Written Answers Nos. 1-33
5. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht in light of storm Éowyn, when the number of generators will be finalised for community centres and hubs; the breakdown, by county, of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [68989/25]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, community centres, sports clubs and other community facilities were a vital part of the immediate response to storm Éowyn. I visited a number of these in the days after the storm and saw first hand how important they were, and how community volunteers were so central to the response.
These facilities will continue to be central to our emergency response in the future as they have the potential to provide access to basic welfare needs such as food, mobile phone charging, shower and hygiene facilities, and wifi access.
As part of the response to the aftermath of storm Éowyn, the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage are establishing a network of 'Community Support Centres'. This is a resilience initiative which will see local authorities pre-identify suitable premises that can be utilised in response to emergency events. This puts a more formal and planned structure on the type of response hubs mobilised during storm Éowyn, with facilities being identified and supported in advance as required.
In many instances, these are facilities that are supported by my Department through schemes such as the Community Centre Investment Fund, CLÁR, the Town & Village Renewal Scheme and LEADER.
In addition, my Department is working with the National Directorate for Fire & Emergency Management and local authorities to fund a bank of mobile emergency generators in each local authority area. These can then be deployed as needed to community facilities that are activated as ‘Community Support Centres’ during an extreme weather event.
I envisage that there would be 3 to 4 generators made available to each local authority at the outset. The tender process for these generators is nearing completion and the timeline for rollout will be confirmed as part of that tender process.
I will continue to work with my colleagues across Government to support effective responses to future weather related incidents.
8. Deputy James O'Connor asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht the grants and schemes available from his Department to support community centres. [68332/25]
View answerSince becoming Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, I have prioritised investment in community infrastructure and community centres in particular.
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 by €3 million, from €17 million in 2025 to €20 million in 2026.
The Community Centre Investment Fund was introduced in 2022 and to date some €110 million has been allocated for the enhancement and refurbishment of existing community centres and for the construction of new centres where such a need has been identified.
County Cork has been allocated over €10.7 million for 189 projects under the fund. I was delighted to visit Cork last Saturday where I turned the sod for construction to commence on a new community centre in Rylane. This was allocated over €1.8 million in funding from my department under the 2023 new build measure.
In addition to the centre in Rylane, eleven other new build projects have been approved across the country with total funding of over €30 million.
I am committed to delivering further iterations of the Community Centre Investment Fund in line with the commitment in the Programme for Government for this to become a permanent rolling fund. I expect the next iteration of the fund to be rolled out next year.
It should be noted that my Department also supports community facilities through a range of other funding streams including the CLÁR programme, LEADER and the Town and Village Renewal Scheme. I would encourage organisations to check my department’s website for information on all of these different funding opportunities.
9. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht the programmes, funding and supports for the most disadvantaged areas of Dublin north-west, given the RAPID Programme has been closed for some time; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [68434/25]
View answerMy department administers a wide range of programmes to support communities. The main programmes focusing on areas of high disadvantage are the Empowering Communities Programme (ECP) and the Social Inclusion & Community Activation Programme (SICAP). My Department also administers the Local Enhancement Programme (LEP), which provides capital supports for small community organisations serving disadvantaged communities in rural and urban areas.
The Empowering Communities Programme commenced in 2022, and at present there are 17 projects supported, with annual funding of €2.3 million. The programme operates initiatives in the Dublin north-west area, under Dublin North West Area Partnership and Dublin City Community Co-Op. Funding of just under €400k is allocated across three programme areas in Dublin north-west.
The areas selected for funding under the ECP are experiencing significant disadvantage, identified using the Pobal HP deprivation index. With the support of the relevant Local Community Development Committee, the programme 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.
SICAP is our country’s primary social inclusion intervention. It is a national programme delivered in both rural and urban areas by Local Development Companies. SICAP aims to address high and persistent levels of deprivation through targeted and innovative, locally-led approaches. It targets and supports those most disadvantaged in Irish society. Funding of approximately €1.88m has been allocated to Dublin North West Area Partnership for delivery of the programme in 2025, along with additional funding of approximately €71k for delivery of supports to New Arrivals in the Dublin north-west area.
As the Deputy will know, funding of €5m has been secured in Budget 2026 for the development of a successor to the RAPID programme, in line with commitments in the Programme for Government. My Department is currently designing the new programme, and I expect to launch the scheme in the new year.
11. Deputy Sinéad Gibney asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht the steps his Department is taking to support the development of community and civic spaces in suburbs of Dublin city, such as Dundrum, to support local communities and ensure access to services and cohesion in communities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [68504/25]
View answerMy Department has developed a range of funding schemes and interventions which support access to services and build cohesion in communities across the country. While many of my Department's schemes are focussed on rural areas, others support both rural and urban communities. These include,
• the Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme;
• the Community Services Programme;
• the Community Centre Investment Fund;
• the Community Recognition Fund, and;
• the Local Enhancement Programme.
My Department’s SICAP programme is our country’s primary social inclusion programme. SICAP aims to reduce poverty and promote social inclusion and equality in Ireland through supporting communities and individuals using community development approaches. Southside Partnership implements SICAP in Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown which includes Dundrum in its catchment area.
My Department has also approved significant capital investment in Dundrum to support the development of community spaces:
• Over €39,000 was allocated to develop the Rosemount Family Resource Centre under Community Centre Investment Fund since 2022.
• €99,000 has been allocated to the upgrade of the Patrick Doyle Road playground in Dundrum under the Community Recognition Fund.
• Also under the Community Recognition Fund, €146,000 has been approved for an upgrade to Balally Scout Den.
I would also note that the Local Enhancement Programme has provided small grants to a number of organisations within the Dundrum area, supporting activities including Men's Sheds and the provision of youth services.
Given it's location, Dundrum is eligible for funding under the Urban Regeneration and Development Fund, which is administered by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage. I am aware that Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council have been approved for funding of €4.3 million for a new Dundrum Community Hub.
I understand that the local authority has recently submitted the preliminary business case for this project and that this is currently under review by officials in that Department.
19. Deputy Grace Boland asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht if he believes the current powers of the Charities Regulator are sufficient to address issues of accountability and public trust in the sector; if there are plans to expand these powers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [68348/25]
View answerThe charities sector provides an invaluable contribution to Irish society, and I want to take this opportunity to commend the work of those involved in the sector all across Ireland, in particular those that work with smaller, local charities, which are often volunteer-led.
The Charities Regulatory Authority was established in 2014 and is the State organisation responsible for registering and regulating all of Ireland’s charities, with the mandate to promote good governance practice. While the Regulator is under the aegis of my department, it is fully independent in the performance of its statutory functions.
The Charities (Amendment) Act 2024 revised and updated previously existing charity legislation and, when fully commenced, will improve the ability of the Charities Regulator to conduct its statutory functions, providing greater transparency, clarity and fairness in terms of the regulation of charities, leading to greater public trust and confidence in the sector.
A number of sections of this Act were commenced in January 2025, and officials from my Department are currently working with the Charities Regulator to prepare for further commencements in 2026. The Regulator is also developing guidance in line with the commencement of the new provisions to ensure charities have the information they need to assess the potential implications for their organisations.
As part of the oversight and governance arrangements currently in place, officials from my Department meet with the Regulator on a regular basis to discuss the work of the Regulator and its remit. I am satisfied with the current arrangements in place and as such I do not have any plans to further expand the powers of the Charities Regulator at this time.
20. Deputy Edward Timmins asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht the plans which are in place for expanding the walking and trails schemes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [68489/25]
View answerMy department’s Walks Scheme provides funding to private landholders who maintain the walking trails that traverse their land. A trail must be approved and registered on Sport Ireland’s Trail Register in order to be considered for the scheme.
This scheme has grown substantially in recent years, with more than four times as many trails now approved on the scheme compared to this time 6 years ago.
In May of this year, I announced that an additional 22 new walking trails had received approval in principle to join the Walks Scheme. There are now 164 trails that are fully approved or have approval in principle to join the Walks Scheme compared to just 39 trails on the scheme at the end of 2019. This exceeds the commitment under Embracing Ireland’s Outdoors, the National Outdoor Recreation Strategy, to increase the number of trails covered by the Walks Scheme to 150.
Once a trail is approved to join the scheme, the local development companies who manage the scheme on behalf of my department work with landowners to develop tailored work plans and to fully bring the trail on to the scheme. To date, 120 trails and 2,719 landowners have been fully brought onto the scheme.
My department provides funding for 23 Rural Recreation Officers, or RROs, in 22 local development companies countrywide. Work is ongoing by the local development companies and the RROs to bring the remaining trails on to the scheme.
I am open to widening the scheme further in due course. My immediate focus is to bring the trails that have approval in principle fully on to the scheme as soon as possible. This will allow eligible landowners to undertake agreed work on the trails and receive their payments.
21. Deputy Noel McCarthy asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht when the next funding round of the Local Enhancement Programme will be open for applications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [68387/25]
View answerThe Local Enhancement Programme (LEP) is targeted towards supporting communities that are impacted by disadvantage, as identified in the Local Economic and Community Plan (LECP) of the relevant local authority. It provides small capital grants to community and voluntary groups for the improvement/refurbishment of their facilities and/or the purchase of equipment. It operates in a complementary manner to add value to other front-line schemes and programmes being operated in communities.
The fund is administered locally on behalf of my Department by Local Community Development Committees (LCDCs) across the country, with support from their local authority.
The Local Enhancement Programme for 2025 was announced in November 2024 and provided €6 million in capital supports to many small community groups and organisations, particularly those who serve disadvantaged communities in rural and urban areas. It also provided a further €1 million in current funding to community Groups, including Men’s Sheds and Women’s Sheds, to assist with their energy and running costs. The 2025 Programme is now closed for applications.
My Department is currently considering a Local Enhancement Programme for 2026 and I expect to announce details of the new programme shortly.
I would encourage all community and voluntary organisations to check their local council's website and to engage with their Local Community Development Committees (LCDCs) to ensure that they are aware of the application process for LEP 2026.
22. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht for an update on the next iteration of Our Rural Future Development Policy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [68342/25]
View answerSince its launch in 2021, Our Rural Future has delivered vital investment and supports, strengthened local economies, and improved quality of life across rural Ireland.
While this policy reaches its conclusion at the end of this year, the Programme for Government includes a commitment to publish and implement a new Our Rural Future policy from 2026 and the process of developing this successor policy is well underway.
An extensive process of consultation has been put in place which gathered the views of stakeholders and communities across the country on what matters most for rural Ireland and its people.
This consultation has included an online public survey, and a series of eight stakeholder and public events across the country and online. The Rural Youth Assembly has also been consulted, ensuring that the voices of young people are fully considered in the policy development process.
Bilateral meetings with key stakeholders, representative groups, and public bodies have also taken place.
Informed by this extensive engagement, a consultation document setting out the proposed key themes and priorities for the new policy was published on 17 November. Written submissions are invited until 12 December.
Drafting of the new policy will reflect the feedback gathered from all elements of the consultation process.
Engagement with a range of other Government Departments is also well underway to ensure we secure ambitious commitments for delivery under the new plan as we continue our whole-of-Government approach to this next phase of Ireland’s rural development policy.
The policy is also being informed by an OECD Review of Ireland’s rural policy framework which will be published in the new year, in advance of the new policy itself.
Government is committed to building on the success of the current policy as we seek to secure a more sustainable and resilient future for our rural communities.
23. Deputy James O'Connor asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht if his Department provides support to community centres to improve the wheelchair accessibility of their premises; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [68331/25]
View answerMy Department provides funding for community centres and community infrastructure across a wide range of schemes. The CLÁR programme, the LEADER programme and the Town and Village Renewal Scheme are providing vital funding to community groups across the country, including for upgrades and other enhancements aimed at making these places more accessible to all of the community.
Indeed the CLÁR programme not only supports building upgrades for wheelchair users, it also provides funding for community groups to purchase vehicles that can be used to transport people with mobility issues to vital services and supports.
The Community Centre Investment Fund, in particular, is making our community centres more resilient, sustainable and accessible spaces.
Since 2022, some €110 million has been allocated for the upgrade and refurbishment of over 1600 existing community centres and the construction of 12 new community centres. The introduction of wheelchair-accessible toilets, lifts, ramps, and automatic doors has opened these facilities to more people with disabilities, older adults, parents with young children, and others with mobility challenges.
Accessibility has also been strengthened through wheelchair-accessible fire escapes, door hold-openers, and upgraded toilet facilities.
I am committed to delivering further iterations of this scheme and delivering further accessibility improvements 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.
I would encourage organisations to check my department’s website for information on the Community Centre Investment Fund and all of the other community funding opportunities.
24. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht to report on progress as part of the Town Centre First policy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [67798/25]
View answerLaunched 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 Town Regeneration Officers in each local authority (funded by my Department) who work as central drivers of TCF at a local level; and the establishment of a National Oversight and Advisory Group which oversees delivery of the TCF policy.
In December 2021, funding of €2.6 million was announced to support the development of 26 TCF Town Plans. 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 now complete and have moved onto project delivery phase. These Town Plans can be viewed on the TCF website at https://towncentrefirst.ie/.
In February 2024, a new TCF suite of supports was launched with of €4.5 million made allocated through three funding measures, which will help regenerate town centres through a bottom-up approach. This includes an allocation of €30,000 for the development of a further 26 TCF plans. The development of this second suite of TCF plans across these towns is now reaching a conclusion with individual towns currently approving and publishing their plans.
The 2024 suite of supports also includes a funding allocation towards the establishment and development of Town Teams nationwide and to allow towns prepare for major projects via the ‘Project Development Measure’. Further details of successful projects can be found at www.gov.ie/en/department-of-rural-and-community-development-and-the-gaeltacht/publications/town-centre-first-policy/.
As can be seen from the 33 actions contained within the policy, the significance of TCF is that it provides an integrated policy approach for the development of Irish towns rather than being a funded programme in and of itself. 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 funding calls for proposals has shown that the TCF approach is having an impact, resulting in higher quality applications based on clear local input.
The Programme for Government commits to the continued resourcing of the TCF 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 ensure the ongoing implementation of the policy and to deliver on the goal of revitalising rural towns and villages.
25. Deputy Albert Dolan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht the funding allocated to date under the Town Centre First initiative for towns in Galway east such as Athenry, Gort and Loughrea; the status of pending applications; his plans to support further regeneration in small towns throughout east Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [68442/25]
View answerLaunched 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. The policy supports the Our Rural Future vision for a thriving rural Ireland which is integral to our national economic, social, cultural and environmental wellbeing and development.
In December 2021, funding of €2.6 million was announced to support the development of 26 TCF town plans nationally, including Gort in east Galway. 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 and have moved onto the project delivery phase.
In February 2024, a new TCF suite of supports was launched with €4.5 million allocated through three funding measures, which will help regenerate town centres through a bottom-up approach. This includes funding allocations for the development of a further 26 TCF town plans, with Athenry awarded €30,000 under this measure.
TCF also includes a Town Teams support fund, with Headford in east Galway and An Cheathrú Rua and Oranmore awarded €10,000 each. Funding of up to €50k has also been provided to assist towns in preparing for major projects via the TCF “Project Development Measure’’. This has included projects in Ahascragh, Clonbur and Eyrecourt.
Rather than being a funding stream in its own right, the significance of TCF is that it is a policy document providing an integrated policy approach for the development of Irish towns which is underpinned by a range of capital funding streams. This includes funding streams which are available across Government. For example, operating to Town Centre First principles, my Department administers a range of measures to support the revitalisation and regeneration of rural towns and villages including the Town and Village Renewal Scheme (TVRS) and the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund (RRDF). Calls for Proposals are periodically issued to local authorities who can then submit proposals in line with priorities identified in Town Centre First Plans.
The TVRS provides of funding for projects designed to combat vacancy and dereliction and rejuvenate town and village centres. Since its launch, almost €184 million has been allocated to over 1,800 projects across Ireland. Examples of the TVRS in East Galway includes a Streetscape Enhancement Scheme allocated €100,000 in Portumna town centre and the development of the Pulse Hub-Co Working and Remote Working Space in Ballinasloe allocated €250,000. I expect to announce successful projects under the 2025 TVRS in the coming weeks.
The 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. Since 2018, over €613 million has been allocated to 273 RRDF projects. Examples of the RRDF in East Galway includes the Athenry Public Realm Enhancement Scheme approved in 2024 and allocated €6.75m, the ‘Regeneration Loughrea’ scheme allocated €4.25m and the renovation of Tuam Town Hall which was allocated €3.69m last year.
Details of all the towns and projects awarded funding under Town Centre First and my Department’s range of capital schemes can be found on the Departments website.
It is also important to note that there is a range of other support funding in place right across Government. Town Centre First has been developed in conjunction with the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage. ‘Bringing Back Homes’ details over 20 incentives, funded measures and grants to address vacancy and dereliction. Supports 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.
Government remains committed to the success of the TCF policy and will continue to work closely with local authorities to deliver on the goal of revitalising rural towns and villages.
26. Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht the progress his Department has made towards the development of a scheme to tackle urban disadvantage; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [68404/25]
View answerMy 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 was 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 (ECP) 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 currently supported under the Empowering Communities Programme.
27. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht the way in which his Department monitors the impact of the more than €6 million annual investment in Scéim na bhFoghlaimeoirí Gaeilge; the indicators used to assess learner participation economic benefit in Gaeltacht areas and the effectiveness of scholarships and start up grants for accommodation providers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [68508/25]
View answerDepartmental figures show that over 29,000 learners participated in courses at Gaeltacht colleges in 2025. This represents an increase on the figure for 2024 and also on the pre-pandemic figure of 2019 which both stood at around 27,000. In order to ensure the standard and effectiveness of courses provided, both my own department and the Department of Education and Youth implement an agreed annual inspection regime in line with published guidelines to which both colleges and accommodation providers must adhere. In addition, both departments meet regularly in order to review findings and ensure adequate future planning.
In overall support of providing learning opportunities for second-level students, my department provides specific grant-aid under the scheme by way of initiatives such as;
• Scéim Oileánda (ÁRAINN) Gaeltachta – a specific grant-aid provided to qualifying households on the Aran Islands who provide accommodation for students attending one of the three island-based post-primary schools for an entire school-year. This scheme operates at full capacity.
• ERASMUS Gaeltachta - a fund worth €250,000 which facilitates opportunities to enable third-level institutions to offer up to 175 third-level students a semester in the Gaeltacht. Current figures show an increase in participation in this scheme as compares to 2024.
• DEIS Gaeltachta - a specific scholarship fund, which is administered by Galway Roscommon Education and Training Board (GRETB) on behalf of my Department. Over 800 scholarships are offered annually to provide opportunities for attendees of DEIS post-primary schools throughout the country to attend recognised Irish summer colleges in the Gaeltacht. At the request of my Department, the GRETB has gathered data on the applications to the scheme in 2024/2025. Figures from GRETB show an increase in applications under the scheme, with 63% of eligible schools submitting applications in 2024, an increase on the 34% who applied in 2022.
The Department also offers targeted supports to the sector. These supports include:
• A once-off starter grant available to newly-recognised families - worth up €6,000 or 80% of costs, whichever is the lesser. This supports households with the cost of works required to comply with fire safety requirements, and the purchase of bed frames and mattresses as required. 35 new households have registered under the scheme to date in 2025.
• The recently launched short-term capital scheme providing targeted support to long-established households, with a grant of up to €2,000 or 80% of costs, whichever is the lesser, against the cost of purchasing new bedframes and mattresses. Over 200 established households applied for this upgrade grant.
Figures from the scheme will, as is current practice, be included in the Department’s performance budgeting metrics which form part of the Annual Public Sector Estimates Volume. It should be noted by the Deputy, however, that the colleges themselves operate on a commercial basis and receive no direct operational support funding from my department. The support of the Department is, accordingly, geared towards increasing access and supporting households who provide accommodation.
As regards the economic benefits of the scheme, I can confirm that a number of studies have been carried out down through the years which have confirmed that it generates significant primary, secondary and tertiary economic benefits annually for the Gaeltacht.
I am satisfied that these measures provide significant language-learning opportunities for young people and generate substantial down-stream economic benefits for Gaeltacht regions.
28. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht to report on the meetings he had regarding the LEADER programme in Strasbourg in November 2025. [68344/25]
View answer53. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht to report on the progress of negotiations regarding the next round of LEADER funding in the context of the EU Multi-Annual Financial Framework; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [68341/25]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 28 and 53 together.
The LEADER programme has and continues to deliver tangible benefits to rural communities in areas such as economic development and job creation, rural infrastructure, social inclusion, and environmental sustainability.
Therefore, the development of the EU regulations relating to the post 2027 Common Agricultural Policy, or CAP, and the new National and Regional Partnership Plans is a matter of significant importance to my Department.
Ireland has and will continue to advocate for a well funded CAP that supports farm resilience, environmental ambition, and rural development measures such as LEADER.
Within the draft regulations, the inclusion of the LEADER programme as a CAP intervention is to be welcomed. As part of the on-going negotiation process, my Department continues to emphasise the importance of a ringfenced allocation for the LEADER Programme.
I note that detailed discussions in relation to the shape and operation of the new regulations are on-going at both national and EU levels.
To facilitate the current negotiation process for the post 2027 period, the Department of Agriculture Food and the Marine has established a CAP Consultative Committee, which includes representation from my Department.
Separately, while in Strasbourg last week, I met with Irish MEPs to discuss a range of issues including LEADER funding in the context of the next EU budgetary cycle.
I will continue to work with MEPs and my Government colleagues to ensure that the LEADER programme is well funded into the future.
29. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht when funding will be announced for the local improvement scheme; if additional funding will be provided to improve non-public rural roads and laneways in rural communities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [66415/25]
View answerThe Local Improvement Scheme (LIS) supports the improvement of rural roads and laneways that are not usually maintained by local authorities. Since its establishment in 2017, the Government has provided almost €184 million to local authorities for the LIS. This funding has resulted in improvement work on nearly 5,000 roads, benefiting over 23,000 landowners and residents in these rural areas.
LIS allocations to local authorities are made on a county basis. It is then at the discretion of each the Local Authority to select and prioritise roads for improvement under the scheme each year. On August 7th last, I was delighted to announce €14 million in additional funding for the 2025 scheme. This brings the total amount allocated the LIS in 2025 to €30 million.
The 2026 Scheme is expected to be launched early next year, and the provisions will be reviewed in advance to ensure it is managed as reasonably and efficiently as possible. This will allow local authorities to plan and manage their resources effectively. Details of the scheme, including county allocations, will be circulated to local authorities and published on the department's website.
30. 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 in Carlow and Kilkenny. [68327/25]
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 throughout Ireland. Delivered in partnership with local authorities, it primarily targets funding at areas with populations of less than 10,000 people.
Since the launch of the scheme almost €184 million has been allocated to over 1,800 projects nationally. Of this, Carlow has been allocated funding of over €7.3 million for 68 projects, with over €6.5 million allocated to 65 projects in Kilkenny. Details of all TVRS projects funded by the Department can be found on the Department's website.
The 2025 Scheme was launched in March 2025 and places particular emphasis on projects that have a renewed focus on town centre economic and social recovery and regeneration. The scheme 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 be released only after the conveyancing of the properties or lands in question has been completed.
The 2025 Main Scheme and PDM closed for applications at the end of July. I can confirm that applications were received from the local authorities in both Carlow and Kilkenny. The assessment process is now nearing completion, and I hope to announce the successful projects in the near future.
31. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht the position regarding supports provided at a local level in community centres targeted at addressing social exclusion; if he will consider increasing funding in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [66817/25]
View answerThe Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme (SICAP), is our country’s primary social inclusion intervention programme overseen by my Department. 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 supports individuals and community groups who face disadvantage, providing targeted supports in areas such as employment, mental health, education, and community engagement and improving the quality of life of those facing social exclusion and inequality. The supports are provided by the staff of Local Development Companies in local communities across the country, often using community centres as their bases. I am delighted to have secured an additional €1.5m in Budget 2026 which brings the annual funding for SICAP to in excess of €50m in 2026.
My Department’s Community Services Programme (CSP) currently supports 426 community-based organisations, with a budget of €55.4 million in 2025, to provide 446 local services through a social enterprise model. The CSP Programme provides an annual co-funding contribution towards each FTE position being supported, and, where warranted, towards the cost of employing a manager. My Department has secured a further increase of €4m in 2026, bringing the total programme allocation to €59.4m for 2026.
Seventy-eight of the organisations currently supported under CSP, under the primary activity of Community Hall, Sports and Resource Centres, are associated with community centres. They provide CSP-supported employment to a total of 376 staff, 54 managers and 322 full-time equivalents (FTEs). The total amount of funding allocated to these organisations is €34.6 million over the five-year timeframe of this programme (2023-2027).
Following on from a commitment made in the Programme for Government and the Budget 2026 announcement, my Department is currently examining the scope to hold an open call to the CSP Programme, having regard to the funding needs of existing CSP-supported organisations, organisations waitlisted from the previous call and those who wish to join the Programme.
32. Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht his plans to increase capital investment under the Community Centres Investment Fund for community halls and voluntary groups in rural County Cork, particularly in areas experiencing population growth but limited facilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [67264/25]
View answerSince becoming Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, I have prioritised investment in community infrastructure. 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 where such a need has been identified. Over €10.7 million has been allocated to almost 190 projects in county Cork in the same period.
I am delighted to confirm that only last Saturday, I turned the sod for construction to commence on a new community centre in Rylane which was allocated over €1.8 million in funding from my department under the CCIF 2023 new build.
I am committed to delivering further iterations of the fund in the coming years in line with the commitment in the Programme for Government for this to become a permanent rolling fund.
33. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Mairéad Farrell den Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht an míneoidh sé cén uair a bheidh na toghcháin do bhord Údarás na Gaeltachta ann; agus an bhfuil sé i gceist na toghcháin a reáchtáil in 2026. [68517/25]
View answer60. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh den Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht an bhfuil sé i gceist aige go mbeidh Bille Údarás na Gaeltachta (Leasú) 2024 achtaithe in am ionas go mbeidh na toghcháin eagraithe ar an dáta céanna leis an bhfo-thoghchán atá beartaithe do Gaillimh Thiar; agus an bhfuil sé i gceist aige cúramaí maidir le cúrsaí tithíochta a chur isteach sa Bhille ag Céim na Tuarascála. [68526/25]
View answerBa mhaith liom na Ceisteanna Dála 27 agus 54 a thógáil le chéile.
Chríochnaigh an Bille um Údarás na Gaeltachta (Leasú), 2024, Céim an Choiste i nDáil Éireann níos túisce i mbliana. Tógfar an Bille ag Céim na Tuarascála in am trátha. Leanfar leis an mbille a chur tríd an bpróiseas reachtach agus na leasuithe a bhí luaite agam ag Céim an Choiste a thabhairt chun cinn.
Beidh mé ag coinneáil deiseanna féideartha le haghaidh toghchán a reáchtáil faoi athbhreithniú, ag brath ar an dul chun cinn leis an mBille a thabhairt tríd an Oireachtas.
Tá obair thábhachtach ar bun ag Údarás na Gaeltachta ar mhaithe le fóstaíocht a chur ar fáil do phobal na Gaeltachta agus ní bheadh sé cuí aon rud a dhéanamh a laghdódh an bhéim atá ag an eagraíocht ar chomhlíonadh an róil sin. Dá bharr seo, níl i gceist agam aon fhorálacha breise seachas an méid atá sa Bhille cheana féin maidir le cúrsaí tithíochta a chur san áireamh sa Bhille agus é ag dul tríd an Oireachtas.
