Written Answers Nos. 73-105
80. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if his attention has been drawn to the application by an organisation (details supplied) to the community recognition fund 2024; if an appeals mechanism is in place for cases like this that were not successful; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14619/25]
View answerThe Community Recognition Fund was introduced to support the development of community infrastructure and facilities for the entire community. This is both to recognise the efforts of communities across the country in welcoming new arrivals and to ensure that there is sufficient infrastructure in place to respond to the needs of these communities.
The scheme is delivered through local authorities. Each local authority is provided with a financial allocation linked to the number of new arrivals located in their area.
It is a matter for each local authority to identify the most appropriate locations for funding based on where new arrivals are situated, while also considering what funding may have been provided to these locations in the previous round of the fund.
The local authority is required to engage local communities and consult local stakeholders when developing proposals to be submitted to my department for consideration.
The project application referred to by Deputy Ward was submitted to Dun Laoghaire/Rathdown County Council for consideration. However, it was not selected for submission to my Department
The local authority has indicated to my officials that the application process was oversubscribed and that it was a very competitive process.
I understand the applicant has been in contact with the local authority in this regard and that while no formal appeal was received, the authority advised the applicant of other funding streams available.
There are a range of different funding streams in place to support community facilities and I would encourage all community groups to check my Department’s website for details. Groups should also keep in touch with their local authority and local development company as appropriate for information on future funding opportunities.
86. Deputy Ryan O'Meara asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development to consider providing additional LEADER funding to an organisation (details supplied) for the sub-themes of social inclusion funding once they are depleted, considering the budget in this area is now running low for the organisation and further funding is not expected until the next CAP, while demand from local organisations for these sub-themes remains high; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14387/25]
View answerThe 2023-2027 LEADER Programme supports a broad range of enterprises and community groups to develop projects which improve the quality of life and economic activity in rural areas.
The Tipperary Local Action Group, for which North Tipperary Development Company is an implementing partner, has an allocation of €7.8 million for the period 2023-2027.
The funding is allocated to the Local Action Groups at the outset of the programme to provide them with greater flexibility managing their budgets across the various subthemes. Payments are then made by my Department as costs are incurred and claims for payment are submitted.
At this stage of the new LEADER programme, many Local Action Groups are focused on engaging with applicants throughout the country to develop and progress project applications and expressions of interest.
While the level of projects approved at present is relatively low, this is consistent with previous programming periods and reflective of the time spent by Local Action Groups with applicants to generate high quality project proposals. I look forward to seeing the level of approvals grow in the coming months as applications are progressed.
I have no plans to increase the level of funding to the current programme as there is considerable funding yet to be allocated by the Local Action Groups across the country.
However, as committed to in the Programme for Government, my Department will engage at EU level to seek to increase funding for the next LEADER programme.
88. Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development for an update on the progress towards the establishment of an urban communities initiative to revitalise disadvantaged city areas, as per the Programme for Government commitment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14572/25]
View answer124. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the position regarding the launch of the urban communities initiative to revitalise disadvantaged city areas, as committed to in the Programme for Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14515/25]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 88 and 124 together.
My Department is responsible for a range of initiatives tackling deprivation and revitalising communities in both rural and urban areas. Key programmes include the Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme (SICAP), the Empowering Communities Programme and providing funding for the Dublin North East Inner City initiative. My Department is making significant progress in revitalising communities through the ongoing work of these programmes and is well placed to play its part in the development of new initiatives for our urban communities, both in Dublin and elsewhere.
The commitment in the Programme for Government regarding an Urban Communities Initiative is included in the section on Rejuvenating our Capital City Centre, which also refers to the Dublin North East Inner City initiative. However, I know that other urban areas outside Dublin city would also be suitable for such an initiative. My Department is currently examining ways in which this commitment could be delivered in the context of our role in community development in urban areas.
SICAP is our country’s primary social inclusion intervention - a national programme that is delivered in both rural and urban areas by Local Development Companies, helping those in the greatest need to address high and persistent levels of deprivation through targeted, locally-led approaches. €48.9m in funding has been allocated for SICAP delivery in 2025. The programme encourages partnerships between individuals, community organisations, and public sector agencies to address diverse community needs.
My Department's Empowering Communities Programme was developed in line with Government commitments to expand the Dublin North East Inner City approach to other areas. It focusses on smaller areas experiencing significant disadvantage, identified using the Pobal HP Deprivation Index. Commencing in 2022, 17 projects are supported under the Empowering Communities Programme, with annual funding totalling €2.3 million. Additional funding of €1 million is available for an expansion of the programme in 2025.
89. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if his Department has undertaken any assessment of the number of community facilities damaged by storm Éowyn; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14519/25]
View answerStorm Éowyn was an unprecedented event which brought significant challenges to many communities, in particular in rural areas. The Government has been working to ensure that we take on board the lessons learned, in anticipation of similar weather events in the future.
In the immediate aftermath of the storm, those impacted were able to access basic services through local community buildings, many of which were repurposed as Community Emergency Response Hubs.
This demonstrated the importance of good community infrastructure being available in towns and villages. There has been record investment by my Department in supporting communities to develop and upgrade community facilities to ensure they are adaptable, accessible and fit for purpose - and the value of this investment was evident in the aftermath of the storm.
From community centres and halls, to playgrounds, amenity areas and shared spaces, there are thousands of community facilities across the country. It would not be feasible to undertake a detailed assessment of each one individually. In cases where repairs may be necessary, I would encourage community groups to explore the many existing funding avenues provided by my Department. Our schemes have the flexibility to adapt to the needs of communities, including with regard to damage caused by weather events.
My officials are also in regular contact with officials in local authorities, who would make any significant issues of concern known to us.
I have also asked my officials to continue to ensure that the schemes we operate continue to provide the flexibility that communities need to address their priorities, whether that be repairing damage, refurbishing existing community facilities, or developing new projects where there are no such facilities available.
I am confident that the continued investment by my Department will help ensure that we continue to support strong, resilient and vibrant communities all across the country.
90. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development for an update on the new rural development plan given that the current plan, Our Rural Future: Rural Development Policy 2021-2025, expires in 2025. [14509/25]
View answerOur Rural Future has been in place for almost five years and has provided vital investment and supports, strengthened local economies and improved the lives of many people across rural Ireland.
As the Deputy will be aware, the Programme for Government includes a commitment to publish and implement a new Our Rural Future policy from 2026, and I am glad to say that the process of developing this successor policy has already begun.
The new policy will be informed by an ongoing OECD review of rural policy in Ireland, commissioned by my Department, together with an extensive public and stakeholder consultation process. The OECD review process will bring a valuable independent expertise to the policy development process, while our extensive consultation plans will help to ensure that the new policy links directly to the needs of people in our rural communities.
The consultation process commenced on March 10th with an online survey which is open until Wednesday April 2nd. Details on how to access this survey can be found on my Department’s website. The survey findings will inform a series of in person consultation events which will take place in various locations across the country commencing in May.
The framework of the new policy, outlining the emerging themes and priorities, will then be published for a period of written public consultation later in the year and I look forward to engaging with colleagues on the new policy in due course.
Government is committed to building on the success of Our Rural Future and to securing a bright future for our rural communities. Central to this will be the continuation of our whole of Government approach to rural development, and I look forward to working with my colleagues across Government in the development of a new national rural development policy over the coming months.
91. Deputy Naoise Ó Muirí asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if there is an overall number in terms of the people who have benefitted from the seniors alert scheme since its introduction; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14379/25]
View answerMy Department is responsible for the Seniors Alert Scheme which encourages community support for vulnerable older people in our communities through the provision of personal monitored alarms to enable them to live securely in their homes with confidence, independence and peace of mind.
Funding is available under the Scheme for the purchase, via a registered community based-organisation, of a personal alarm or pendant. Pobal has administered the scheme on behalf of my Department since 2015. The current version of the scheme came into effect in September 2021 and introduced a new key feature - the additional option of a digital alarm, for use with web based connections.
The total number of participants in the scheme since 2015 to the end of 2024 is 141,352. I am pleased to say that in recent years, demand for the Seniors Alert Scheme has continued, with over 18,200 new participants approved for the Scheme in 2024.
€2.9m from my Department has been allocated to the Seniors Alert Scheme in 2025. As this is a demand led scheme, it will be kept under continuous review by myself and officials in my Department to ensure adequate funding can be made available to meet the requirements of all qualifying applicants. There is also provision under the Dormant Accounts Fund Action Plan 2025 for funding to meet the additional and exceptional demands of the Scheme.
Officials in my department are currently working with Pobal in advance of a new iteration of the scheme, which will take account of technological advancements and changes.
92. Deputy Eamon Scanlon asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the funding streams, under his remit, that are available to men’s sheds; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14377/25]
View answerMy Department provides a range of supports which are available to Men's Sheds and these supports include:
• The €7 million Local Enhancement Programme (LEP) 2025 which allowed Men's Sheds to apply for running costs as well as small capital works for the purchase of equipment for their facilities. LEP 2025 has recently closed for applications.
• The Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme (SICAP) 2024 - 2028, which also provides supports to Men's Sheds.
• The Scheme to Support National Organisations (SSNO) - The Irish Men’s Sheds Association (IMSA) has been allocated total funding of €283,684 over the three-years and 6 month period of the scheme, running to the end of December 2025.
• The LEADER programme where funding is not targeted at any particular group or sector in rural communities but is focused on a thematic approach to rural development.
In addition to these supports, my Department provided funding to Men’s Sheds via the Irish Men’s Shed Association (IMSA) in 2022 and 2023. The funding available consisted of €800,000 and €1,000,000 respectively. Grants of up to €2,000 in 2022 and €3,000 in 2023 were awarded to Men’s Sheds registered with the IMSA. This funding was provided following discussion with IMSA and proposals submitted by them to my Department.
My officials reached out to the IMSA late last year with regard to funding and were advised that the IMSA were not in a position to submit a proposal for distribution of grants at that time, however they indicated they would be in contact with my Department in 2025. Once my Department receives a funding proposal from the IMSA, it will be considered on its merits and in the context of any available funding.
It should be noted that I will be meeting representatives of the Irish Men's Sheds Association over the coming weeks.
93. Deputy Liam Quaide asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the measures being examined by his Department to address loneliness and social isolation in rural areas and communities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14528/25]
View answerMy Department has a number of schemes in place to help address loneliness and social isolation in rural areas and communities across the country.
Of particular importance is the Local Enhancement Programme. This scheme is providing €7 million in 2025 to assist thousands of community groups across the country. A huge variety of community groups, including social clubs, choirs and sports clubs are supported under the scheme. The scheme also supports Men’s and Women’s Sheds, which play an important role in reducing isolation. This builds on significant support for the sheds in recent years.
The Community Centre Investment Fund is another important scheme which helps to ensure communities have the spaces they need for community groups and activities. Earlier this month I was delighted to announce funding of €26.1 million under the Community Centre Investment Fund, which will deliver enhancement and refurbishment works on 369 community centres nationwide. In excess of €109 million has now been approved under this fund since 2022.
Another important support is the Senior Alerts Scheme, which provides grants for personal emergency alarms for older people. This scheme is supporting thousands of older people around the country to live in their own homes and communities with confidence.
Other supports such as those for Tidy Towns groups, Agricultural Shows, the Community Services Programme and the Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme all help to ensure that our communities are inclusive places to live and that communities are supported to help reduce social isolation and loneliness.
Finally, my Department recently launched an online public survey to inform the development of the successor to Our Rural Future, with addressing social isolation a specific topic of the survey. I would encourage people to provide their views on how we can continue to address this challenge.
94. Deputy Grace Boland asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the progress of developing a national funding platform to provide a verified source of the funding provided to third sector organisations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14101/25]
View answerIn May 2021, Pobal conducted a scoping exercise on the potential for a National Funding Platform of community and voluntary organisations which have a funding relationship with the State.
The overarching purpose of the scoping exercise was to explore options for a funding platform that would reduce the administrative burden on grantees and funders, as well as providing a single source of truth regarding community and voluntary sector recipients of state funding, and the nature of the funding that they received. The scoping exercise for the project has been completed and remains under consideration. In that context, my officials have been engaging with colleagues in a range of other Government Departments and State agencies.
It should be noted that any decision to move forward with what would be a significant ICT Development project that could, inter alia , draw data from across Government on a significant number of schemes, programmes, recipients and payments, would require a whole of Government approach. Such an exercise would require Government approval and would also be subject to the conditions set out in the public spending code.
95. Deputy Conor D. McGuinness asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development to consider providing pilot funding for the Comhar Comaraigh rural social enterprise initiative in County Waterford. [14540/25]
View answerDunhill Rural Enterprise CLG, Waterford, invited my Department to present at their Conference on Friday 11th October 2024 on the new Social Enterprise Policy. My Department accepted this invitation and an official from my Department was in attendance.
At the conference, a presentation was made on a research initiative undertaken by Dunhill Rural Enterprises CLG in partnership with WAP-SICAP, Copper Coast UNESCO Global Geopark, Kill Community Hall/Theatre, Healthy Waterford Initiative and SETU.
The research focused on the feasibility of setting up a 22 village/30 social enterprise network in the Comeragh Municipal District of County Waterford. The research is a collaborative initiative between Waterford Area Partnership-SICAP and Comhar Comaraigh (Comeragh Network).
I understand that a request was made for funding to support a full-time coordinator to work with local community and voluntary groups to successfully implement improvements in their communities.
While there is no funding available to facilitate this request in 2025, the request may be considered should funding become available in 2026 in the context of the implementation of the National Social Enterprise Policy – Trading for Impact . The purpose of this policy is to help cultivate and sustain strong and impactful social enterprises in Ireland to enrich the social, environmental and economic well-being of people living in our communities.
I would like to acknowledge the valuable work undertaken to date by Comhar Comaraigh and the overall potential of this network for the benefit of the community.
96. Deputy Maeve O'Connell asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the engagement he has had with Government colleagues with regard to the impact that online scamming can have on the genuine fundraising measures of community and voluntary organisations in Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14371/25]
View answerOnline scams are a cause of concern for government and for all reasonable people. Moreover, where a scammer holds themselves out to be raising funds for charitable purposes, the damage they may do to the reputation of the not-for-profit, community, voluntary and charitable sectors can be significant. In the course of drafting the Charities (Amendment) Act 2024, officials at my Department had significant engagement with senior stakeholders, including other relevant government departments, at which these concerns were discussed.
It is an offense for any person or organisation to refer to themselves as a charity where they are not a registered charity. I would encourage anyone thinking of donating to first check the national register of charities at www.checkacharity.ie to make sure they are giving to a registered and regulated charity. I would also urge anyone who is concerned about a scam or fraud to report it to An Garda Síochána.
The Charities Regulator, under the aegis of my Department, is the statutory body responsible for registering and regulating all of Ireland’s charities, with a mandate to promote good governance practice. Concerns in relation to charities in particular may be raised with the Regulator and I am assured that all such concerns are addressed. Where breaches of charity legislation are identified, the entity is contacted with a view to addressing such breaches.
It should be noted that charities are only one type of not-for-profit organisation. The main distinguishing feature of a charity is that it must provide a public benefit. This would often exclude, for example, online fundraising that is for the benefit of an individual.
While my Department has responsibility for governance oversight of the Charities Regulator, the Regulator is fully independent in the performance of its statutory functions under Section 14 (3) of the Charities Act 2009. Neither I nor my Department have any role in the decision making processes or operational matters relating to the work of the Regulator, including the registration of charities. These are entirely a matter for the Regulator.
97. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development when another round of funding for the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund will be announced; if projects which were previously unsuccessful will be allowed re-submit, such as the Dunshaughlin courthouse and town centre project in County Meath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14099/25]
View answer110. Deputy Donna McGettigan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development to confirm that the funds for the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund are fully allocated; when funding will be available again since the fund is part of the Project Ireland 2040 programme; if an alternative funding stream will be provided to replace the fund; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12130/25]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 97 and 110 together.
Administered by my Department, the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund (RRDF) is a major programme which seeks to support large-scale, ambitious projects which can achieve sustainable economic and social development in rural areas.
To date, the RRDF has allocated €588 million for 243 projects across Ireland. The Programme for Government recognises the importance of investing in our rural towns and villages through schemes such as the RRDF, and contains a commitment to increase the fund.
RRDF applications are assessed on a competitive basis, and calls for applications under are sought under two categories, Category 1 and Category 2.
Category 1 relates to larger 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.
There is no scheme condition in place that precludes the submission of an application that was previously deemed unsuccessful under a previous call.
The 4th Call for Category 2 applications was launched in October 2024 and typically provides funding of up to €1m per project. The closing date for applications under this Call was the 14 March.
Following a review of applications, I anticipate an announcement of successful applications will be made in Quarter 3 this year.
In relation to Category 1 RRDF funding, it is my intention that a Call for Proposals would be opened towards the end of this year.
I am committed to ensuring that the RRDF can continue to support high quality and transformational projects across rural Ireland in line with the objectives of Our Rural Future.
98. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if he will provide an update on a project (details supplied) in Kells, County Meath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10173/25]
View answerThe Rural Regeneration and Development Fund (RRDF) is a capital investment fund that is key to the delivery of Ireland's rural development policy, Our Rural Future.
Meath County Council is the lead partner for the Kells Creative Placemaking (Phase 1) project. The project has been allocated over €1.5 million under the RRDF.
This project includes the extensive conservation and repairs to the former sawmills in Kells, encompassing a commercial letterpress workshop, operating Victorian machines and historical archives. Kells Print Works will form a new Centre for Typography.
I am also advised that Kells Print Works will partner with national educational institutions in the delivery of professional skills based training, and also with Boyne Valley Tourism in the development of a cohesive tourism product.
I understand that the historical print presses have now been fully restored and are in awaiting placement in the Kells Printworks. Meath County Council has advised my officials that the Print Works building is nearing completion and it is the Council’s intention that the building will be completed, and the centre opened to the public this summer.
99. Deputy Gillian Toole asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development what forward planning and communication occurs intra- and inter-departmentally for balanced integration of renewable energy projects within rural areas, such projects having wide ranging effects on rural and community life and development. [14525/25]
View answerResponsibility for policy and planning of renewable energy projects is a matter for the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications. Indeed, I am informed that that Department recently ran a public consultation process on the operation of community benefit funds under the renewable electricity support scheme. That consultation sought views with regard to how local communities benefit from renewable energy projects, providing the public with an opportunity to input on how they see such a scheme providing the most benefit to communities. There are a number of actions within Our Rural Future relating to maximizing the potential of renewable energy generation for rural and coastal communities. This is an area of significant potential for rural areas in the context of both climate change and increasing energy costs. While these actions are the responsibility of the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications, officials within my Department engage with officials from that Department through the regular reporting on implementation of Our Rural Future.
The process of developing a successor to Our Rural Future will include extensive engagement with other Departments, including in relation to the role of renewable energy for the rural economy and communities. I would also note that significant decisions with regard to energy infrastructure would be discussed at Government. This provides me, along with other Ministers, the opportunity to ensure the impact of any proposed decisions on rural communities are fully considered.
100. Deputy Liam Quaide asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development his plans to establish a community ownership fund to help community groups and social enterprises to buy or take over local community assets at risk of being lost, to be run as community-owned businesses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14529/25]
View answerThe Department of Rural and Community Development (DRCD) was established in July 2017 to provide a renewed and consolidated focus on rural and community development in Ireland.
While my Department does not have a dedicated community ownership fund, programmes overseen by my Department such as LEADER, SICAP and the Community Services Programme all support community-led initiatives.
My Department is also progressing the delivery of a number of national policies that provide for both urban and rural areas nationwide, an integrated and strategic way of supporting communities and social enterprises. In particular, my Department leads on the implementation of the National Social Enterprise Policy – Trading for Impact – which aims to foster an enabling environment for social enterprises to grow and meet their potential.
In addition, the Western Development Commission, an agency under the aegis of my department, provides loan finance to support new activities/new projects by community groups and social enterprises in the Western region , including the restoration or acquisition of premises.
Both the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund and the Town and Village Renewal Scheme have invested in the regeneration of rural towns and villages, including measures for the acquisition of buildings by local authorities for community use.
101. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the status of each of the policy measures detailed in the ‘Our Living Islands – Action Plan 2023-2026’; when an updated progress report will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14532/25]
View answerThe Programme for Government commits to ensuring that Our Living Islands - the national islands policy - is fully implemented to support sustainable development for island residents.
Our Living Islands, which was launched in June 2023, is a ten-year policy backed up by rolling three-year action plans, with the first of these covering 2023 - 2026. The Action Plan has time-bound commitments so that Departments and agencies across Government can be held to account for its implementation. The policy serves the communities of all our populated offshore islands, both Gaeltacht and non-Gaeltacht islands.
Our Living Islands is a policy for the whole of Government. My Department chairs the Monitoring Committee which was formed to oversee the implementation of Our Living Islands.
The Monitoring Committee continues to engage with key Government Departments and state bodies in relation to progress on implementation of the action plan. The most recent meeting was held in my Department's headquarters in Dublin in December 2024, and featured presentations from colleagues in the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage on topics of relevance to the islands.
The next meeting is due to take place next month, April 2025, following which the minutes of the previous meeting - including any updates that were provided at that meeting - will be published on the Our Living Islands page on gov.ie, where previous progress updates are also available.
I understand a progress report for the first year of implementation was published by my predecessor last summer, and I expect a similar progress report for the second year will be published later this year.
102. Deputy John Clendennen asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development for an update on the development of a new national volunteer strategy to succeed the current scheme, which expires this year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14608/25]
View answerThe role of volunteers and voluntary organisations in building and sustaining a resilient, cohesive and healthy society cannot be over-stated. Accordingly, my Department has supported the development of a coordinated national volunteering infrastructure that includes 29 local volunteer centres, a national volunteering database and funding to a number of national volunteer-supporting organisations. In 2025, €7.3 million has been set aside by my Department to support volunteering.
The first National Volunteering Strategy was launched in December 2020. It is a whole of government policy aimed at recognising, supporting and promoting the unique value and contribution of volunteers in Irish society. In developing the strategy, my Department took a collaborative approach engaging with volunteers, volunteer-involving organisations, volunteer centres, advocacy bodies and stakeholders across Government. The Strategy comprises a suite of policy measures and strategic actions designed to support the development and sustainability of volunteering.
As the Deputy will be aware, there is a commitment in the new Programme for Government, Securing Ireland’s Future , to publish a new National Volunteering Strategy. My Department is currently engaged in this work and I expect a draft to be ready for my consideration before the end of this year.
The second Strategy will build on the progress made by the first – strengthening Ireland’s now well-established volunteering infrastructure, continuing to progress areas of best practice, and ensuring that support for and recognition of the value of volunteering is sustainable into the future.
As with all policies in my Department, the new Strategy will be developed in consultation with the sector, continuing the collaboration and cooperation that has characterised the current iteration.
103. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the amount allocated to each local authority in 2024 and 2025 for the local improvement scheme; the number of lanes it is expected that will be covered by the scheme in each local authority area in each year; and if there are plans to increase the funding allocation further this year. [13718/25]
View answer132. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if he will provide an additional allocation to Monaghan County Council for the local improvement scheme in 2025. [13719/25]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 103 and 132 together.
The Local Improvement Scheme (LIS) supports improving non-public rural roads and laneways not usually maintained by local authorities. Since its establishment in 2017, almost €170 million has been provided by the Government to local authorities for LIS.
In April 2024, €40 million in funding was announced for LIS across all local authorities to cover 2024/2025. My officials have recently opened the administration of the 2025 Local Improvement Scheme and invited local authorities to submit their lists of priority roads.
The Programme for Government commits to the provision of additional funding for the LIS and I am committed to ensuring that the Scheme continues to be well funded in the coming years.
In terms of annual funding allocations, a review of the scheme is carried out by Department officials ahead of any new funding announcements in order to ensure allocations across our local authorities are made as fairly and efficiently as possible. My Department officials also work closely with local authorities to ensure that funding is fully utilised. As has been the case in recent years, I will continue to monitor capital expenditure across my Department as the year progresses with a view to utilising any savings which may arise for schemes such as the LIS
Since 2017, Monaghan has received a total of almost €6 million in LIS funding which has resulted in the completion of 153 roads.
The following table outlines LIS allocations per county, the number of roads completed in 2024 and the number of roads that local authorities have provisionally estimated would be completed in 2025.
|
County |
2024/2025 Allocation |
Roads Completed 2024 |
Roads Estimated to be completed 2025 |
|
Carlow |
€938,444 |
19 |
10 |
|
Cavan |
€1,209,560 |
8 |
7 |
|
Clare |
€2,079,722 |
20 |
9 |
|
Cork |
€2,868,444 |
31 |
14 |
|
Donegal |
€2,788,444 |
50 |
35 |
|
Galway |
€3,088,444 |
27 |
27 |
|
Kerry |
€2,569,237 |
29 |
28 |
|
Kildare |
€1,074,515 |
9 |
12 |
|
Kilkenny |
€1,304,899 |
10 |
8 |
|
Laois |
€1,106,270 |
14 |
10 |
|
Leitrim |
€966,074 |
9 |
5 |
|
Limerick |
€1,689,216 |
15 |
13 |
|
Longford |
€938,444 |
11 |
11 |
|
Louth |
€938,444 |
8 |
9 |
|
Mayo |
€2,654,159 |
71 |
54 |
|
Meath |
€1,325,559 |
11 |
6 |
|
Monaghan |
€938,444 |
8 |
9 |
|
Offaly |
€1,264,386 |
26 |
15 |
|
Roscommon |
€1,541,106 |
19 |
12 |
|
Sligo |
€1,192,667 |
15 |
10 |
|
Tipperary |
€2,517,026 |
33 |
19 |
|
Waterford |
€1,183,358 |
9 |
7 |
|
Westmeath |
€1,173,793 |
15 |
5 |
|
Wexford |
€1,470,330 |
17 |
13 |
|
Wicklow |
€1,279,015 |
5 |
9 |
|
Total |
€40,100,000 |
489 |
344 |
104. Deputy Grace Boland asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development for an update on the status of the Empowering Communities Programme, which is designed to combat disadvantage; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14100/25]
View answerThe Empowering Communities Programme (ECP) is funded by my Department. It commenced in 2022, initially providing funding for 14 projects. At present, there are 17 projects supported under the programme, with annual funding of €2.3 million.
The areas selected for funding under the ECP are ones that are experiencing significant disadvantage, identified using the Pobal HP deprivation index.
The programme, with the support of the relevant Local Community Development Committee (LCDC) and Local Development Company (LDC), aims to enhance community access to key services and empower local communities to develop their own response to area-based poverty, social exclusion and the resulting consequences.
As part of this programme, a Community Engagement Worker is recruited in each of the selected areas, to develop and facilitate relationships between community stakeholders, community groups and statutory agencies and structures.
Community Engagement Workers engage with the supported community and reinforce community development values and principles. They assist the community to take ownership of, and address the issues that are most important to them and facilitate and create positive change.
ECP Community Engagement Workers have organised events with the community that include, inter alia, targeted outreach and drop-ins, wellbeing days, intercultural activities and celebrations, English language classes, community Clean-up and Planting activities.
Under Budget 2025, additional funding has been allocated to further expand the programme. Consideration is currently being given to how this additional funding can be utilised to maximum effect for communities that are experiencing significant disadvantage.
My Department plans to evaluate the impact of the ECP in 2025 in the communities supported by the programme.
105. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the amount of funding provided to community groups in the north-west local electoral area of Cork city by his Department in 2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14537/25]
View answer128. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the amount of funding provided to community groups in Cork by his Department in 2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14531/25]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 105 and 128 together.
My Department has developed a range of funding schemes and interventions which support community groups across the country. These include:
• LEADER
• the Community Centre Investment Fund
• the Community Recognition Fund
• the Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme
• the Local Enhancement Programme
• the Community Services Programme
• CLÁR
• the Town and Village Renewal Scheme
Programmes such as these are delivering strong levels of investment into communities all across the country. In 2024, my Department allocated over €26.9 million in funding to projects, initiatives and groups across Cork City and County.
Details of the individual funding allocations my Department has provided to both capital projects and to community groups across the country, including all areas of Cork, is available on my Department’s website at gov.ie - Funding allocated by the department
