Written Answers Nos. 360-379
360. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if his Department is using agentic AI in the delivery of its services or operations; if it is considering the use of agentic AI, and in what contexts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55699/25]
View answerMy Department is currently considering potential use cases for the adoption of AI in its work, and a working group has been established to progress this. Limited circumstances in which AI is currently used include summarising text and workshop structuring. All text is reviewed and verified by a human. There are no AI systems in place that processes citizens' information.
My Department continues to review and follow guidance issued by the National Cyber Security Centre, the Office of the Government Chief Information Officer, and the Department of Public Expenditure NDP Delivery and Reform on the use of Artificial Intelligence.
361. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the progress that has been made in the setting up of a hospitality education college at the former site (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55948/25]
View answerSOLAS continue to support Kerry ETB (KETB) in the development of its Preliminary Business Case (PBC) proposal for Killarney under the FET College of the Future Major Projects fund. The proposal is one of twelve projects that are currently being progressed under this fund.
The proposal put forward by KETB under the FET College of the Future Major Projects fund aims to transform FET provision in Killarney in a state-of-the-art campus primarily focusing on skills development in Hospitality Training.
KETB is currently progressing a site option for the location of this new FET College. In this respect, SOLAS have been engaging with Local Authority and ETB officials to progress this matter. I have recently given approval for KETB to agree a price with the vendor and engage in the due diligence process for the preferred site.
In parallel to the work on the site, SOLAS are also supporting KETB in developing their PBC for the proposed infrastructure they would like delivered on the site. Once KETB have completed this business case, it will be submitted to SOLAS for evaluation.
My department and I remain committed to ensuring there is appropriate infrastructure in place to meet the needs of FET learners and teaching staff in Kerry and the wider region.
362. Deputy Frankie Feighan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht when the allocation of funding under the local improvement scheme will be announced; if consideration will be given to the various waiting list reports across a number of counties, particularly in County Leitrim where it is anticipated it may take in excess of six years under the average current funding since 2022; and if assistance will be given to those counties in particular; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55642/25]
View answerThe Local Improvement Scheme or LIS is a key support to rural communities in improving non-public rural roads and laneways that are not typically maintained by local authorities. Since 2017, almost €184 million has been allocated to the Scheme.
On 7th August last, I was delighted to announce €14 million in additional funding for the 2025 scheme. This brings the total amount invested in LIS in 2025 alone to €30 million - a record investment.
Leitrim’s County Council’s original allocation for 2025 was €373k and, following the August 2025 additional allocation, it now had a full year budget of €900k. Final figures on the number of road improvements completed in Leitrim this year will be available following the drawdown process in December.
While my Department provides funding for the scheme, it is administered by local authorities who maintain responsibility for the management of waiting lists, scheme applications and determining the eligibility of roads.
My officials advise local authorities to review their waiting lists periodically to ensure all roads listed are eligible under the scheme. The Department has also engaged closely with local authorities to ensure LIS funding is fully utilised and that as many roads as possible are completed under the scheme.
The Programme for Government commits to the provision of additional funding for the LIS. As the Deputy will be aware, €17 million in LIS funding was recently announced as part of Budget 2026. This represents an increase in base funding announced in previous years.
My Department will aim to launch the 2026 Scheme as early as possible next year, allowing local authorities to better plan and manage their resources. Details of the 2026 scheme, including county allocations will be circulated to local authorities once finalised.
363. Deputy Frankie Feighan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht when the funding under the outdoor recreation infrastructure scheme will be announced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55643/25]
View answerThe Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS) provides funding for the development and enhancement of outdoor recreational infrastructure such as walking trails, cycleways, water-based recreation sites and mountain trails. Since 2020, funding of over €94 million has been approved for almost 1,300 projects nationwide.
I was delighted to announce funding of €8.7 million on 14th of August to deliver 221 projects under measure 1 and the project development measure of the 2024/2025 scheme.
I expect to announce the successful projects under measures 2 and 3 of the programme in the coming weeks.
364. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht if his Department is using agentic AI in the delivery of its services or operations; if it is considering the use of agentic AI, and in what contexts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55704/25]
View answerMy Department follows the guidance issued by the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) and the Office of the Government Chief Information Officer (OGCIO) on the responsible use of Artificial Intelligence (AI). The NCSC guidance recommends that new AI technology should only be adopted based on a clearly defined business need following an appropriate risk assessment.
My Department does not currently use agentic AI, and is also not currently considering use of agentic AI. My Department’s Press Office, however, has enhanced the accessibility of video content produced for social media by the use of AI enabled software. The software transcribes audio to text and adds closed captions to video. The Department also utilises AI enabled software, which operates within a confined desktop environment, to support translation work.
365. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht if he will outline the allocation to subheading A.5 rural and regional supports in the years 2024 and 2025; the measures that this allocation supported; by year in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55713/25]
View answerThe LEADER programme is co-financed by the European Commission under the Common Agricultural Policy, through the European Agriculture Fund for Rural Development. It is a multi-annual programme, with allocations being linked to a programming period set at EU level, rather than an annual basis.
The Programme is administered at local level by Local Action Groups (LAGs), ensuring a bottom up and community led approach to rural development investment. The initiatives to be funded under the Programme are selected at LAG level and are required to be in line with the overarching themes of the Programme and the local priorities set out in each LAG's Local Development Strategy.
The funding allocations for each LAG area at the outset of each programme to provide them with greater flexibility to manage their budgets over the programming period. Funding is then paid out by my Department as costs are incurred and claims for payment are submitted. Given the structure of the LEADER programme, it is expected that the pattern of expenditure would not be evenly spread over each year.
The table below outlines the allocations which form the basis of the Revised Estimates Volume (REV) for LEADER in 2024 and 2025 as requested.
|
YEAR |
ALLOCATION (millions) |
|
2024 |
€44 |
|
2025 |
€42
|
366. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht if he will outline the allocation to subheading A.4 5 rural and regional supports in Budget 2026; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55714/25]
View answer370. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht if he will outline the allocation to the local improvement scheme in each of the years 2020 to 2025 and for 2026; the measures that this allocation supported, by year in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55718/25]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 366 and 370 together.
The Local Improvement Scheme or LIS is a key support to rural communities in improving non-public rural roads and laneways that are not typically maintained by local authorities.
The table below outlines the allocations which form the basis of the Revised Estimates Volume (REV) for LIS in each of the years from 2020 to 2025. Funding allocations for 2026 will be confirmed in the REV 2026 which will be published in December in 2025 and then considered by the relevant Oireachtas Committees in early 2026.
|
Year |
REV Allocation |
|
2020 |
€10m |
|
2021 |
€10.5m |
|
2022 |
€11m |
|
2023 |
€12m |
|
2024 |
€13m |
|
2025 |
€15m |
|
2026 |
€17m |
In line with the demand for support under the Local Improvement Scheme, there was additional funding allocated to the subhead increasing the scheme allocation to €21 million in 2021; €22 million in 2022; €27 million in 2023; €23 million in 2024 and €30 million in 2025.
367. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht if he will outline the allocation to the town and village renewal scheme in each of the years 2020 to 2025, and for 2026; the measures that this allocation supported by year, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55715/25]
View answerThe Town and Village Renewal Scheme (TVRS) was introduced in 2016 and is one of a number of measures designed to rejuvenate rural towns and villages. It has supported a range of projects in areas such as community facilities, remote working facilities, recreational facilities, public realm improvements, and projects to address the challenges of vacancy and dereliction. Expenditure on projects approved for funding under the Scheme is managed on a multiannual basis.
The table below outlines the allocations which form the basis of the Revised Estimates Volume (REV) for TVRS in each of the years from 2020 to 2025. Funding allocations for 2026 will be confirmed in the REV 2026 which will be published in December in 2025 and then considered by the relevant Oireachtas Committees in early 2026.
Table 1.
|
Year |
REV Allocation (€m) |
|
2020 |
€15m |
|
2021 |
€20m |
|
2022 |
€22m |
|
2023 |
€19m |
|
2024 |
€19m |
|
2025 |
€20m |
|
2026 m |
€21m |
368. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht if he will outline the allocation to rural regeneration and development fund in each of the years 2020 to 2025, and for 2026; the measures that this allocation supported, by year in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55716/25]
View answerThe Rural Regeneration Development Fund (RRDF) is a major capital investment programme which seeks to support large-scale, ambitious projects that have the potential to revitalise rural towns and villages in line with the Town Centre First Policy. The scheme supports regeneration to drive greater economic activity and footfall; address vacancy and dereliction; ensure the reuse of heritage and other existing buildings and provide the necessary facilities and infrastructure in settlements, all of which will assist in attracting people to live, work and invest in rural areas. Expenditure on projects approved for funding under the Fund is managed on a multiannual basis.
The table below outlines the allocations which form the basis of the Revised Estimates Volume (REV) for RRDF in each of the years from 2020 to 2025. Funding allocations for 2026 will be confirmed in the REV 2026 which will be published in December in 2025 and then considered by the relevant Oireachtas Committees in early 2026.
|
Year |
Budget Allocation |
|
2020 |
€53 m |
|
2021 |
€55m |
|
2022 |
€60m |
|
2023 |
€60m |
|
2024 |
€60m |
|
2025 |
€60m |
|
2026 |
€60m |
369. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht if he will outline the allocation to CLÁR in each of the years 2020 to 2025 and for 2026; the measures that this allocation supported, by year in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55717/25]
View answerMy Department's CLÁR programme provides funding under a number of different measures for small-scale infrastructural projects in designated rural areas. It includes funding for community facilities and amenities, and also vehicles for community groups such as first responders, meals on wheels and those assisting people with reduced mobility or to accessing cancer care services. Expenditure on projects approved for funding under CLÁR is managed on a multiannual basis.
The table below outlines the allocations which form the basis of the Revised Estimates Volume (REV) for CLÁR in each of the years from 2020 to 2025. Funding allocations for 2026 will be confirmed in the REV 2026 which will be published in December in 2025 and then considered by the relevant Oireachtas Committees in early 2026.
|
Year |
Rev Allocation |
|
2020 |
€5m |
|
2021 |
€5.5m |
|
2022 |
€7.35m |
|
2023 |
€7.85m |
|
2024 |
€8.69m |
|
2025 |
€11m |
|
2026 |
€12m |
371. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht if he will outline the allocation to the outdoor recreation infrastructure scheme in each of the years 2020 to 2025 and for 2026; the measures that this allocation supported, by year in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55719/25]
View answerThe Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS) provides funding for the development and enhancement of outdoor recreational infrastructure such as walking trails, cycleways, water-based recreation sites and mountain trails. Expenditure on projects approved for funding under the Scheme is managed on a multiannual basis.
The table below outlines the allocations which form the basis of the Revised Estimates Volume (REV) for ORIS in each of the years from 2020 to 2025. Funding allocations for 2026 will be confirmed in the REV 2026 which will be published in December in 2025 and then considered by the relevant Oireachtas Committees in early 2026.
|
Year |
Rev Allocation |
|
2020 |
€10m |
|
2021 |
€12m |
|
2022 |
€15m |
|
2023 |
€16m |
|
2024 |
€16m |
|
2025 |
€16m |
|
2026 |
€17m |
372. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht if he will outline the allocation to the social inclusion and community activation programme in each of the years 2020 to 2025 and for 2026; the measures that this allocation supported, by year in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55720/25]
View answerThe Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme (SICAP), is our country’s primary social inclusion programme, which aims to reduce poverty and promote social inclusion and equality by supporting disadvantaged communities and individuals. This is a national programme that is delivered in both rural and urban areas by Local Development Companies (LDCs) to help those in the greatest need.
SICAP funding is subject to the annual budgetary Estimates process. There has been a positive trend of year-on-year increases in SICAP funding in recent years, with 2022 seeing the largest increase in funding at 10%, or €4m. In 2023, there was a further increase of €1.3m, in 2024 an increase of €3m and in 2025 an increase of €1.5m. I am delighted to have secured an additional €1.5m for the programme in Budget 2026, bringing the annual funding to over €50m in 2026.
Separate to this increase in SICAP core funding, additional funding of €36m has also been distributed through SICAP to support Ukrainian Nationals displaced by war since 2022. €10m has also been committed in 2026 which includes supports to all New Arrivals and International Protection Applicants.
SICAP allocations from 2020 to 2026 are set out in the following table:
|
Year |
2020 |
2021 |
2022 |
2023 |
2024 |
2025 |
2026 |
|
SICAP |
€39,168,430 |
€39,168,430 |
€43,168,427 |
€44,463,482 |
€47,463,482 |
€48963,482 |
€50,463,482 |
|
New Arrivals |
€0 |
€0 |
€5m |
€10m |
€11m |
€10m |
€10m |
|
Total |
€39,168,430 |
€39,168,430 |
€48,168,427 |
€54,463,482 |
€58,463,482 |
€58,963,482 |
€60,463,4 |
373. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht if he will outline the allocation to the community services programme in each of the years 2020 to 2025 and for 2026; the measures that this allocation supported, by year in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55721/25]
View answerMy Department's Community Services Programme (CSP) supports 446 services nationally via 427 community organisations to provide local social, economic and environmental services through a social enterprise model focusing on urban and rural communities where public and private sector services are lacking, either through geographical or social isolation or because of demand deficits.
The CSP Programme provides an annual co-funding contribution towards each full-time equivalent (FTE) position being supported, and, where warranted, towards the cost of employing a manager. The programme is administered by Pobal on behalf of this Department.
The CSP Programme currently provides funding towards 1,725 FTEs and 352 manager positions. An allocation of €55.4m was made in Budget 2025 to support the CSP Programme for 2025, an increase of €3m from 2024. A further increase of €4m has been announced for 2026, bringing the total programme allocation to €59.4m for 2026.
|
Year |
Allocation € |
Managers supported |
FTEs supported |
No. of organisations supported |
|
2020 |
46,890,000 |
323 |
1,707 |
421 |
|
2021 |
48,890,000 |
330 |
1,713 |
427 |
|
2022 |
48,890,000 |
337 |
1,727 |
428 |
|
2023 |
52,390,000 |
338 |
1,700 |
417 |
|
2024 |
52,390,000 |
352 |
1,727 |
431 |
|
2025 |
55,390,000 |
352 |
1,725 |
427* |
*Organisations supported to date in 2025.
374. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht if he will outline the allocation to the community centre investment fund in each of the years 2020 to 2025 and for 2026; the measures that this allocation supported by year, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55722/25]
View answerThe Community Centre Investment Fund (CCIF) was introduced in 2022 to support the enhancement and refurbishment of existing community centres and the construction of new centres. Expenditure on projects approved for funding under the Fund is managed on a multiannual basis.
The table below outlines the allocations which form the basis of the Revised Estimates Volume (REV) for CCIF in each of the years from 2020 to 2025. Funding allocations for 2026 will be confirmed in the REV 2026 which will be published in December in 2025 and then considered by the relevant Oireachtas Committees in early 2026.
|
Year |
REV Allocation |
|
2020 |
0 |
|
2021 |
0 |
|
2022 |
€4.5m |
|
2023 |
€16m |
|
2024 |
€16m |
|
2025 |
€17m |
|
2026 |
€20m |
375. Deputy John Clendennen asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht for an update on the local improvement scheme; when funding allocations will be announced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55926/25]
View answer376. Deputy John Clendennen asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht for an update on the local improvement scheme, and details of any conditions that are being considered to ensure counties reduce application wait times; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55927/25]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 375 and 376 together.
The Local Improvement Scheme or LIS is a key support to rural communities in improving non-public rural roads and laneways that are not typically maintained by local authorities. Since 2017,almost €184 million has been provided to local authorities under the Scheme.
On 7th August last, I was delighted to announce €14 million in additional funding for the 2025 scheme. This brings the total amount invested in LIS in 2025 alone to €30 million. Funding is paid to local authorities once it has been confirmed that works have been completed within the calendar year. Final figures on the 2025 scheme will be available in December once all payments have been made.
While my department provides funding for the scheme, it is administered by local authorities. They are responsible for the management of waiting lists, scheme applications and determining the eligibility of roads. My officials have engaged closely with local authorities to ensure LIS funding is fully utilised.
The Programme for Government commits to the provision of additional funding for the LIS. As the Deputy will be aware, €17 million in LIS funding was recently announced as part of Budget 2026. This represents an increase in base funding announced in previous years.
LIS is reviewed annually to ensure it is managed as fairly and efficiently as possible, with the aim of upgrading as many private roads as possible.
My department will aim to launch the 2026 Scheme as early as possible next year. This will allow local authorities to plan and manage their resources in an effective manner. Details of the 2026 scheme, including county allocations will be circulated to local authorities once finalised.
377. Deputy William Aird asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht for a list of projects in County Laois allocated funding by his Department in each of the last three years, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55979/25]
View answerMy Department is committed to supporting thriving communities across the country through a range of funding initiatives. Over the last three years, my Department has allocated in the region of €18.5 million in funding to County Laois.
My Department’s funding programmes have delivered significant capital investment in County Laois, examples include:
• Over €3.3 million in funding under the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund (RRDF) for the redevelopment of the historic Courthouse in Borris-in-Ossory into a multi-purpose community and enterprise hub. The project will provide community facilities and address dereliction to regenerate the village centre.
• Under the Town and Village Renewal Scheme, €500,000 was allocated to the Killeshin Digital Hub for the installation of a digital hub / hybrid workspace to accommodate remote working facilities in Killeshin.?
• €25,000 was allocated under the Community Centres Investment Fund for refurbishment works at Timahoe Community Hall.
• Over €191,000 was allocated under the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme for the River Erkina Community Blueway. The development will consist of the constitution of a floating pontoon and access/egress at Castle Durrow Demesne; a foot bridge on the River Goul at its confluence with the River Erkina; carpark and access/egress at the Woodenbridge; access steps at Boston Bridge.
Details of the thousands of funding allocations my Department has provided each year, across the country, including County Laois, are available on my Department’s website, in tabular form at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/department-of-rural-and-community-development-and-the-gaeltacht/collections/funding-allocated-by-the-department/
378. Deputy William Aird asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht whether the increase in the community centre investment fund to €20 million, as announced in Budget 2026, will extend to new builds, or be limited to refurbishment works; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55980/25]
View answerThe Community Centre Investment Fund (CCIF) has provided approximately €110 million since 2022 for the enhancement and refurbishment of existing community centres and the construction of new centres.
I was pleased to announce a €3m increase for CCIF as part of budget 2026, which brings the allocation for next year to €20m. I am committed to delivering further iterations of the scheme in the coming years in line with the commitment in the Programme for Government for this to become a permanent rolling fund. A decision in relation to the timing of further iterations and the measures to be included will be made in the context of the management of ongoing commitments under the fund. This includes the extent to which the focus will be on refurbishment and/or new builds.
My Department also supports community facilities with enhancement works through a range of other funding streams including through the CLÁR programme, LEADER and the Town and Village Renewal Scheme. I would encourage organisations to check my Department’s website for information on funding opportunities and announcements.
379. Deputy William Aird asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht when he expects the review of the eligibility criteria of CLAR to be concluded; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55981/25]
View answerThe CLÁR programme provides funding under a number of different measures for small-scale infrastructural projects in designated rural areas who 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. The statistical review of potential approaches to revised eligibility criteria has now been carried and I am currently considering the content of the resulting report. Any changes to be introduced as a result of the review will be implemented before the next iteration of the scheme is launched next year.
As the Deputy will be aware, my department implements a range of schemes and supports for rural areas, be they in CLÁR areas or otherwise, such as the Town and Village Renewal Scheme, the LEADER programme, the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund, and the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme. Details on all of the funding programmes available can be found on my department's website.
