five years. The policy seeks to strengthen and build resilience in our rural communities and deliver a range of policy measures in order to achieve these objectives. The policy is supported by 150 commitments across Government, which will address the challenges facing communities and deliver new opportunities for people living in rural areas.
My Department’s policies are underpinned by broad consultation with a wide range of stakeholders including rural and urban stakeholder groups, young people and the wider public, Government Departments and State Agencies. This engagement process provides important insights into issues impacting on rural and urban communities and in identifying areas for response relevant to the work of my Department. Ongoing dialogue by my Department with rural and urban stakeholders will continue, in order to identify and respond to issues impacting on individuals and communities.
I am confident that the funding supports and policies provided by my Department are delivering, and will continue to deliver, tangible benefits for both urban and rural communities, supporting economic development, and enabling the local and community development sectors to continue to provide valuable much needed services and supports to all communities throughout the country.
Question No. 80 answered with Question No. 29.