Written Answers Nos. 846-855
846. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development for an update on the progression of changes under the Control of Dogs Act 1986; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29769/24]
View answerMy Department has policy and legislative responsibility for the Control of Dogs Acts and the Dog Breeding Establishments Act.
Government established a working group in early 2023 to examine the current issues surrounding dog control and to make recommendations for improvements in the field. The report of the working group is available on Gov.ie. I am pleased to advise that I have made significant progress in the implementation of the actions assigned to my Department in the working group report.
I recently increased ‘on-the-spot’ fines for offences under the Control of Dogs Act, including trebling the fines for most serious offences from €100 to €300. Multiple fines can be issued where more than one offence occurs.
In addition, I announced the establishment of a high level stakeholder group to consider and make recommendations to strengthen policy in relation these issues. The group is independently chaired by retired Deputy Garda Commissioner Mr John Twomey and is comprised of members with a broad range of expertise.
The group have been tasked with considering the policy and legislative matters under the remit of my Department, specifically the Dog Control Acts and the Dog Breeding Establishments Act.
The group has met twice to date: the most recent meeting took place on the 26th June. The work of the stakeholder group is complex in nature requiring full consideration of all aspects of both pieces of legislation under the remit of my Department and this will take some time. However, in view of recent events, I have asked the Chair to prioritise the issue of Restricted Dogs and this was the first issue to be considered by the stakeholder group at its recent meeting. I expect the group to revert to me with recommendations on the matter as soon as possible once they have considered all the issues arising.
My Department is also supporting a national training programme for dog wardens to ensure consistency and a standardised approach to enforcement. This training commenced in April.
I believe it is important for dog owners to be aware of their responsibilities - not just to the general public but also to their dogs. For this reason, I launched a major national awareness campaign to alert dog owners to their responsibilities and to raise awareness of the dangers that can be posed to people and to livestock by uncontrolled dogs.
Finally, in addition to these measures, I also announced the establishment of a €2 million fund under a new Dog Control Support Initiative. This funding comes as a direct response to increased pressures on dog control services and will make immediate and tangible improvements to the dog control service across the country.
I look forward to continuing to work with my colleagues across Government to improve outcomes in relation to Dog Control in Ireland.
847. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if she will review the application process under CLÁR to provide different measures under the current scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29770/24]
View answerMy Department's CLÁR scheme is a targeted investment programme that provides funding for small scale infrastructural projects in rural areas that experience disadvantage and significant levels of de-population.
The 2024 CLÁR programme was launched on the 12th April last. There are three separate measures being funded this year. The application deadline has now passed in respect of all 3 measures.
Measure 1 of the scheme will fund the development of community facilities and amenities. This is a very broad measure designed to facilitate the varying needs of each CLAR area and includes interventions such as community gardens, astro turf facilities or the upgrade of the local youth centre.
Measure 2 covers the purchase and fit out of vehicles for voluntary groups providing transport for people with mobility issues, transport for cancer care, first responders and meals on wheels.
Measure 3 was put in place to provide opportunities directly for projects located on the islands in line with my Department’s Islands policy. This provides funding for community amenities and community based transport projects.
I review the focus of the scheme and the measures to be included in advance of the launch of the CLÁR programme each year. Adjustments are made to the scheme and application process as appropriate. For example, this year support for meals in wheels services was included under Measure 2 of the scheme. I can assure the Deputy that I will again review the focus of the CLÁR programme in advance of the next iteration of the scheme.
848. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the funding allocated to County Cork from her Department in the past five years, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29771/24]
View answer853. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the total funding allocated to respective local authorities for each year since 2020 for all rural schemes provided by her Department, including town and village renewal, CLÁR, LIS, LAGs and outdoor recreation and rural regeneration, by county, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29776/24]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 848 and 853 together.
The Deputy will be aware that my Department provides support for many projects around the country through various schemes and programmes. While much of the funding is channelled via the Local Authorities, funding is also provided through other channels such as Local Development Companies, other state agencies and directly from the Department. In that context, the attached spreadsheet gives details of funding allocated on a county basis since 2020 including Co. Cork.
The Deputy will be pleased to note that since 2020, in excess of €140 million has been allocated under these Programmes to Co. Cork from my Department with a further €5.5 million support under the Covid-19 Stability Scheme. In addition, €16.8 million has been made available for the 2023-2027 LEADER Programme with projects yet to be selected in Cork.
The Deputy will also be aware that his own constituency has benefited with major funding through the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund to include over €7.2 million for a number of interventions in the town centre of Macroom for the refurbishment of a vacant church as an arts, community, cultural and heritage facility and over €5 million in Charleville for the repurposing of vacant historic buildings for use as a remote working hub and an Arts and Community Centre.
849. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development for an update on her commitments for delivery under the policy for sustainable rural development, published in March 2021; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29772/24]
View answerOur Rural Future was published in March 2021, with a five-year timeframe until 2025. It is the whole-of-government policy for sustainable rural development in Ireland, containing more than 170 commitments for delivery by government departments and their agencies.
The measures outlined in the policy support short-term recovery, longer-term economic and social development, and environmental and cultural wellbeing. Updates on actions are provided through six-monthly Progress Reports. Annual Work Programmes are also published and allow for new measures and actions, in light of revised priorities due to emerging challenges and opportunities.
Of the original 154 measures, 46 are being implemented and are of an ongoing nature. From the remaining 107 measures, a total of 87 have now been completed, although in many cases, activity beyond the original commitment is continuing and will be reported on over the remaining period of the policy. The Fifth Progress Report, with updates for Quarter 3 and Quarter 4 2023, and the 2024 Work Programme are available to view, alongside previous Progress Reports and Work Programmes, on my Department's website: www.gov.ie/en/campaigns/c6f5d-our-rural-future/ .
Work is now underway to produce the Sixth Progress Report, providing updates on both ongoing actions and those due to be completed in Quarter 1 and Quarter 2 2024.
I am grateful to my colleagues in Government for their sustained level of engagement to support the ambition of Our Rural Future. The significant level of progress to date across all contributing departments highlights this Government’s continued commitment to rural Ireland.
In December last year, I contracted the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) to conduct an independent review of rural policy in Ireland, to support and inform the development of a successor to Our Rural Future. The review process is now in train with officials in my Department liaising with the OECD for the duration of the review.
850. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development what new initiatives under rural connectivity created by the National Broadband Plan are being considered to deliver new services remotely and support new activity in rural communities; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29773/24]
View answerMy colleague, the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications, is responsible for the delivery of the National Broadband Plan (NBP). The NBP will be delivered through investment by commercial enterprises with intervention by the State where private companies have no plans to invest. To date, fibre roll-out in the State intervention area has passed 254,917 premises and 84,333 premises connected across rural Ireland and aims to make high-speed fibre broadband available to over 300,000 homes, farms and businesses before the end of this year. Overall, the State intervention will deliver fibre broadband to 564,000 premises across the country.
One of the key focuses of Our Rural Future, the Government's Rural Development Policy 2021-2025, is optimising digital connectivity to support vibrant, sustainable rural communities. Broadband Connection Points (BCP) were installed under the NBP and are located in some of the most isolated and rural communities throughout the country. They have brought connectivity to almost 300 publicly available sites across the country. BCPs are located in publicly accessible buildings, such as community centres, sports clubs and libraries that allow the public to access the internet onsite. They are located in some of the most rural communities throughout each local authority area, including islands off Donegal, Mayo, Galway and Cork.
My Department has funded a number of projects in BCPs which demonstrate the opportunities that connectivity and remote delivery offers, and provide solutions to challenges or address gaps in service that have been identified by the Department, local authorities or other stakeholders. Projects in thematic areas such as Digital Skills and Education, Arts and Culture and Remote Working have been developed in partnership with key stakeholders and rolled out to suitable BCPs across the network.
High speed broadband has facilitated people to work remotely and my Department's Connected Hubs initiative provides hub owners and customers with a central, easy to use portal to offer and book a range of services, particularly professional remote working spaces and meeting rooms. Good progress is being made towards the target of having 400 hubs on the network over the lifetime of Our Rural Future. A number of initiatives have been developed through Connected Hubs that benefit the wider community, such as 'Learning in the Hubs' which enables adult learners to undertake Technology University of the Shannon college courses in local hubs with state-of-the-art facilities allowing students to remain in their own locality to study, whilst also networking with other students.
To take further advantage of the opportunities presented to rural communities through broadband connectivity, my Department, together with the Department of Enterprise Trade and Employment, and in consultation with key stakeholders is leading on the formulation of a National Hub Strategy. The strategy will include measures to underpin the sustainable development of the network of hubs with a view to enabling rural regeneration, contributing to more balanced regional economic development, and supporting remote working and delivery of services in rural communities.
851. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the measures being taken to address the backlog in local improvement scheme applications for Cork County; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29774/24]
View answerThe Local Improvement Scheme supports the improving rural roads and laneways not usually maintained by local authorities. As part of Our Rural Future, the Government is committed to ensuring that the LIS is funded into the future.
The Scheme was reintroduced by my Department in 2017 following a number of years with no dedicated funding. Between 2017 and 2024 my Department has allocated almost €170 million to local authorities under the Scheme. This has upgraded, up to the end of 2023, over 4,000 non-public roads and lanes which has benefitted almost 20,000 landowners and residents in these rural areas.
From 2017 to 2023, €10.1 million was allocated to Cork to fund works carried out on over 200 roads. This is the third-highest allocation nationally. For 2024/25, over €2.5 million has been earmarked for Cork with funding being provided over 2 years to assist local authorities in planning the efficient and effective delivery of works under the Scheme.
I have ensured that the base funding for the scheme has increased year on year in recent years. I have also prioritised the scheme for additional funding, where savings have emerged in my Department as the year has progressed.
The selection of roads to be funded under the scheme is a matter for each local authority based on the priority or condition of particular roads in their county. Local authorities may rely on existing lists of eligible roads and/or advertise for new applicant roads. I am aware, however, that there is high demand under the scheme despite progress made in recent years. My officials continue to liaise closely with local authorities to ensure funds are utilised fully. I have also for some time been engaging with my colleague, the Minister for Transport, regarding his Department's potential contribution to a jointly funded Local Improvement Scheme.
852. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the number and details of funding drawn down for projects awarded under the outdoor recreation infrastructure scheme for the past five years in Cork County, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29775/24]
View answerThe Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS) provides funding for the development and enhancement of outdoor recreational infrastructure such as walking trails, cycleways, water-based recreation sites and mountain trails. Since the launch of the scheme in 2016, funding of over €129 million has been awarded to 1,775 projects across the country. Over the last five years, funding of over €4.3 million has been approved for 73 projects in County Cork.
The table below outlines the details of funding drawn down for projects in County Cork since 2020. In total, funding of €2,860,200 has been claimed during this period.
|
Drawdown Year |
Project Name |
Grant Amount Claimed |
|
2020 |
Beara Breifne Way |
€156,000.00 |
|
2020 |
Youghal Eco-Boardwalk Phase 2 |
€500,000.00 |
|
2020 |
Béicín Walkway |
€159,821.34 |
|
2020 |
Cobh Mall Beach Access |
€15,780.53 |
|
2020 |
James O'Keeffe Walkway |
€20,000.00 |
|
2021 |
Bolomore Way |
€20,000.00 |
|
2021 |
Spike Island Costal Walking Route |
€56,346.40 |
|
2021 |
Harbour View Beach Eco Walk |
€15,607.44 |
|
2021 |
Ballinascarty to Timoleague Walkway |
€13,280.00 |
|
2021 |
Avondhu Blackwater Way |
€16,093.12 |
|
2021 |
The Warren Cliff Walk |
€19,927.42 |
|
2021 |
Belgooly Walkway |
€20,000.00 |
|
2021 |
Camden Fort Trail |
€20,000.00 |
|
2021 |
Repairs and marketing of Moanbaun Woods |
€8,638.21 |
|
2021 |
Island Wood |
€20,000.00 |
|
2021 |
Mount Hillary Car Park and Picnic Area |
€20,000.00 |
|
2021 |
Ballinascarthy Loop Walk |
€19,571.00 |
|
2022 |
Castlefreke Trails |
€14,837.83 |
|
2022 |
Fastnet Trails – Goleen Village |
€17,542.34 |
|
2022 |
Spike Island Costal Walking Route |
€93,869.60 |
|
2022 |
Repairs and marketing of Moanbaun Woods |
€9,361.79 |
|
2022 |
Trails and Blueway development |
€200,000.00 |
|
2022 |
Gallanes Walkway, Clonakilty |
€82,825.43 |
|
2022 |
Glansheskin Woods, Kilworth |
€20,000.00 |
|
2022 |
Analeentha Greenway |
€20,000.00 |
|
2022 |
Kiskeam Walkway |
€20,000.00 |
|
2022 |
Analeentha Greenway |
€30,000.00 |
|
2023 |
Graball Bay |
€20,000.00 |
|
2023 |
Carrigaline Beaches |
€20,000.00 |
|
2023 |
Upgrade of the Avondhu Blackwater Way |
€19,760.16 |
|
2023 |
Barnane Walking Trail |
€200,000.00 |
|
2023 |
River Bandon |
€18,417.64 |
|
2023 |
Slyguddal Pass |
€20,000.00 |
|
2023 |
Marketing of recreation in the South & East Cork Area |
€19,868.00 |
|
2023 |
Clonakilty SAC Birdwatching Enhancement Project |
€18,492.44 |
|
2023 |
Feasibility Study - West Cork Blue Flag Beaches. |
€20,911.23 |
|
2023 |
Ballingeary Trails |
€12,180.60 |
|
2023 |
Dunmanway Trails |
€19,815.81 |
|
2023 |
Gallanes Walkway, Clonakilty |
€63,379.57 |
|
2023 |
Blue Pool Nature Reserve Upgrade |
€493,748.36 |
|
2023 |
Old Butter road |
€19,796.52 |
|
2023 |
Fastnet Trails - Link to Sheep’s Head Way |
€5,558.09 |
|
2023 |
Knockananig |
€28,452.26 |
|
2023 |
Bandon Walkway |
€28,179.56 |
|
2023 |
Blackwater Way Knockananig |
€11,304.02 |
|
2024 |
Upgrades to Duhallow Way, Clara Loop Walk & Paps Loop Walk |
€30,000.00 |
|
2024 |
Upgrades to Bolomore Way,&James O Keeffe Walkway |
€30,000.00 |
|
2024 |
Blackwater Way Knockananig |
€15,307.17 |
|
2024 |
Clonakilty SAC Birdwatching Enhancement Project |
€1,507.56 |
|
2024 |
Kiskeam Walking Trail |
€30,000.00 |
|
2024 |
Beara Breifne Way |
€54,202.50 |
|
2024 |
White Bay |
€20,000.00 |
|
2024 |
Garryvoe |
€29,816.10 |
|
Total |
€2,860,200.04 |
854. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the meetings that have taken place in Government regarding the purchase of a property (details supplied); the dates of those meetings; and the persons who attended. [29839/24]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, town centre regeneration is a core aspect of my work as Minister for Rural and Community Development, and the various schemes available within my Department are guided by the national Town Centre First policy which seeks to tackle vacancy and ensure our rural towns are vibrant and lived-in places.
On 9 May 2024 I met with a delegation from North Tipperary Local Development Company in relation to the named property which is referenced in the Roscrea Town Centre First Plan. The meeting was attended by Mr. Michael Murray, Chief Executive Officer, and board members Mr. Charles Stanley Smith and Mr. Michael Smith.
I am pleased to advise that I have also approved funding of €150,000 (exc. VAT) for Tipperary County Council to carry out a feasibility study as to the potential sustainable future use of the property referenced by the Deputy.
855. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development to provide the number and detail of the public helplines operated by her Department; whether calls are recorded on each helpline; and if not, whether she would consider recording calls for transparency and training purposes. [30000/24]
View answerGiven the remit of my Department, it does not operate any public helplines. Contact details, including the phone number for my Department, are available on it's website. The Department's switchboard is operated by a third party who refer calls to relevant areas of the Department. These calls are not recorded and it would not be intended to do so.
