Cathy Bennett
Question:113. Deputy Cathy Bennett asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht the average annual allocation to LEADER, by programme; since 2007. [54971/25]
View answerRural Schemes
Questions (113)
Written answers
The current LEADER Programme, which runs to 2027, is operational across the country. It supports a broad range of enterprises and community groups to develop projects which improve the quality of life and economic activity in rural areas. It is delivered through Local Action Groups across rural Ireland, facilitating a community-led, bottom-up approach to rural development.
The LEADER programme is co-financed by the European Commission under the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), through the European Agriculture Fund for Rural Development. The budget for the CAP for the period 2021-2027 forms part of the Multiannual Financial Framework, or the EU Budget for that period. It is therefore a multi-annual programme, with allocations being linked to a programming period, rather than an annual basis.
Table 1 below gives a breakdown on the LEADER allocations for the periods requested by the Deputy.
The total amount of funding allocated to LEADER for the period of 2021-2027 is €250 million. This funding is made up of €70 million for the Transitional LEADER programme for the years 2021 and 2022, and €180 million for the 2023-2027 LEADER programme , maintaining the level of funding at €250 million for the 7 year period, in line with the previous 2014-2020 LEADER programme.
Prior to this, the programming period covered 2007-2013. The original allocation of €399,999,998 for that period was revised to €376,758,090, on foot of the agreement with the EU Commission of a formal amendment to the 2007-2013 Rural Development Programme.
The Programme for Government includes a commitment to engage at EU level to increase funding for the next LEADER programme, which will form part of the post 2027 Multiannual Financial Framework.
The funding for the LEADER programme should be considered in the context of the expanding capital allocations which have been made available across the range of rural development schemes and supports under my Department's Rural Development Investment Programme in recent years.
Table 1: LEADER Programme Allocations
|
Programming Period |
Allocation |
|
2007-2013 (Revised) |
€376,758,090 |
|
2014-2020 |
€250,000,000 |
|
2021-2022 (Transitional) |
€ 70,000,000 |
|
2023-2027 |
€180,000,000 |
Community Development Projects
Questions (114)
James O'Connor
Question:114. Deputy James O'Connor asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht his Department’s plans for the publishing of the next round of the community centre fund; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56036/25]
View answerWritten answers
Since becoming Minister, I have prioritised investment in community infrastructure and in services to support our communities. As part of Budget 2026, I was delighted to announce increased funding for the programmes that are delivering on this priority. This includes an increase in the annual budget for the Community Centre Investment Fund (CCIF) by €3 million to €20 million.
The CCIF was introduced to provide high quality, accessible, community spaces that are available to all groups in all communities in both rural and urban areas. Some €110 million has been allocated since 2022 for the enhancement and refurbishment of existing community centres and the construction of new centres.
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.
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.
Departmental Schemes
Questions (115)
Mark Wall
Question:115. Deputy Mark Wall asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht if there has been an increase in funding for SICAP in Budget 2026 compared to the previous year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55406/25]
View answerWritten answers
The 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. I am delighted to have secured an additional €1.5m in Budget 2026, in line with the increase in 2025, which brings the increase in funding to SICAP since 2022 to €11.3m. As a result the annual funding for SICAP for 2026 will be in excess of €50m.
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. As in 2025, a further €10m has also been committed in 2026 which includes supports to all New Arrivals and International Protection Applicants.
I am keenly aware that challenges remain for communities across Ireland, and in that context, I am committed to progressively increasing funding for SICAP, in line with the Programme for Government commitment.
SICAP allocations from 2021 to 2026 are set out in the following table:
|
Year |
2021 |
2022 |
2023 |
2024 |
2025 |
2026 |
|
SICAP |
€39,168,430 |
€43,168,427 |
€44,463,482 |
€47,463,482 |
€48,963,482 |
€50,463,482 |
|
New Arrivals |
€0 |
€5m |
€10m |
€11m |
€10m |
€10m |
|
Total |
€39,168,430 |
€48,168,427 |
€54,463,482 |
€58,463,482 |
€58,963,482 |
€60,463,482 |
Departmental Policies
Questions (116)
Matt Carthy
Question:116. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht if he will report on the operation of Government's rural proofing policy, and the metrics against which its adherence is measured. [54985/25]
View answerWritten answers
Our Rural Future, the national rural development policy, committed to developing an effective rural proofing approach.
My Department commissioned and published a body of research on rural proofing, which was published online, which sets out some of the key international evidence in relation to rural proofing. A Rural Proofing Pilot was subsequently undertaken on four key initiatives across a number of Government Departments.
Currently, the Cabinet Handbook requires all government proposals being submitted by memo for Government to outline the impact of the given proposal on rural areas. As evidenced by the pilot, it is clear that a level of rural proofing is already taking place within the current system, although it may not be labelled with a formal ‘rural proofing’ tag. In recognising this, my Department has sought to build on and strengthen the existing approach by developing a Guide to Rural Proofing for Policy Makers.
The Guide, which includes a simplified Rural Proofing Assessment template and key resources, aims to provide a clear outline of what rural proofing is and to make rural proofing easy to understand and implement. The principle purpose is to aid and support policy makers to ‘think rural’ when developing policies to help ensure government policies understand, and take account of, specific needs and capacities of rural communities.
The Guide, which is also available online, has been circulated to all Government Departments to be added to the suite of tools/processes used by policy makers.
The importance of rural proofing has been highlighted by my officials in recent bilateral meetings held with Departments in the context of the development of the new rural policy from 2026. This will also help ensure that actions developed across Government to support the policy implementation will more effectively consider the impacts for rural areas and help result in better outcomes for rural communities.
I am confident the Guide will serve as a practical and user friendly tool for Government Departments to support that process and help ensure that rural issues are fully taken account of in the development of major policy initiatives across Government.
Rural Schemes
Questions (117)
Pearse Doherty
Question:117. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht when Scéim na mBóithre Áise will be re-established; the amount of funding that will be allocated for 2026; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55940/25]
View answerWritten answers
The current Programme for Government includes a commitment to the re-establishment of Scéim na mBóithre Áise. Discussion is underway in my Department to decide the best approach to implementing this commitment going forward.
In the meantime, funding is available under the Department's Local Improvement Scheme to assist local authorities with improvement work on non-public roads and roads which are not normally publicly maintained. In addition, I announced in August that further funding of €5.8m was being provided under this scheme to counties with Gaeltacht areas for upgrade works on country roads and lanes.
Rural Schemes
Questions (118)
Cathy Bennett
Question:118. Deputy Cathy Bennett asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht if he will report on his engagements regarding the LEADER programme under the next EU budgetary cycle. [54972/25]
View answerWritten answers
The development of the post-2027 Common Agriculture Policy or CAP and the new National and Regional Partnership Plans are matters of significant importance to my Department and for the Government as a whole.
I am working closely with my colleagues Ministers Heydon and Byrne to ensure that the LEADER programme forms part of a well funded package of supports for rural Ireland under the negotiations. I will also be liaising closely with my colleagues in the EU Commission and the EU Parliament as the process develops.
To facilitate the current negotiation process, the Department of Agriculture Food and the Marine has established a CAP Consultative Committee, which includes representation from my Department. As part of this committee, my Department will continue to advocate for the LEADER programme to remain a core intervention of the new CAP and for the continued prioritisation of rural development measures.
Furthermore, my Department is inputting into the review of the draft regulations relating to the National and Regional Partnership Plans. While the draft regulations provide for the continuation of the LEADER Programme, ring-fenced EU funding remains a key area for negotiations.
I want to reiterate my commitment to this negotiation process and the wider Multiannual Financial Framework process, which impacts not only on the LEADER Programme, but also a number of other measures supported under my Department including the PEACE Programme and European Social Fund measures.
Community Development Projects
Questions (119)
Noel McCarthy
Question:119. Deputy Noel McCarthy asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht the measures being taken by his Department to support rural town and village communities to establish community centres or hubs where no land is currently available to build such facilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55942/25]
View answerWritten answers
The 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 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. Funding for community centre works is also available through LEADER and the CLÁR programme.
In terms of the purchase of land, the Town & Village Renewal Scheme (TVRS) Building or Land Acquisition Measure allows local authorities to purchase derelict or vacant buildings and/or land within eligible towns or villages. Buildings or land purchased under this measure must be for multi-purpose community future use. Local authorities have been informed of successful applications under this measure for 2025. The TVRS will be launched again next year.
Details of all schemes are available on my Department's website.
Irish Language
Questions (120)
Erin McGreehan
Question:120. Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht the funding available to communities that wish to encourage the Irish language, particularly in the east coast’s lost Gaeltacht of Omeath, County Louth. [55825/25]
View answerWritten answers
My Department provides funding to Foras na Gaeilge, one of the agencies of the North South Language Body, to fund and deliver various programmes on an all-island basis. Foras na Gaeilge administers over 23 different support schemes each year aimed at developing and promoting the language.
Gaeláras Mhic Ardghail and Craobh Phearadair Ó Dhubhda, located in Newry and Dundalk, both currently receive funding under Foras na Gaeilge's Irish Language Networks Development Scheme. The scheme aims to promote, protect and engrain the Irish language in particular areas with an emphasis on the development and implementation of comprehensive language plans. In accordance with government policy on the Irish language, the focus of this scheme is on longer term and more strategic planning following the principles of language planning.
Other supports are available to groups outside of the Irish Language Networks Development Scheme. Glór na nGael is named by Foras na Gaeilge as the lead organisation for the area of community development and they offer many practical supports in enabling and empowering local committees and community groups to encourage the use of the Irish language.
Departmental Funding
Questions (121)
Pádraig O'Sullivan
Question:121. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht if consideration will be given to providing additional funding for community and voluntary organisations to assist with running costs given currently the grant schemes that exist are for capital works; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55308/25]
View answerWritten answers
I am aware of the challenges facing community groups in relation to running costs.
Since 2018 the Local Enhancement Programme (formerly known as the Community Enhancement Programme) has provided funding for community and voluntary groups. Although mostly capital in nature, a number of the iterations over the years included a current element of funding. The Local Enhancement Programme (LEP) 2025 included €1 million in current funding to provide support and assistance to community and voluntary groups around the country towards their utility bills, rental/lease costs, insurance costs etc.
The Community Services Programme (CSP) provides an annual co-funding contribution towards each full-time equivalent (FTE) position being supported through a social enterprise model, and, where warranted, a contribution towards the cost of employing a manager. This must be co-funded by the organisations concerned from other sources, for example, from income generated from the use of facilities and services provided. While no further calls for proposals for CSP are anticipated at this time, my department can hold contact details on file should the programme open for new applicants in the near future. Contact details for a nominated person can be provided to the email address csp@drcdg.gov.ie. It should be noted that any additional new entrants will be considered in light of available budgets.
At present, I do not have any plans to introduce additional funding supports for community and voluntary organisations to assist with regular running costs. I would, however, encourage all community and voluntary organisations to check my Department’s website www.gov.ie/drcdg, and to engage with their Local Community Development Committees (LCDCs), Local Development Companies and Public Participation Networks (PPN), to ensure they are aware of all existing funding opportunities.
Social Isolation
Questions (122)
Aindrias Moynihan
Question:122. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht for an update on his Department’s efforts dealing with rural isolation and loneliness; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55994/25]
View answerWritten answers
Addressing the issues of rural isolation and loneliness requires a range of responses across a number of Government Departments and agencies. This includes developing rural transport links, tackling social exclusion and addressing disadvantage. My Department has a number of schemes that help to address rural isolation and loneliness, often focussing on the value of communities and social inclusion within our communities.
My Department administers the Local Enhancement Programme (LEP). In June this year I announced that the €7 million provided for this scheme in 2025 will support almost 4,500 community groups delivering over 5,400 individual projects. These projects include support for social clubs, choirs and sports clubs. The scheme also supports Men’s and Women’s Sheds, which play an important role in reducing isolation. Additionally, in May, I announced €1 million in funding for Men’s Sheds. This funding will provide grants of up to €3,000 for sheds across the country.
The Community Centre Investment Fund (CCIF) is another important scheme which helps to ensure communities have the spaces they need for groups and activities. In March this year, I was delighted to announce funding of €26.1 million under the CCIF, which will deliver enhancement and refurbishment works on 369 community centres nationwide. In excess of €110 million has been approved under this fund since 2022.
The Community Recognition Fund (CRF) is also supporting investment in a wide range of projects to provide facilities for community engagement, including upgrades and enhancements to sports facilities, community centres, parks, walking trails, and playgrounds. Last June, I announced funding of €17 million for 212 community projects nationwide through the CRF. This announcement brought the total funding approved under the CRF to €100 million, with over 1,450 projects approved for funding.
The Senior Alerts Scheme, 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, Public Libraries, the Community Services Programme and the Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme all help to reduce social isolation and loneliness.
Rural Schemes
Questions (123, 136)
Louis O'Hara
Question:123. Deputy Louis O'Hara asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht if a rural regeneration and development fund (RRDF) application (details supplied) will be expedited; when he expects to announce the RRDF funding allocation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54824/25]
View answer
Colm Burke
Question:136. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht the timeframe for when the next round of funding for category 2 applications of the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund will be allocated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55944/25]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 123 and 136 together.
The Rural Regeneration and Development Fund (RRDF) is a major capital investment programme which seeks to support large-scale, ambitious projects which can achieve sustainable economic and social development in rural areas.
Last week, I announced €20.5 million in RRDF funding for 30 projects across rural Ireland under Category 2 of the RRDF. Details of these projects can be found on the Department’s website and include new projects in Galway and Cork.
I can confirm that successful projects announced last week included the project proposal submitted by Galway County Council relating to the Bridge House in Gort. This project has been approved in principle for €1 million in RRDF funding, subject to completing the due diligence process.
I can also confirm that Cork County Council received approval for two projects - the Camden Fort Meagher Regeneration and Harbour Integration Plan which received approval for €340,000 RRDF and the Old Steam Mill in Skibbereen project which received approval for €772,000.
Separately in Cork, the Avondu Blackwater Partnership Leader Company received funding for two projects. This includes €139,000 for a Community, Civic and Sports Centre project in Carraig na bhFear as well as €723,000 for the Blackwater Experience (Pillar 2): Nature Based Regeneration project in Fermoy.
Departmental Funding
Questions (124)
Micheál Carrigy
Question:124. Deputy Micheál Carrigy asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht for a list of projects in Longford allocated funding by his Department in each of the past three years, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55608/25]
View answerWritten answers
My Department is committed to supporting thriving communities across the country through a range of funding initiatives. Over the past three years, my Department has allocated in the region of €13 million in funding to County Longford.
My Department’s funding programmes have delivered significant capital investment in County Longford, example:
• Under the Town and Village Renewal Scheme, €379,170 was allocated for the special needs playground and parkland connection to Royal Canal Greenway Spur, Longford Town.
• €200,000 was allocated under the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme for the enhancement of the existing Granard Greenway through the extension of the walkway and the provision of lighting along the full length of the walkway.
• €100,000 was allocated under the Community Centres Investment Fund for refurbishment works at Longford Rugby Club.
• Under CLÁR, €50,000 was allocated to Granard Community Centre for heating upgrade and roof repairs.
Details of the thousands of funding allocations my Department has provided each year, across the country, including County Longford, are available on my Department’s website, in tabular form at the following link: [Funding allocated by the department]
Regeneration Projects
Questions (125, 127)
Joe Neville
Question:125. Deputy Joe Neville asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht when allocation funding under the town and village renewal scheme will be announced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55827/25]
View answer
Peter 'Chap' Cleere
Question:127. Deputy Peter 'Chap' Cleere asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht for an update on the town and village renewal scheme 2025. [56027/25]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 125 and 127 together.
The Town and Village Renewal Scheme was introduced in 2016 and is one of a number of measures designed to rejuvenate rural towns and villages throughout Ireland. The scheme which sees local authorities work with communities throughout the country, primarily targets funding at rural towns and villages with populations of less than 10,000 people. Applications for towns with populations of up to 15,000 people are also accepted where the project is of a high quality, displays good value for money and has the potential to significantly benefit the town or village.
To date almost €184 million has been allocated to over 1,800 projects nationally. The Budget 2026 process resulted in a further €21 million allocated to the scheme in 2026.
The 2025 TVRS ‘Call for Proposals’, which launched in March, intends to support the revitalisation of rural Ireland by focusing on stimulating town centre economic and soci`al regeneration. The Call included three funding streams under which project applications could be made, the Building or Land Acquisition Measure (BLAM), the Main Scheme and the Project Development Measure (PDM).
The BLAM closed for applications on 2 May 2025, and local authorities have been informed of successful applications. For reasons of commercial sensitivity, details of individual projects receiving support will released only after the purchase of properties or lands in question have been completed.
The 2025 Main Scheme and PDM’s closed for applications at the end of July and the competitive assessment process is currently underway.
The scheme is heavily subscribed, and funding will be allocated based on a project's suitability against scheme criteria, the geographical spread of projects, the quality of the proposed projects, and the available budget. I expect to be in a position to announce the successful projects later this year.
Rural Schemes
Questions (126)
Darren O'Rourke
Question:126. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht the funding available through his Department for community festivals such as, for example, Dunshaughlin Harvest Festival in County Meath (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54276/25]
View answerWritten answers
My department implements a wide range of schemes and supports which are available to community organisations and other groups across the country. While there is not a scheme specifically for community festivals, there may be an avenue of support available under the LEADER programme.
Funding under the 2023-2027 LEADER programme is not targeted at any particular group or sector or activity in rural communities. It is, rather, focused on a thematic approach to rural development under the headings of firstly, Economic Development and Job Creation, secondly, Rural Infrastructure and Social Inclusion, and thirdly, Sustainable Development of the Rural Environment and Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation.
Funding for activities such as a community festival may be available under one of these themes. However, it should be noted that the LEADER programme does not fund operational costs of a project, such as salaries or insurance, and it does not provide multi-annual funding to a project.
In order for a project to be eligible for LEADER funding, the proposed activity must be compatible with the actions outlined in the approved LEADER Local Development Strategy in the area concerned and it must comply with the EU Regulations and Operating Rules in place for the programme.
The programme is administered by Local Action Groups (LAGs) across the country. Prospective applicants should, in the first instance, contact their relevant LAG, through its Implementing Partner to discuss the eligibility of the project and the funding that may be available. The Implementing Partner in County Meath is Meath Partnership and they may be contacted by phone at 046-928 0790 or by emailing info@meathpartnership.ie.
Question No. 127 taken with No. 125.