Written Answers Nos. 81-100
82. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development when she will announce the 2025 tidy towns grants for local groups in County Mayo; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40598/24]
View answerThe Supervalu TidyTowns competition is a unique volunteer-led programme that makes a hugely positive contribution in communities across Ireland. It is abundantly clear that our support for the Tidy Towns competition has delivered very tangible and visible benefits in towns and villages all over the country.
I and my colleagues in Government are very conscious of the work undertaken by our Tidy Towns Groups and of the costs which can arise in the course of this work. With this in mind, in recent years direct financial supports have been put in place for groups, in light of the huge efforts that they make.
At the 2023 national awards ceremony Minister Humphreys announced a funding package of €1.5 million to support TidyTowns groups in their initiatives for the 2024 competition. This funding brings the total allocation by the Department since 2017 to €9.6 million in direct funding to over 1,000 TidyTowns groups.
The funding of between €1,000 and €4,000 was provided to groups to assist them in preparing for the 2024 Competition, with the added benefits of helping to make our towns and villages better places to live, work and visit. I am happy to confirm that a total of €44,000 was made available to 32 eligible groups in Co Mayo in 2023.
Officials are currently in the process of designing the next iteration of the Tidy Town grant scheme to enable groups prepare for next year’s competition. I would also encourage TidyTowns groups to engage closely with their local authority or local development company to explore what other funding sources may be available to support the valuable voluntary work they are providing for their local communities.
The 2024 National Awards ceremony will take place in Croke Park on 1st November 2024 and
I know that Tidy Towns Groups across the country are looking forward to the announcement of the various award winners on the day.
84. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if she will give an update on the report on the rural proofing pilots; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40650/24]
View answerAfter the publication of the Department's research on rural proofing last year, which is available online, it was decided to undertake a number of Rural Proofing Pilots across Government. This included the National Planning Framework review, the development of the new Sustainable Tourism Policy, the development of the new National Hubs Strategy, and the development of the new Social Enterprise Strategy, which was published in July.
It is worth noting that a form of rural proofing is already taking place. For example, Memoranda for Government which contain significant policy proposals including legislation, must indicate the impact, if any, of the proposals on rural communities. In addition, officials from the Department of Rural and Community Development are engaged on a number of cross departmental groups, which serves to support the inclusion of a rural perspective into policy development.
The aim of the rural proofing process has been to gain a better understanding of how we can build on this existing activity to further strengthen the consideration and incorporation of rural challenges and opportunities into the policy development process. The experience of the pilots has strengthened our view that rural proofing is not a policy or a model. Rather, rural proofing is a process to be undertaken which leads to better policies.
Key lessons from the pilots include
• There is a need to support Government Department’s understanding of what may fall within the term ‘rural area’
• There is a need to support Government Departments in accessing statistical data on rural areas
• The importance of early and targeted consultation with rural communities as part of the rural proofing process.
• The policy making process should include very specific consideration of issues relating to both the needs and potential of rural communities when developing policies.
These lessons will underpin the report and guidance material which will be published shortly and help to ensure that policy development across Government can help deliver on the vision of Our Rural Future.
86. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if she will outline her Department’s provision for the additional funding and resources of veterinary services by local authorities to implement the XL bully ban, given that all current local authority vets will transfer to the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine by January 2025; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37289/24]
View answer87. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if additional supports will be made available to animal shelters to cope with the increased number of XL bully dogs being surrendered; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40521/24]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 86 and 87 together.
I announced the ban on XL Bully type dogs in the interest of public safety following a number of recent horrific attacks. The ban will be implemented in the following two stages:
Since October 1st 2024, new regulations have prohibited the importing, breeding, rehoming and selling of XL Bully type dogs.
From February 1st 2025, it will be illegal to own an XL Bully type dog without a ‘Certificate of Exemption’ issued by the local authority in which the dog resides.
These two stages are designed to give XL Bully type dog owners who wish to keep their dog the time to obtain a 'Certificate of Exemption' from their Local Authority.
As I previously announced in July, all XL Bully type dog owners will be required to licence, microchip and neuter their dogs. Further information on the criteria to qualify and the documentation needed for a 'Certificate of Exemption' application, is available on gov.ie/xlbully.
In preparation for the regulations, my officials engaged with the various stakeholders, including animal welfare charities and shelters, and will continue to do so. Having considered their concerns, XL Bully type dog owners will not be charged an application fee when they apply for a 'Certificate of Exemption'. Also, as part of the regulations, any registered charitable organisation who had an XL Bully type dog in their care before 1st October 2024 will have until 1st February 2024 to rehome the dog to a new owner. Any new owner will also have to comply with all of the 'Certificate of Exemption' requirements.
My Department has been engaging with animal welfare charities and is currently exploring ways in which they can be supported in their work as the regulations come into effect. As a result of this engagement, I am aware that the costs of neutering can be a concern for some dog owners, particularly those on low incomes. I hope to announce shortly details of funding for several animal welfare charities to provide support in this area.
In relation to the proposed transfer of the Local Authority Veterinary Service to the Department of Agriculture Food and the Marine, I am advised that discussions between the parties involved are ongoing. My officials are in contact with officials in the Department of Agriculture Food and the Marine regarding the possible impact the transfer may have on my Department’s Dog Control responsibilities, including any potential impacts in the context of the XL Bully type dog ban.
Details of any necessary operational arrangements will be finalised between my Department, the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, and the Local Authorities in advance of transfer of resources.
88. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the efforts her Department is making in dealing with rural isolation and loneliness; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40593/24]
View answer334. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the extent to which she and her Department can further enhance the extent to which people living in isolation in either urban or rural communities can be support by various means such as electronic devices to assist them in the event of attack with particular reference to the possible extension of the existing alarm system; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40892/24]
View answer335. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the extent to which she and her Department have assisted with addressing the issue of isolation throughout the country in the past four years, both rural and urban dwellers; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40893/24]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 88, 334 and 335 together.
Groups and projects supported by my Department deliver on a range of objectives. Some groups and projects work to address societal issues such as isolation and deprivation, while others aim to enhance local communities and livelihoods through investment in spaces and community development activities.
Organisations like Men’s Sheds and women’s groups are vital in addressing isolation for many people. Late last year I was pleased to announce €1 million in funding to Men’s Sheds. Under the initiative, grants of up to €3,000 have been provided to 435 Men’s Sheds across the country.
In June, I announced funding for almost 500 women’s groups nationwide. The funding is being delivered as part of the Local Enhancement Programme (LEP) 2024. The LEP allocated €6 million in capital supports for community groups and organisations across every county in Ireland, with funding of €1 million being ring-fenced for women’s groups.
I believe that community centres are the cornerstone of communities all over Ireland and provide people, young and old, with a place to meet, learn, play and participate with the community as a whole. Earlier this year I announced a further €20 million in funding to support our community groups to upgrade and refurbish the community facilities in their areas. This allocation brings the total amount of funding announced to support the development of community centres, under the Community Centre Investment Fund, to over €95 million since 2022.
In relation to isolation and marginalisation, the Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme addresses high and persistent levels of deprivation through targeted and innovative, locally-led approaches in communities. Also my Department's Community Services Programme aims to address community needs, isolation and social exclusion by providing services through a social enterprise model. I am pleased to have secured combined funding of over €110 million for the Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme (SICAP) and the Community Services Programme in 2025.
While my Department does not provide funding for house alarm systems, the Seniors Alert Scheme provides significant peace of mind for many vulnerable older people in our communities, reducing feelings of isolation. It provides funding for a personal monitored alarm, connected to a contact centre to enable older persons of 65 or older and of limited means, to continue to live securely in their homes with confidence and independence. I have ensured that this scheme is funded to allow applications on an ongoing basis, from both rural and urban dwellers, and details on how to apply are available at www.pobal.ie/programmes/seniors-alert-scheme-sas/.
I will continue to engage with rural communities to identify issues impacting on them and respond to emerging needs, including with regard to helping address rural isolation and loneliness. I am confident that the funding supports and policies provided by my Department will continue to deliver tangible benefits for our communities.
Details of all of the supports available from my Department can be found at www.gov.ie/drcd.
89. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the measures being taken to address the high demand, and applications received by Cork County Council under the local improvement scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40594/24]
View answerThe Local Improvement Scheme (LIS) supports the improvement of rural roads and laneways that are not usually maintained by local authorities. As part of Our Rural Future, the government is committed to ensuring that the LIS is funded in the future.
In April of this year, I announced over €40 million in funding for the 2024 and 2025 Schemes, having secured an additional once-off funding in respect of 2024. In order to help local authorities better plan their work programmes, thus supporting ongoing efforts to meet high demand at local level.
Since its establishment in 2017, the total amount of funding provided for LIS by my Department is just under €170 million (includes the 2024/2025 funding allocation). This funding has so far resulted in improvement works on over 4,000 roads, benefitting almost 20,000 landowners and residents in these rural areas.
Since the scheme launched in 2017, Cork has been allocated a total of €12.7 million in LIS funding. This figure includes the 2024/2025 allocation of €2.8 million for Cork and a figure of €0.42 million to fund LIS repair works on Cork’s island roads. Furthermore, Cork County Council has completed repair works on a total of 233 rural roads and laneways and have indicated that 31 roads will be completed in 2024, with a further 14 roads to be completed in 2025.
While my Department provides funding for the Scheme, it is administered by each local authority, who are responsible for the selection and prioritisation of roads. Should savings within the Department be identified, I will consider allocating an additional tranche of funding in 2025 to address the backlog of roads awaiting repair under the Scheme.
It should be noted that the ability of local authorities to meet demand under the scheme is not purely a function of available funding, as other factors such as weather conditions and the availability of contractors and labour are also relevant. My officials continue to liaise closely with local authorities to ensure the efficient and effective delivery of the scheme.
90. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if she expects to be in a position to assist urban or rural organisations seeking to address social or economic equality in their respective areas, now and throughout 2025; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40585/24]
View answer101. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development how she proposes to liaise with youth groups in urban or rural settings with a view to addressing their issues of concern, now and throughout 2025; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40586/24]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 90 and 101 together.
I am delighted to confirm that I have secured a 9% increase in my Department’s funding under Budget 2025. This brings my Department’s allocation to €472 million, giving it additional resources to assist organisations in urban and rural areas, and community groups seeking to address social and economic inequality, including supporting young people.
This record allocation of €472 million will provide €212 million for rural development. This funding will continue to breathe new life into towns and villages and support the social and economic development of rural and urban communities. My Department supports rural regeneration, facilitates new working opportunities and fosters regional enterprise growth through a wide range of schemes including the the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund, the LEADER Programme, the Town and Village Renewal Scheme, the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme, and the Islands Capital Programme.
I understand young people may have unique perspectives on rural development and their lives in rural Ireland, and for that reason one of the key commitments of the Government’s five-year strategy for rural Ireland - ‘Our Rural Future’, is the establishment of a Rural Youth Assembly. This measure builds on the direct engagement with young people, that commenced during the development of the policy, and has continued since the policy was launched in March 2021. The Assembly is co-hosted by my Department and the National Participation Office in the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth. It comprises of young people between the ages of 12-24 who discuss the challenges and opportunities associated with living in rural Ireland. More information about the Rural Youth Assembly and its work can be found on my Department’s website www.gov.ie/drcd.
My Department also provides strategic interventions through supports and funding programmes which target and address issues of social and economic deprivation in communities throughout the country. Budget 2025 has made €260 million available for these community development activities.
The two main schemes in this area, the Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme (SICAP), and the Community Services Programme (CSP), will have combined core funding of over €100 million for 2025. SICAP is Ireland’s primary social inclusion funding intervention to help those in the greatest need access supports to enable participation in communities. The CSP provides employment opportunities for people in disadvantaged areas, and those most distant from the labour market, whilst also ensuring the provision of vital community services throughout the country.
My Department will continue to engage with rural and urban stakeholders, young and old, to identify issues impacting on communities and to respond to emerging needs.
91. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the efforts underway to increase library membership and participation; and to provide an update on membership numbers at local authority libraries, each year over the past five years. [40662/24]
View answerInvesting in our library services and promoting library membership and participation are key priorities for me as Minister and this is reflected in the Public Library Strategy 2023-2027, "The Library is the Place: Information, Recreation, Inspiration". This strategy includes an action to promote library use through national and local promotional campaigns and the provision of training to library staff on marketing and communications. The following initiatives are specifically aimed at increasing library membership and participation:
• The Libraries Capital Programme, which I announced in April 2024, which will support a major investment of €22.6m in 11 state-of-the-art infrastructure projects and a further €2.6m in 12 next generation mobile library vehicles.
• Ireland Reads - a national campaign which takes place annually to promote reading in advance of the national day of reading on February 24th . It is an initiative that is funded by Healthy Ireland and supported by public libraries and many organisations that promote literacy and the arts.
• An annual national public libraries open day, where libraries can showcase what they offer. This year’s Open Day, which was preceded by a nationwide promotional campaign, was held on September 28th and libraries hosted a wide variety of events that appealed to all ages.
• Funding of €260,000, which I approved for 2024, to support My Little Library Bag, which is an initiative under the First 5 Strategy. This initiative supports 4 and 5 year olds starting school and encourages them to join the library. In the past two years, nearly 120,000 book bags have been distributed and over 70,000 children have registered as library members or renewed their membership.
The following table provides the numbers of registered library members over the past five years.
|
- |
2019 |
2020 |
2021 |
2022 |
2023 |
|
Live memberships* |
885,971 |
1,036,062 |
483,433 |
765,000 |
784,618 |
*Notes: In 2019, the standard duration of membership was reduced from two years to one year. In 2020, during the pandemic, memberships expiration was disabled and an automatic re-registration process was implemented.
92. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development further to Parliamentary Question No. 2698 of 23 July 2024, the status of the development of Caladh Mór pier on Inis Meáin; whether the independent consultant has been appointed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40481/24]
View answerAs the Deputy is aware, Galway County Council is the responsible authority for the maintenance and development of pier infrastructure on the Aran Islands, including on Inis Meáin.
There are regular meetings between officials from my department and Galway County Council to discuss and monitor the pier development on the islands. The last meeting was held on Tuesday 24 September, and the next meeting is scheduled for 22 October.
As advised in July, my Department gave approval to Galway County Council to proceed to tender for the appointment of consultant engineers to develop the Preliminary Business Case, incorporating a Strategic Assessment, for Marine Infrastructure Improvement Options on Inis Meáin.
The request for tender was launched by Galway County Council in July and the closing date for submissions was 20 September 2024. I understand the tender responses are currently being assessed by Galway Council with a view to appointing a consultant engineer by the end of the year.
My Department and Galway County Council agree that there will be clear engagement with island representatives and the independent consultant to be appointed, ensuring that the entire community has input into the process.
My Department will continue to engage with Galway County Council to ensure this process is progressed without delay.
93. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development to provide an update on the LEADER programme; the measures that have been funded for climate change mitigation and adaptation; the amount of funding that was allocated to LEADER in Budget 2025; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40519/24]
View answerThe LEADER Programme is a key intervention of Our Rural Future, the Government’s Policy for rural development which aims to deliver a range of actions to rural communities over the lifetime of the policy. It supports a broad range of activities which aim to respond to the diversity of the local needs of our rural areas.
Since the 2014-2022 LEADER programme became operational in 2016, over 5,800 project were approved for funding of in excess of €240 million. This programme has now closed and 99% of approved projects have been completed. Final claims for payment are currently being processed by my Department.
The 2023-2027 LEADER Programme has now commenced and LAGs are in the early stages of implementation, which involves engaging with their respective communities to develop project applications.
The LEADER programme is implemented across thematic areas. Under the 2014-2022 LEADER Programme, the Rural Environmental theme included measures aimed at addressing climate change through initiatives in relation to renewable energy. Over €8 million was approved for projects in this category.
The 2023-2027 LEADER programme has a greater focus on climate change and includes a specific sub-theme in relation to climate change mitigation and adaptation. The type of activities covered under this subtheme will include actions that reduce the carbon footprint of the community and local industry, actions that protect the environment through greater awareness of environmental issues, and promote the efficient use of natural resources and heritage preservation. LAGs have identified in their Local Development Strategies the measures they will undertake to include these activities in their action plans. I look forward to seeing these project come to fruition as the programme progresses.
With regard to the Budget 2025, funding of €42 million has been allocated to ensure the delivery of the LEADER programme and I am satisfied that this level of funding will sufficient to cover all aspects of implementing the programme next year.
94. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if her Department has assessed the scale of the impact on rural communities of the many community support schemes which her Department has run over the past five years, both in creating or improving community facilities and building community engagement and well-being; whether she has an estimate of the multiplier effect of these supports; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40313/24]
View answerWith regard to the impacts and outcomes of investment by my Department, both the Revised Estimates Volume and the Public Service Performance Report provide high-level metrics with regard to the targets and outcomes for our most significant funding schemes. My Department’s Annual Report also provides an overview of the work of the Department each year, including funding commitments and project approvals under each scheme. The last 5 years has seen huge funding growth for both rural and community development, with a commensurate increase in the volume of projects funded.
While the specific issue of multiplier effects of supports has not been considered to date, the Department has undertaken focused policy assessment work on a range of programme areas including the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund, the Town and Village Renewal Scheme and the Local Improvement Scheme. The reports are available on my Departments website, at www.gov.ie/en/publication/bf723-rural-development-research-and-analysis/.
The two largest community development schemes, the Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme (SICAP) and the Community Services Programme (CSP) have reporting systems in place to collate activity and outcomes under the schemes, with this information utilised to produce both the annual statistics in documents such as the Revised Estimate, and regular detailed reports that inform the design of the programmes as they move from one programme period to the next. Again, all such reports are available on the Departments website. The annual reports for both SICAP and CSP, which are available on the Pobal website, provide clear evidence of the positive impact of these schemes for both individuals and communities.
Pobal, who administer the SICAP Programme on behalf of my Department, have conducted and published a number of assessments and learning briefs on the impact of SICAP services on particular cohorts, some in conjunction with ESRI. These publications include analysis of The Role of SICAP in Supporting New Communities, A Comparison of Women and Men Supported by SICAP and an Evaluation of SICAP Pre-Employment Supports.
In partnership with the ERSI, my Department recently published three reports focussed on scoping potential high level indicators for rural development in the long term. My Department is also working with the Department of Taoiseach on an approach to assess place-based and local well-being, in line with the National Well-being Framework and Programme for Government commitments. My Department also regularly engages with the Central Statistics Office (CSO), in terms of how their statistics can inform our work.
In terms of creating and improving community facilities, the recent establishment of the Community Centre Investment Fund is one example of the clear impact of our schemes. The first funding round approved over €45.8 million for improvement and refurbishment works on 861 existing community centres across Ireland. In April this year funding of €30 million was approved for the construction of 12 new community centres across nine counties. Applications for a further round of funding for improvement and refurbishment works recently closed, with huge interest once again.
The sustained level of investment in rural and urban communities over the last 5 years is having clear and positive impacts for our communities and local economies right across the country.
95. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development for an update on the community centres for Ballyvolane and Fairhill. [40576/24]
View answerUnder the 2022 Community Centre Investment Fund, over €45.8 million was committed for improvement and refurbishment works on 861 existing community centres across Ireland. I am happy to confirm that 96 projects totaling almost €4.8 million were allocated funding in Co. Cork under CCIF 2022.
In April, I approved funding of €30 million for the construction of 12 new community centres across nine counties. I can confirm that County Cork was successful under this fund with Rylane Community Centre being approved over €1.5 million.
In June this year, I was delighted to announce a further round of funding to support community groups to upgrade and refurbish the community facilities in their areas. The Community Centre Investment Fund 2024 will provide funding of between €10,000 and €100,000 towards capital costs for the refurbishment of existing community centres.
The 2024 scheme closed for applications on Thursday 5th September. County Cork has submitted over 100 applications totaling over €6.5 million for consideration under CCIF 2024. I expect to begin announcing the successful applicants under Community Centre Investment Fund 2024 in the coming months.
I understand that there has not been an application under any iteration of the Community Centre Investment Fund for Ballyvolane or Fairhill. I would encourage the community groups in these locations to explore the potential for funding under other schemes operated by my Department such as the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund, the Town and Village Renewal Scheme or the CLÁR programme. Details of each scheme are available on my Department's website.
I would also encourage the local groups to explore the potential for funding with their respective local authority and local development company.
96. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development to provide an update on the progress of works under the local enhancement scheme 2024 in Carlow. [40522/24]
View answerLast December, I launched the Local Enhancement Programme (LEP), with capital funding of €6 million to assist community groups across the country. The LEP is targeted to the specific challenges facing local community groups and delivers immediate, tangible supports where they are needed most.
There was a particular focus on small capital works/improvements, and the purchase of equipment for community use. The funding may be used, but is not limited to; improved access for persons with a disability; enhancing community participation for disadvantaged and marginalised groups, and improving energy efficiency of community facilities to reduce ongoing costs.
The LEP was administered on behalf of my Department locally by Local Community Development Committees (LCDCs) across the country, with support from their Local Authority. The LEP 2024 is now closed to applicants. I can confirm Carlow received an allocation of €142,867.38 under the LEP and details of successful groups are available at www.gov.ie/DRCD.
Details of any future iterations of the Local Enhancement Programme, including the allocations available have not yet been confirmed. I would encourage all groups to check my department’s website www.gov.ie/drcd, and to engage with their Local Community Development Committees (LCDCs), Local Development Companies and Public Participation Networks (PPN) to ensure they are aware of funding opportunities as they become available.
I look forward to continuing to deliver meaningful supports like the LEP to local communities as we support them to respond to the challenges they face.
97. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if she has considered ways to support communities in towns and villages to provide facilities such as community centres or community hubs where none exist, and where no land is available to the local authority on which to build such facilities; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40486/24]
View answerMy Department has a number of capital programmes designed to help community groups who are carrying out large infrastructural development projects. This includes the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund (RRDF), the Town and Village Renewal Scheme (TVRS), the Community Centre Investment Fund (CCIF), the Community recognition Fund (CRF) and the LEADER programme.
The LEADER programme is based on a community-led approach to rural development and plays an important role in supporting communities and enterprises in progressing job creation, social inclusion and environmental projects at local level.
The new LEADER programme for the period 2023-2027 has now commenced across the country. A strong focus of this new programme, which builds on the many successful previous programmes, will be the capacity of marginalised and new communities, particularly in areas that have not benefited from LEADER support in the past. I am confident that those delivering the new LEADER programme will provide support to projects at a local level that aim to address the needs of their communities as they arise.
The RRDF provides funding for the development and construction of capital projects in towns and villages and rural areas across Ireland. Since the Fund was established in 2018, a total of 243 projects have been approved for funding of over €584 million for projects.
The projects supported by the RRDF revitalise rural towns and villages, address vacancy and dereliction and provide the necessary facilities required by communities.
Calls for applications to the Fund are sought under two categories. 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.
In May 2023 I announced funding of €164 million for 30 large scale projects. Many of these projects include elements which restore and build community facilities. I expect to announce a call for Category 2 applications shortly.
The CCIF has provided capital funding for improvement and refurbishment works on over 860 existing community centres across Ireland and the construction of 12 new community centres.
Last June, a further €20 million in capital funding was announced to support community groups to upgrade and refurbish the community facilities in their areas. The CCIF 2024 will provide funding from €10,000 up to a maximum of €100,000 towards capital costs for the refurbishment of existing community centres.
This allocation brings the total amount of funding announced under CCIF to over €95 million since 2022. This is an unprecedented level of investment in our community centres.
The TVRS launched in 2016 and since then over €177 million has been allocated to almost 1,800 projects. The 2023 Scheme placed particular emphasis on projects that bring economic and social vibrancy to town centres in line with Government’s policies, and which will encourage more people into town and village centres to work, shop and socialise.
The Building Acquisition Measure was launched under TVRS in 2022 to allow local authorities to purchase vacant and derelict buildings for future development as community assets. Past iterations of TVRS have also funded acquisition of land in town centres for the development of town regeneration and community focused projects as well as the refurbishment or development of multi-purpose community spaces in Ireland’s rural towns and villages. Scheme priorities are reviewed at the end of each scheme year to ensure that funding is targeted effectively to support vibrant and attractive communities and to respond to changing needs and opportunities.
The TVRS is administered through local authorities, who work closely with local communities and businesses to develop proposals that can make a lasting impact on rural towns and villages. I expect to announce the 2024 scheme shortly.
The CRF was established in 2023 to recognise the efforts made by cities, towns and villages in welcoming new arrivals to Ireland. Funding of €100 million has been allocated to support projects across a range of areas including the purchase of land and buildings for community use. The final phase for the 2024 fund closes on January 31st, 2025 and is being administered by the local authorities.
99. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development further to Parliamentary Question No. 2697 of the 23 July 2024, for an update on the status of the development of Inis Oírr pier: if the contractor has been appointed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40480/24]
View answerAs the Deputy is aware, Galway County Council is the responsible authority for the maintenance and development of pier infrastructure on the Aran Islands, including on Inis Oírr.There are regular meetings between officials from my department and Galway County Council to discuss and monitor the pier development on the islands. The last meeting was held on Tuesday 24 September, and the next meeting is scheduled for 22 October.The Deputy will recall that I gave approval to Galway County Council in July 2023 to issue a request for tender for the development of the Inis Oírr pier. Galway County Council is the contracting authority and is therefore responsible for all aspects of the procurement process.As advised in July, the closing date for receipt of Stage 2 tenders was 23 August. Galway County Council is currently carrying out the assessment and evaluation of all valid tender responses.
Subject to the successful completion of tender evaluation process and identification of a preferred bidder, Galway County Council must then update and submit the Final Business Case for the project to my Department for review, seeking my approval to proceed to award the contract in accordance with the Government's Infrastructure Guidelines.
I understand Galway County Council is working on the Final Business Case with a view to submitting it to my Department next month.My Department will continue to engage with Galway County Council to ensure this project is progressed without delay.
100. Deputy Marian Harkin asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if, given the current LEADER programme is worth €70 million less than the last programme, excluding the transition programme, there are plans to increase funding to the current LEADER programme. [40501/24]
View answerThe LEADER Programme is a key intervention of Our Rural Future, the Government’s Policy for rural development which aims to deliver a range of actions to rural communities over the lifetime of the policy. It supports a broad range of activities which aim to respond to the diversity of the local needs of our rural areas.
It is delivered through Local Action Groups (LAGs) across rural Ireland. A feature of the LEADER programme is that it is based on a community-led, bottom-up approach to rural development.
Funding is allocated to the LEADER programme through the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP). The CAP programming periods correspond to the EU's budgetary cycle. Under the current budgetary cycle which runs from 2021-2027 a total of €250 million has been made available for the LEADER programme.
This funding is made up of €70 million for the Transitional LEADER programme for the years 2021 and 2022 with the remaining €180 million allocated for the period 2023-2027, thus maintaining the level of funding for the programme in line with the corresponding 7 year cycle for the 2014-2020 LEADER programme.
I am confident that the level of funding allocated for the 2021-2027 programming period is sufficient to meet the demand for grant funding from rural communities and businesses and to continue the effective operation of the LEADER programme.
In addition to the LEADER programme there are a range of schemes, funded outside of the CAP, that have been implemented in recent years, such as the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund, the Town and Village Renewal Scheme, the Walks Scheme, and the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme all of which contribute to enhancing our rural areas. The range of rural development schemes have seen unprecedented levels of investment in recent years.
