Erin McGreehan
Question:106. Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the funding available for his Department for the upkeep of rural roads. [14620/25]
View answerDepartmental Schemes
Questions (106, 126, 425)
Erin McGreehan
Question:126. Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development when the local improvement scheme will next open for applications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14621/25]
View answer
Pa Daly
Question:425. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if he will report on the local improvement schemes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9452/25]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 106, 126 and 425 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 under the scheme.
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.
LIS targets support at non-public roads only - regional and public local roads are not covered under the scheme and are funded through investment programmes provided by the Department of Transport. To this end, my colleagues the Minister for Transport Darragh O’Brien, Minister of State Seán Canney and Minister of State Jerry Buttimer recently announced an investment programme of €713 million for regional and local roads in 2025, details of which can be found on that Department's website.
Departmental Funding
Questions (107, 123)
Brendan Smith
Question:107. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if financial assistance will be provided towards the repair of community facilities that were damaged as a result of storm Éowyn; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14611/25]
View answerBrendan Smith
Question:123. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if additional funding will be provided to his Department this year to meet additional costs arising from storm Éowyn; if such funding is provided, the programmes and schemes that will benefit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14610/25]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 107 and 123 together.
Storm Éowyn was an unprecedented event which brought many challenges to communities, and in particular rural communities. The important of good community facilities and infrastructure was very clear in the aftermath of the storm, and the value of the investment made in recent years was fully evident.
The budget allocation for my Department is agreed on an annual basis with the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform as part of the Revised Estimates for Public Services process. The 2025 gross allocation for my Department, of €473.5 million, represents a 7% increase on the previous year’s allocation. This increased funding for 2025 will allow for additional investment across our schemes, which are supporting communities throughout the country.
Many of the schemes operated by my Department, including LEADER, Town and Village Renewal, and the Community Centre Investment Fund have helped improve the resilience of rural communities. While my Department has not received additional funding in relation to the storm, the funding provided for 2025 will allow for additional investment across our schemes.
I am confident that existing capital schemes such as the Community Centres Investment Fund provide support for community facilities to undertake repairs and to upgrade their facilities where necessary, and will help ensure that we continue to support strong, resilient and vibrant communities all across the country.
Urban Development
Questions (108)
Louise O'Reilly
Question:108. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the supports available for local authorities in developing 'Town Centre First Plans'; how these plans will be funded; the number that have been progressed; and how success is measured in implementation of these plans. [14508/25]
View answerWritten answers
Launched in 2022, the Town Centre First (TCF) Policy is a major cross-government policy that aims to tackle vacancy, combat dereliction and breathe new life into our town centres. TCF supports the Our Rural Future vision for a thriving rural Ireland by setting out a framework to facilitate and resource the regeneration of Irish towns to ensure they are vibrant, viable places to live, work, invest in, and visit.
Significant progress has been made since the launch of the policy towards achieving its objectives. Important developments include the establishment of a dedicated National TCF Office within the Local Government Management Agency which drives the actions under the policy, the establishment of Town Teams nationally, and the appointment of 26 full time local authority Town Regeneration Officers (funded by my Department) who act as the central drivers of TCF at a local level.
In December 2021, funding of €2.6 million was announced to support the development of
TCF Town Plans nationally in 26 pilot towns. These community-based plans are produced by individual Town Teams, drawn from local community and business representatives, and are helping communities develop a vision for their town and identify viable projects to realise that vision. This first phase of TCF plans are complete, have moved onto the project delivery phase and can be accessed on the Town Centre First website.
In February 2024, a new dedicated TCF suite of supports was launched with €4.5 million allocated through three funding streams. This includes an allocation of €30,000 each for the development of a further 26 TCF plans for a new suite of towns.
The funding also includes an allocation towards the establishment of a further 68 Town Teams nationwide and an funding to allow towns prepare for major projects via the ‘Project Development Measure’. Further details of the towns and projects awarded funding under these measures can be found on Gov.ie at: www.gov.ie/en/publication/473d3-town-centre-first-policy/.
As can be seen from the 33 actions contained within the TCF policy, rather than being a funded programme in and of itself, the significance of TCF is that it provides an integrated policy approach for the development of Irish towns. Importantly, the TCF approach is also underpinned by a range of capital funding streams across Government which have been aligned with the policy aims of TCF. These include, the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund, the Town and Village Renewal Scheme, the THRIVE scheme to revitalise our heritage buildings and the Urban Regeneration and Development Fund.
The experience of recent calls for applications under these funds has shown that the TCF approach is having an impact, and this has resulted in high quality applications being submitted.
The Town Centre First policy was developed in conjunction with the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage. Falling within the parameters of this policy, I would refer to the publication ‘Bringing Back Homes’ which details over 20 incentives, funded measures and grants to support a reversal of housing vacancy and dereliction. Some of the main supports available include the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant under the Croí Conaithe initiative, the Repair and Leasing Scheme, the Buy and Renew Scheme, and the Living City Initiative.
The new Programme for Government commits to resourcing the Town Centre First model and to establish a Town Regeneration Team in every local authority. My Department will continue to work closely with colleagues in the National TCF Office, local authorities and the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage to deliver on the goal of revitalising rural towns and villages.
Men's Sheds
Questions (109)
Tony McCormack
Question:109. Deputy Tony McCormack asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the total amount of funding allocated and paid out to men's sheds and women's sheds under the local enhancement grant administered by local authorities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14542/25]
View answerWritten answers
My Department provides a range of supports which are available to both Men's Sheds and Women’s Sheds.
Under the Local Enhancement Programme (LEP) 2025, Men's and Women’s Sheds were eligible to apply directly to their Local Community Development Committee (LCDC) for funding under both capital and current funding streams. Funding of €7m was available under this programme in 2025. The LEP is administered on behalf of my Department locally by LCDCs across the country, with support from their local authority. This programme closed to applications on the 7 March 2025.
My officials are currently awaiting lists of approved projects under the LEP 2025 to be submitted by the LCDCs. I expect to be in a position to announce details of successful projects under LEP 2025 in early May. A list of all projects will be available on my Departments website.
Under the Local Enhancement Programme 2024, funding of €111,140.31 was awarded to 72 Men’s Sheds and funding of €168,686.52 was awarded to 84 Women's Sheds.
My Department has also provided funding to Men’s Sheds via the Irish Men’s Shed Association (IMSA) to the value of €1.8 million. This funding provided grants of up to €3,000 to Men’s Sheds registered with the ISMA.
My officials contacted the IMSA late last year with regard to funding. They advised that they were not in a position to submit a proposal at that time, but that they would be in contact with my Department in 2025. Once my Department receives a proposal from the IMSA, it will be considered on its merits, subject to the available resources within my Department.
Question No. 110 taken with Question No. 97.
Community Development Projects
Questions (111)
Emer Currie
Question:111. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development to progress work on a strategy for suburban Dublin villages including schemes that are similar to those available for rural Dublin villages. [13721/25]
View answerWritten answers
My Department is responsible for a range of initiatives aimed at revitalising communities in both rural and urban areas.
The Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme (SICAP), is our country’s primary social inclusion programme. This is a national programme that is delivered in both rural and urban areas by Local Development Companies to help those in the greatest need. SICAP aims to address high and persistent levels of deprivation through targeted and innovative, locally-led approaches.
SICAP offers Local Development Companies the flexibility to target supports to particular groups and respond to emerging issues in their areas. These supports can be tailored locally to best meet the needs of disadvantaged areas and priority target groups on the ground. The programme encourages partnerships between individuals experiencing disadvantage, community organisations, and public sector agencies to address diverse community needs.
My Department also works closely with Local Community Development Committees (LCDCs). Created under the Local Government Reform Act, 2014, the LCDCs bring together local authority members and officials, state agencies, people actively working within local development and community development and economic, cultural and environmental organisations with a view to implementing a joined-up, cross-sectoral approach to local and community development programming through the medium of a Local Economic and Community Plan (LECP).
The LECPs focus on measures which will enhance the quality of life and well-being of communities in both urban and rural settings and this is achieved through a coordinated approach to planning and service delivery. As part of the planning process for the current six-year iteration of LECPs, my Department organised a series of information webinars for LCDCs in order to equip them with the required knowledge and skills for the preparation of their LECPs. This also included a broad public consultation engagement with input from LCDCs, PPNs, Government Departments and Local Authorities.
In addition, my Department provides annual financial support, known as the Additional Staff Resource (ASR), to local authorities to support their community function, including the work of the LCDCs in overseeing the implementation of their LECPs and the co-ordination of local and community development in urban and rural areas.
There is a commitment in the Programme for Government regarding an Urban Communities Initiative, included in the section on Rejuvenating our Capital City Centre, which also refers to the Dublin North East Inner City initiative. However, other suburban areas in Dublin and indeed beyond Dublin 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.
Community Development Projects
Questions (112, 117, 131)
Ruairí Ó Murchú
Question:112. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if he will outline the applications process, assessment criteria and total funding allocated to date this year under the current community recognition fund; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13986/25]
View answerRuairí Ó Murchú
Question:117. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if he will outline the future funding plans for the community recognition fund; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13987/25]
View answer
James Geoghegan
Question:131. Deputy James Geoghegan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if there will be another round of funding for a new tranche of the community recognition fund; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14539/25]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 112, 117 and 131 together.
The Community Recognition Fund (CRF) was introduced in 2023 to recognise the huge efforts made by communities in welcoming and supporting people coming to Ireland. To date €100 million has been allocated to support cities, towns and villages.
It is a matter for each local authority to identify the most appropriate locations for funding based on their analysis of the level of arrivals in each location and in the context of previous funding supports and local needs identified.
Each local authority has been provided with a set allocation based on the number of new arrivals there. It is a matter for each local authority to determine the application process for communities and the selection of projects for proposal to my Department for consideration. The terms and conditions for the scheme require that the proposals submitted by local authorities are developed based on direct engagement with communities and in consultation with relevant stakeholders.
The proposals submitted by the local authorities are subsequently reviewed by my Department to ensure that the requirements of the fund are being met, particularly in terms of the location of funding, the level of consultation at a local level and that the level of investment is appropriate for the type of intervention envisaged.
Under the initial €50 million provided under the 2023 fund, some 906 projects were approved with over 700 of these now fully complete and drawn down.
Under the 2024 fund, almost 350 projects have been approved to date with the assessment ongoing for the final tranche of applications. Of this figure, 185 projects were approved in August 2024 for €16.4 million under tranche 1 of the 2024 fund. A further 164 projects were approved for €14.3 million last month under tranche 2 of the fund. I look forward to announcing the successful projects under the third and final tranche in the coming months.
I want to see progress on the current iteration of the scheme before determining next steps. The Government continues to look at how we can further support impacted towns and villages across a range of different schemes and services. Any decision in respect of a further round of funding under the Community Recognition Fund will be considered in the context of those deliberations and the annual budgetary process.
Rural Schemes
Questions (113)
John Connolly
Question:113. Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if he will review the eligibility criteria of CLÁR, with a view to expanding the programme to rural areas which are currently ineligible; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14573/25]
View answerWritten answers
The CLÁR Programme provides funding under a number of different measures for small-scale infrastructural projects in designated rural areas that have experienced significant levels of depopulation over a defined period.
The Programme for Government makes a commitment to carry out a comprehensive review of the eligibility criteria of CLÁR within 6 months with a view to expanding the programme to rural areas which are currently ineligible. My officials have begun the process of completing this review. The outcome of the review will inform my decision regarding the areas that will be eligible for CLÁR in the future.
Rural Schemes
Questions (114)
Aindrias Moynihan
Question:114. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the up-to-date position on advancing a project (details supplied); to detail the funding drawn down to date on this project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14616/25]
View answerWritten answers
The 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 2021-2025. RRDF provides funding for the development and construction of capital projects in towns and villages in rural areas across Ireland. Funding is allocated to local authorities and other State-funded bodies, who take the lead role in individual projects.
Údarás na Gaeltachta is the lead partner for the Coláiste Íosagáin Regional Development Centre project in Baille Bhuirne, Co Chorcaí. In 2024, this project was awarded funding of over €3.28 million in RRDF funding. The project, which has also secured a significant amount of funding through other sources, will repurpose a former residential school to provide a Regional Development Centre, comprising of an enterprise development, training and research facility.
To date, no Category 1 RRDF funding has been drawn down in respect of this project. Údarás na Gaeltachta has confirmed that work at the Coláiste Íosagáin site commenced in September 2024 and has advised that the project remains on track for completion in early 2026.
My officials will continue to engage with Údarás na Gaeltachta as to progress on the project.
Island Communities
Questions (115)
Pearse Doherty
Question:115. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if a tender for the PSO contract for Arranmore Island and Tory Island has been issued; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14622/25]
View answerWritten answers
There are 5 separate contracts in place for subsidised transport services for Árainn Mhór and Oileán Thóraí. They are not PSO contracts but 'Contracts for Services', procured on the open market, that provide those island communities with a range of passenger and cargo ferry services along with a seasonal helicopter service (in conjunction with the HSE).
The current contract for a Roll on / Roll off service for Árainn Mhór was originally agreed for the 5 year period from 01 September 2019 to 31 August 2024, with provision for 2 extensions of up to 6 months each. The current contract for the heavy cargo service for Oileán Thoraí was originally agreed for a 2 year period from 01 July 2022 to 30 June 2024, with provision for 2 extensions of up to 6 months each.
The process of renewing each service is currently underway and a public tender for these services will be issued shortly. The Department has availed of the extensions permitted within each contract in order to ensure continuity of service while the renewal process is being completed.
A consultation process for each service was completed with the island communities last year, and the respective tender documents have been drafted to incorporate, where appropriate, community requirements of each island. The Department expects to issue the tender documents for each service in the coming weeks.
Departmental Properties
Questions (116)
Catherine Connolly
Question:116. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development further to Parliamentary Question No. 68 of 10 October 2024, if the transfer of lands from the Department to the HSE has been completed; to provide an update on the plans for the remainder of the site; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14533/25]
View answerWritten answers
As the Deputy is aware, the land in question, on which the Inishbofin airstrip is situated, was transfered to my Department in October 2024.
The Deputy will recall that these lands were acquired by Galway County Council on behalf of the Department by way of a Compulsory Purchase Order, which was originally initiated over 20 years ago.
The Chief State Solicitor's Office has been acting on behalf of the Department and is continuing to engage with solicitors on behalf of the HSE with regard to the part of the site that is intended for use by the HSE for a primary care centre.
I am advised that the CSSO sent contracts and maps to the HSE solicitors in August 2024, but that the HSE has indicated the transfer will be conditional on it being able to obtain planning permission.
In that regard, it is a matter for the HSE to commence the planning process in respect of any development proposed for the relevant portion of land.
With regard to the rest of the site, my Department has recently completed the installation of permanent helipad lighting on a section of the airstrip and I understand the helipad is now operational. This will ensure that the Coast Guard can conduct aeromedical evacuations all year round. My Department has no other immediate plans for the development of the site at this time.
Question No. 117 taken with Question No. 112.
Youth Services
Questions (118)
Emer Currie
Question:118. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development to launch an infrastructure scheme for youth clubs based on the community infrastructure fund for community centres. [13722/25]
View answerWritten answers
I recognise the importance of providing appropriate community and youth facilities across the country. Funding is available for community facilities, including those used by youth clubs, under a range of schemes provided by my Department.
Under the Community Centre Investment Fund (CCIF), which was established in 2022, funding of over €109 million has been approved for the enhancement and refurbishment of existing community centres and the construction of new centres where such a need has been identified. Applications from youth organisations are welcome under the fund, provided that the facility to be funded is open to and used by the wider community.
Other potential funding options supported by my Department include the LEADER programme, the Town and Village Renewal Scheme and the CLÁR programme. LEADER is currently open for applications through LEADER Local Action Groups around the country and I recently opened the Town and Village Renewal Scheme for applications via local authorities. I also expect to announce a new round of CLÁR in the coming weeks.
Details of these and other schemes are available on my Department’s website.
Community Development Projects
Questions (119)
Naoise Ó Muirí
Question:119. Deputy Naoise Ó Muirí asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development for an update on the allocation of funding for the local enhancement programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14380/25]
View answerWritten answers
The Local Enhancement Programme (LEP) 2025 was announced in November 2024, with funding of €7 million to assist thousands of community groups across the country by providing capital and current supports. The LEP is targeted to the specific challenges facing local community groups and delivers immediate, tangible supports where they are needed most.
Under the Local Enhancement Programme 2025 there was €6 million capital funding available to support community and voluntary groups, particularly in disadvantaged areas, with minor capital works and improvements to their facilities, and the purchase of equipment for community use.
This year, the fund also included €1 million in current funding to provide support and assistance to community and voluntary groups towards their utility bills, rental/lease costs, insurance costs etc.
The Local Enhancement Programme is administered locally on behalf of my Department by Local Community Development Committees (LCDCs) across the country, with support from their local authority. The relevant LCDC receive and appraise applications, making determinations on how the funding can best support their communities.
The Local Enhancement Programme 2025 is now closed to applicants. My officials are currently awaiting the lists of approved projects under the LEP 2025 to be submitted by the LCDCs. Details of the successful projects will be announced on a county by county basis and will be available on my Department's website.
Departmental Funding
Questions (120)
James Geoghegan
Question:120. Deputy James Geoghegan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development what funding schemes his Department has to support projects located within the Dublin City Council administrative area or Dublin City Council itself; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14538/25]
View answerWritten answers
My Department has developed a range of funding schemes and interventions which support projects across the country. While some schemes have an exclusively rural focus, many support both rural and urban areas. These include:
• the Community Centre Investment Fund
• the Community Recognition Fund
• the Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme
• the Local Enhancement Programme
• the Community Services Programme
• the Empowering Communities Programme
Programmes such as these are delivering real investment into communities all across the country. Of particular note in Dublin City Council's administrative area is the North East Inner City (NEIC) Initiative, through which my Department provides funding towards the long-term economic and social regeneration of the area.
In addition, my Department provides local authorities such as Dublin City Council with supports for participatory structures such as the Local Community Development Committees (LCDCs) and Public Participation Networks (PPNs). My Department also provides funding to support the development of public libraries and digital inclusion.
Details of the thousands of individual funding allocations my Department has provided across the country, including those located within the Dublin City Council areas, and information on each scheme, is available on my Department’s website at gov.ie - Funding allocated by the department.