Written Answers Nos. 26-50
26. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht if his Department’s Our Rural Future Strategy envisions encouraging people to leave Dublin (details supplied). [8410/26]
View answer54. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht whether it is his position that the rural resettlement scheme should be re-established (details supplied). [8409/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 26 and 54 together.
Since its launch in 2021, Our Rural Future has delivered vital investment and supports to rural areas strengthening local economies and improving quality of life for people across rural Ireland.
Measures completed which support increasing the population in rural areas include improvements in high-speed broadband provision, support for rural enterprise, increased rural transport services and ongoing support for the agrifood sector.
According to the OECD, rural remote regions in Ireland recorded the highest population growth of all OECD countries between 2001 and 2021 and CSO figures show a 7% increase in highly rural remote areas between 2011 and 2022. However, I am aware that there are variations across rural areas within these overarching figures, and the sustainability and attractiveness of all rural areas remains a key focus for Government.
My Department is currently well advanced in the process of developing the successor to Our Rural Future, which will run until 2031 and will set out a renewed vision for rural areas as vibrant and attractive places to live - for those already living in rural areas as well as those who wish to relocate to rural areas.
This new policy will build on the progress already achieved and will set out a renewed vision for the years ahead. It will contain commitments to deliver on Government’s continued ambition for rural areas and will be supported by clear and practical actions, developed across government, and backed by substantial investment in rural Ireland.
Within my own department, there has been significant funding increases in recent years across the range of capital investment schemes such as the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund, the Town and Village Renewal Scheme and the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme, with the aim of revitalising rural towns, villages and communities.
I have witnessed first-hand the very real and tangible impacts that these projects can have in rural towns and village all across the country and these schemes will continue to provide vital supports to rural communities.
I look forward to the finalisation of the new Our Rural Future policy, which will provide the framework for the Government's ongoing commitment to, and support for, rural communities as thriving and attractive places to live.
27. Deputy James O'Connor asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht if funding to support the refurbishment of community centres will be made available in 2026; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8724/26]
View answer41. Deputy Conor D. McGuinness asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht the sources of funding his Department makes available for the development of community centres, particularly in areas with a clear and long-standing deficit in community infrastructure. [8693/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 27 and 41 together.
My Department has a wide range of grant supports available to support the development and refurbishment of community centres nationwide. A summary of the schemes and the areas they target is provided below.
The Community Centre Investment Fund (CCIF) was introduced to provide high quality, accessible, community spaces that are available to 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 fund in the coming years in line with the commitment in the Programme for Government for this to become a permanent rolling fund. I expect to open the next round of CCIF in the coming months, which will focus on refurbishment work in existing community centres. The details in this regard are currently being finalised.
The Local Enhancement Programme (LEP) is targeted towards supporting communities that are impacted by disadvantage, as identified in the Local Economic and Community Plan 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. The maintenance/refurbishment of community centres is eligible for funding under LEP 2026. All community and voluntary organisations are advised to check their local council's website and to engage with their Local Community Development Committees to ensure that they are aware of the application process for LEP 2026. The closing date for submission of applications is 27 February 2026 and it is expected that details of the successful projects are due to be announced in Quarter 2 of this year.
The CLÁR programme provides funding under different measures for small-scale infrastructural projects in designated rural areas. In 2025 I was delighted to announce a record €14 million in CLÁR funding. Measure 1 provides funding for community facilities and amenities. I hope to launch the new CLÁR scheme in the coming weeks.
The Town and Village Renewal Scheme (TVRS) is designed to support the revitalisation of rural towns and villages across Ireland. Since the launch of TVRS in 2016, over €210 million has been allocated to over 1,900 projects across Ireland. The scheme enables the provision of funding to rejuvenate town centres by supporting the renovation and upgrade of Community Centres into multipurpose community spaces.
TVRS priorities are reviewed and updated at the end of a scheme year and in advance of a call for proposals. As the 2025 TVRS is now closed, I would advise community groups to liaise with their local authority to ensure they are kept informed of upcoming calls for proposals for funding schemes that supports community centre development.
The Rural Regeneration and Development Fund (RRDF), which seeks to support large-scale, ambitious projects that can achieve sustainable economic and social development in rural areas, can provide funding towards projects that support the provision of community facilities. To date, the RRDF has allocated over €613 million for 273 projects across Ireland. I intend to launch an RRDF Category 1 Call for Proposals for large projects in the near future.
The LEADER Programme provides support to rural communities under a range of themes, including rural infrastructure and social inclusion themes. For many years it has supported projects relating to community facilities for people living in rural and remote areas. Recent examples of funding approved include over €155,000 towards the renovation of Drumraney Community Centre in Westmeath, almost €149,000 towards the enhancement of Montpelier Community Centre Development in Limerick, and over €114,000 towards the roof replacement at Killeshin Community Centre in Laois.
I will continue to ensure that an integrated suite of supports is available to communities to help them to develop and maintain these vital community resources.
Further information on the above schemes can be found on my department's website.
28. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht if he will outline the average yearly allocation to the Leader Programme since 2007, by programme. [8633/26]
View answerThe 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 revised allocation for that period was €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 |
29. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht the number properties have been purchased nationally to date under the town and village renewal scheme’s building and land acquisition measure, which allows local authorities to purchase vacant or derelict buildings for regeneration; and the number of these acquisitions that have taken place in County Mayo. [8715/26]
View answerThe Town and Village Renewal Scheme was introduced in 2016 and is designed to rejuvenate rural towns and villages throughout Ireland. Over €210 million has been allocated to over 1,900 projects since the launch of the scheme.
In 2022, a new Buildings Acquisition Measure was introduced within the scheme. This saw an amendment to the scheme’s criteria to allow the provision of support to local authorities to acquire derelict or vacant buildings with a view to the later development of these buildings for community use. Following engagement with the local government sector, the scheme’s criteria was subsequently widened further to allow the purchase of land in town and village centres under the Building and Land Acquisition Measure. These Measures have now funded to completion 73 projects centred on the purchase of town centre buildings or plots of land for subsequent development for community use.
These projects have seen the purchase of a range of vacant and derelict buildings which are of strategic and cultural importance in rural towns. This includes old bank buildings, school buildings, cinemas, and parish halls. I remain committed to ensuring that my department's schemes continue to support town regeneration projects across rural Ireland.
30. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht the number of applications received per year 2023-2024, and per county, for funding under the Community Recognition Fund; the number therein that were successful, the number that were unsuccessful, in each county; the allocation that will be provided to each county in 2025; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8632/26]
View answerThe Community Recognition Fund (CRF) was first introduced in 2023 to recognise the huge efforts made by communities in welcoming and supporting people coming to Ireland. Under the fund a total of €100 million has been provided to local authorities to support cities, towns and villages nationwide.
The structure of the Fund saw proposals being developed by local authorities in consultation with communities for submission to my department in line with their total available allocation. Under the initial €50 million allocation in 2023, some 908 projects were approved. All projects submitted to my department by local authorities were successful in receiving funding
Under the CRF 2024, projects were approved over three phases across 2024 and 2025. In total 569 projects have been approved under CRF 2024, while 15 applications submitted by local authorities to my department for approval were not allocated funding. It should be noted that each local authority had a set financial allocation and were given the opportunity to replace unsuccessful applications with alternative projects in order to utilise their full allocation.
The emphasis is now to ensure that all projects are delivered throughout 2026 so that communities can benefit from this investment.
While there was no additional allocation in 2025 under CRF, my Department continues to support the development of community infrastructure through a range of other investment programmes.
The attached table sets out the number of applications that were successful and unsuccessful under both iterations of the fund in each county.
31. Deputy Louis O'Hara asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht his Department’s efforts to tackle dereliction in rural towns and villages; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7451/26]
View answerLaunched in 2022, the Town Centre First (TCF) Policy is a major cross-government policy, which aims to tackle vacancy, combat dereliction and breathe new life into our town centres. It does this 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.
TCF complements other national policies including Our Rural Future, the new national housing strategy ‘Delivering Homes, Building Communities', as well as the National Planning Framework, which also aim to tackle vacancy and dereliction, achieve balanced regional development and support local communities.
Significant progress has been made since the launch of the TCF policy towards achieving its objectives. Town Regeneration Officers (TROs) based in 26 local authorities are funded by my Department and provide support for the establishment and work of Town Teams. They also act as a key conduit between the local authority, towns and villages and their communities. More broadly, they work closely across multidisciplinary technical teams in local authorities who are collectively charged with responsibility of town regeneration including combatting vacancy and dereliction. This includes for example new and dedicated ‘Capital Delivery Teams’ who are also funded by my Department, Vacant Homes Officers, Broadband Officers and Night-Time Economy Officers.
Funding of €2.6 million has been provided previously to support the development of 26 TCF town plans nationally. This first phase of TCF plans is complete and have moved onto the project delivery phase.
Further funding of c.€4.5 million was allocated for the development of a further 26 TCF town plans, support the establishment and development of town teams, and fund Project Development Measure projects under the umbrella of the Town and Village Renewal Scheme.
TCF is underpinned by a range of capital funding streams available to local authorities irrespective of whether they have formal TCF Plans or Town Teams in place. In terms of combatting vacancy and dereliction, supports within my own Department include the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund (RRDF) and the Town and Village Renewal Scheme (TVRS).
The RRDF is a key measure supporting the objectives of the TCF Policy. It is a major capital programme that supports the revitalisation of rural Ireland through large-scale, ambitious projects that can achieve sustainable economic and social development in rural areas. To date, the RRDF has allocated €613 million for 273 projects across Ireland, including over €32 million to 20 projects located across County Galway.
Projects supported by the RRDF have had a strong focus on regeneration and will deliver vibrant and liveable town centres and ensure that rural towns, villages and communities can prosper over the months and years ahead.
The TVRS places particular emphasis on projects that will bring derelict and vacant buildings and sites back into use as multipurpose community spaces. Since its launch, TVRS has allocated over €210 million to over 1,900 projects nationally, with over €8.5 million in funding allocated to 81 projects in County Galway.
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, who have capital schemes available including the Urban Regeneration and Development Fund and the THRIVE scheme. Separately, the suite of measures detailed in ‘Bringing Back Homes’ details over 20 incentives 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.
My Department will continue to work closely with colleagues in the National TCF Office, local authorities and the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage to deliver on the goal of revitalising rural towns and villages and addressing the issues of dereliction and vacancy.
32. Deputy James O'Connor asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht if the outdoor recreation infrastructure scheme will open for applications in 2026; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8723/26]
View answerThe Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS) provides funding under a number of measures for the development of new outdoor recreational infrastructure and for the necessary repair, enhancement or promotion of existing outdoor recreation infrastructure in countryside areas across Ireland.
The scheme is supporting the delivery of Ireland's national outdoor recreation strategy, 'Embracing Ireland's Outdoors'.
I am currently working with my officials on the next iteration of the programme and I expect to announce details of the new scheme in Quarter 2 of this year.
33. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht if he will outline a timeframe for the implementation of the national plan for Irish language public service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8628/26]
View answerCentral to Government efforts in the move towards a bilingual public service is the full and successful implementation of the Official Languages Act, 2003. The publication of the National Plan for Irish Language Public Services 2024-2030 under the Act in October 2024 was a significant step forward in this regard.
Overall responsibility for the preparation of this National Plan fell on the Irish Language Services Advisory Committee, which is chaired by my Department and which includes membership at a senior level from a wide range of organisations from across the public service, including the Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation; the Department of Social Protection; the Department of Education and Youth; the HSE; the Local Government Management Agency; An Garda Síochána; and publicjobs.
Extensive research was undertaken in preparation of this Plan, with the invaluable results set out therein showing a clear interest in increasing Irish language competency among staff of public bodies and general positivity and good-will towards the language. The National Plan focuses on five major strategic themes in the following areas:
Broad Initiatives and Structural Strengthening;
Provision of Public Services through Irish;
Technology;
Training, Recruitment and Language Competence; and
Data Collection.
These areas are in keeping with other Government reform strategies such as Better Public Services and the Civil Service Renewal 2030 Strategy – with the Civil Service Renewal Strategy containing a specific commitment to the implementation of the aforementioned National Plan.
The National Plan is to be supported by two Action Plans, which will set out the specific actions to be taken under the above themes, within specific timeframes, and will bring us right up to 2030, in parallel with the National Plan. The first of these Plans will cover the period 2026-2028, and was approved by the Government in January following extensive consultation and engagement across Government and beyond.
This first Action Plan focuses largely on developing the support structures needed for future success, with an emphasis on trying many new and varied measures. It sets out a wide range of actions intended to support public bodies as they work towards implementing the National Plan and achieving the Official Languages Act’s overall objectives of increasing the level and quality of services provided through Irish and ensuring they have sufficient staff competent in the language to do so - particularly as it relates to one of the Act's overarching objectives, that 20% recruits to public bodies will be competent in Irish by 31 December 2030.
At a time when the level of good-will and positivity towards the language has never been higher, this ambitious plan sets out the clear and measurable steps to be taken across Government in the years ahead towards achieving a truly bilingual public service, and indeed bilingual society, in line with Programme for Government commitments.
34. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht given the continued presence of derelict buildings in towns and villages across County Mayo, if the Minister will outline the funding Mayo County Council has received under recent rounds of the town and village renewal scheme and the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund for the purpose of acquiring or refurbishing derelict properties; and the further supports that will be made available in 2026. [8716/26]
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. Over €210 million has been allocated to over 1,900 projects since the launch of the scheme.
Under the most recent round of funding, in December 2025, I was delighted to confirm funding of over €26.2 million of 116 projects under the 2025 Scheme. This saw Mayo County Council allocated almost €1.5 million for 6 projects in Castlebar (2), Béal an Mhuirthead, Ballina, the Neale, and Ballyhaunis. Since the inception of the Scheme, Mayo County Council has been allocated TVRS funding of almost €8.7 million for 79 projects.
In recognition of the urgent need to transform and regenerate town centres, a new Building Acquisition Measure (BAM) was introduced in 2022 under the umbrella of the TVRS to allow local authorities purchase vacant and derelict buildings for redevelopment into multipurpose spaces. This Measure continued in 2023 and in 2025. A total of 69 buildings and 8 pieces of land nationally were purchased for development as community assets to enable transformation and regeneration of town and village centres. Of this, three properties were purchased in County Mayo under the 2023 BAM for the refurbishment of derelict properties in Bellacorrick, Charlestown and Louisburgh, at a cost of €225,000.
The Rural Regeneration and Development Fund (RRDF) supports the revitalisation of rural Ireland through large-scale, ambitious projects that can achieve sustainable economic and social development in rural areas. To date, the RRDF has allocated €613 million for 273 projects, including over €48.5 million to 21 projects located across County Mayo.
Under the most recent round of funding, in October 2025, I announced successful RRDF Category 2 projects with funding of over €20.5 million being allocated to 30 landmark regeneration projects. This included funding of c. € 2.35m for three projects Belmullet, Swinford and Inishturk in County Mayo. I can confirm my intention to launch a further call for proposals for larger scale Category 1 RRDF projects in the near future.
Examples of currently active RRDF projects supported in Mayo include the Phase 1 Regeneration of Sisters of Mercy Convent Site and Adjacent Lands in Westport (allocated €13.5 million), Newport Regeneration (allocated c. €6.5 million) and the Ballintubber Abbey Culture and Heritage Visitor Centre in Claremorris (allocated c. €5.8million).
Details of projects funded in Mayo under both the RRDF and TVRS are available on my Department’s website. I remain committed to ensuring that my Department helps to address issues of town regeneration across rural Ireland, in line with the policy objectives set out in the Town Centre First Policy and Our Rural Future.
35. Deputy Naoise Ó Muirí asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht if he will outline the importance of the Action Plan for Irish Language Public Services 2026-2028; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8719/26]
View answerCentral to Government efforts in the move towards a bilingual public service is the full and successful implementation of the Official Languages Act, 2003. The publication of the National Plan for Irish Language Public Services 2024-2030 under the Act in October 2024 was a significant step forward in this regard.
It was a great honour for me therefore, as the first senior Minister to have responsibility for the Irish language and the Gaeltacht in several years, to build on this work by publishing the first accompanying Action Plan to that National Plan recently.
Overall responsibility for the preparation of both the National Plan and subsequent Action Plan fell on the Irish Language Services Advisory Committee, which is chaired by my Department and which includes membership at a senior level from a wide range of organisations from across the public service, including the Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation; the Department of Social Protection; the Department of Education and Youth; the HSE; the Local Government Management Agency; An Garda Síochána; and publicjobs.
Preparation of this action plan involved extensive consultation and engagement across Government and beyond – particularly as it relates to core public services and Gaeltacht areas. It also built on the invaluable research carried out for the National Plan itself, which demonstrated a clear interest in increasing Irish language competence among public sector staff and positivity towards the language in general.
Cross-cutting initiatives contained in the Action Plan look to enhance the provision of bilingual public services across the country – particularly in Gaeltacht areas, through a range of measures. It focuses on developing supportive structures and includes measures focused on capacity and awareness building, skills development and technology. The plan also places a particular emphasis on measures to be undertaken to achieve the overarching recruitment target that 20% of recruits to public sector bodies will be competent in Irish by the end of 2030.
I have highlighted to Government colleagues the role we all have to play in achieving the Plan, and the Act's ambitious targets - a message that will also be echoed to public bodies under their aegis.
Ultimately this work will enable the normalisation of the Irish language as an integral part of the public service and will also empower speakers of the language to use it when accessing services.
At a time when the level of good-will and positivity towards the language has never been higher, this ambitious plan sets out the clear and measurable steps to be taken across Government in the years ahead towards achieving a truly bilingual public service, and indeed bilingual society, in line with Programme for Government commitments.
36. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht if he is aware of the funding difficulties being experienced by the Fingal centre in Finglas, following his visit to the centre in 2025; and if he has given further consideration to open the Community Services Programme for applications to allow centres such as this to apply. [8385/26]
View answerThe Finglas Centre, operating under Part 18 of the Companies Act 2014, provides a range of supports and services to those who are disadvantaged in the catchment area of West Finglas. I am advised that the Finglas Centre is funded via a number of organisations such as the Department of Social Protection, the Health Service Executive, and Dublin and Fingal County Councils.
Notwithstanding this, my Department received a request for funding in 2023 from Dublin Northwest Partnership (DNP), outlining the importance of the Finglas Centre as a community hub and facility for service delivery, and advising that the centre was experiencing a financial shortfall. DNP is a Local Development Company that delivers my Department's Social Inclusion & Community Activation Programme (SICAP) in the area and regularly utilises the Finglas Centre to deliver SICAP and other services in the locality.
On review of the request, initial funding of €20k was provided to the centre, to ensure the centre would continue operating while also engaging the services of a financial mentor from DNP. On foot of the financial mentoring, further funding of €35k was provided to the centre and recommendations were made to secure financial viability of the Finglas Centre going forward. As a condition of the funding, the Finglas Centre was required to apply to join the Community Services Programme (CSP) at the next available opportunity.
My Department’s CSP Programme currently supports 426 community-based organisations, with a budget of €59.4m allocated for 2026, to provide local services through a social enterprise model. The CSP Programme provides a contribution towards the employment of approved manager and full-time equivalent positions. The Programme is not aligned to the minimum wage and is not intended to meet the full employment cost of supported posts, which must be co-funded by other sources such as revenue generated from the provision of services.
I am pleased to advise that, on 17 December last, Minister Calleary and I announced our intention to hold an open call for new organisations to join the CSP Programme in early 2026, in line with a Programme for Government commitment. The design of this open call is underway and details, including eligible community services and organisations, will be announced in due course.
37. Deputy Naoise Ó Muirí asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht if he will outline the delivery of the new Local Enhancement Programme for organisations in north Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8720/26]
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 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 2026 was announced on 5 December 2025 and provides €7 million in capital supports to many small community groups and organisations, particularly those who serve disadvantaged communities in rural and urban areas. Fingal LCDC was allocated €268,827 and Dublin City LCDC was allocated €656,750 under LEP 2026.
Fingal and Dublin City LCDCs will advertise the funding on their council website and community groups will be required to submit their funding applications directly to their relevant LCDC by 27 February 2026, which is the national closing date. The LCDCs appraise the applications and submit their lists of approved projects for funding to my department. The LCDC make decisions on project eligibility ensuring compliance with the scheme criteria. This allows for autonomy under the programme and also ensures that groups most in need receive funding.
All community and voluntary organisations are advised to check their local council's website and to engage with their LCDCs to ensure that they are aware of the application process for LEP 2026. Details of successful projects are expected to be announced in Q2 of this year.
39. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht if it is proposed to review the CLÁR areas with a view to extending to new areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8698/26]
View answerMy Department's CLÁR programme provides funding under a number of different measures for small-scale infrastructural projects in designated rural areas.
The Programme for Government makes a commitment to carry out a comprehensive review of the eligible CLÁR areas.
The statistical analysis for this review has now been completed and I am currently considering the results. Any changes to be introduced as a result of the review will be introduced alongside the launch of the next iteration of the scheme, which is expected to take place in the coming weeks.
40. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh den Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht cén freagra atá aige ar an litir curtha isteach chuige ag grúpa agóide thar cheann BÁNÚ ar an Luan 26ú Eanáir 2026 ag oifigí na Roinne sna Forbacha. [8766/26]
View answerMaidir leis an gcomhfhreagras ón grúpa BÁNÚ le déanaí ba mhaith liom an deis a thapú chun soiléiriú a sholáthar ar cheisteanna a bhí ardaithe ann.
D’éirigh liom allúntas de €159 milliún a fháil don Ghaeltacht, don Gaeilge agus do na hOileáin i mBuiséad 2026, rud a léiríonn méadú 29% (ó €123 milliún go €159 milliún do 2026) ar an allúntas seo, an méadú is mó le blianta fada do na réimsí seo.
Cuireadh allúntas ar luach €41.157m ar fáil d'Údarás na Gaeltachta do 2026. Mhéadaigh maoiniú Údarás na Gaeltachta faoi €2.5 milliún do 2026. San áireamh anseo, bhí €1.5m breise i maoiniú reatha agus €1m breise le haghaidh infheistíochta caipitil, rud a chuirfidh ar a chumas tacú tuilleadh le forbairt eacnamaíoch, teangeolaíoch, cultúrtha agus pobail sa Ghaeltacht. B'ionann leithdháileadh caipitil an Údaráis in 2019 agus €8.5m le hais an beagnach €16.204m atá ar fáil don eagraíocht i mbliana.
Chríochnaigh an Bille um Údarás na Gaeltachta (Leasú) 2024 Céim an Choiste i nDáil Éireann anuraidh agus tá sé san áireamh i gClár Reachtaíochta an Rialtais d‘Earrach 2026 le bheith tógtha ag Céim na Tuarascála. Cé gurb é athbhunú toghcháin chuig bord an Údaráis príomhchuspóir an Bhille seo, ar mhaithe le tacú le soláthar títhíochta sa Ghaeltacht ann, déanfar leasú sa Bhille ar Alt 8 den Acht um Údarás na Gaeltachta, 1979, chun cead a thabhairt don Údarás talamh a dhíol le comhlacht tithíochta ceadaithe nó le húdarás tithíochta nó a dhiúscairt ar shlí eile chuig an gcéanna, chun tithíocht a sholáthar sa Ghaeltacht. 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.
Beidh deiseanna féideartha le haghaidh toghchán a reáchtáil á choiméad faoi athbhreithniú agam, ag brath ar an dul chun cinn leis an mBille a thabhairt tríd an Oireachtas.
Ó cuireadh scéimeanna mo Roinne faoi Achtanna na dTithe (Gaeltachta) ar athló, tá roinnt scéimeanna nua curtha ar bun ag an Rialtas a bhfuil deontais níos airde ar fáil fúthu ná na deontais a bhí ar fáil faoi scéimeanna Achtanna na dTithe. Ar an mbunús seo, níl i gceist agam na scéimeanna deontais a bhí ann faoi Achtanna na dTithe a thabhairt ar ais.
Níor mhiste a nótáil go mbaineann saincheisteanna tithíochta leis an Roinn Tithíochta, Rialtais Áitiúil agus Oidhreachta agus níl aon ról ag mo Roinne i mbeartas tithíochta.
É sin ráite, is saincheist an-tábhachtach domsa mar Aire í tithíocht sa Ghaeltacht agus bhí roinnt chruinnithe agam leis an Aire Tithíochta, James Browne TD, chun é seo a phlé. I bPlean Tithíochta an Rialtais, tá a bhfuil geallta don Ghaeltacht soiléir; tá sé geallta go bhfoilseofar Ráiteas Náisiúnta Pleanála don Ghaeltacht sa chéad leath de 2027 agus go n-oibreoidh Údarás na Gaeltachta i gcomhar le hUisce Éireann agus na húdaráis áitiúla chun na féidearthachtaí a bhaineann le suíomhanna seirbhísithe a bheadh feiliúnach do thithíocht a fhiosrú, anuas ar na scéimeanna tacaíochta náisiúnta tithíochta atá ar fáil don phobal i gcoitinne.
42. Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht if CLÁR will open for applications in 2026; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8631/26]
View answerThe CLÁR programme provides funding under a number of different measures for small-scale infrastructural projects in designated rural areas. Last year I approved €14m million for 238 projects under the scheme, with funding being provided for community facilities and amenities, community vehicles and specific support for island communities.
The measures for inclusion in the scheme are reviewed and revised each year. The measures to be included in the 2026 CLÁR scheme are currently under review and I expect to launch the 2026 scheme in the coming weeks. Details in respect of the activities that will be eligible for funding will be confirmed at that stage.
43. Deputy Cathy Bennett asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht for an update on his engagements regarding the LEADER programme under the next EU budgetary cycle. [8718/26]
View answerThe LEADER programme delivers tangible benefits to rural communities in areas such as economic development and job creation, rural infrastructure, social inclusion, and environmental sustainability.
It is funded as an intervention under the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) and, therefore, the development of the EU regulations relating to the post 2027 CAP, and the new National and Regional Partnership Plan 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 input into the draft regulations and emphasise the importance of a ring-fenced 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 and other rural stakeholders.
Separately, I have engaged with Irish MEPs to discuss a range of issues including LEADER funding in the context of the next EU budgetary cycle, and I will continue this work with MEPs and my Government colleagues to ensure that the LEADER programme is well funded into the future.
44. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht when another round of category 1 funding for the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund will be announced; the criteria that will apply; the measures in place, to ensure a fair distribution of funds; the date on which applications will open and close; if projects which were previously unsuccessful will be allowed to re-submit (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7868/26]
View answerAdministered by my Department, the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund (RRDF) is a major capital programme that supports the revitalisation of rural Ireland. It supports large-scale, ambitious projects that can achieve sustainable economic and social development in towns and villages with a population of under 10,000 people.
Calls for RRDF applications are sought under two categories. Category 1 relates to larger scale ambitious capital projects with all necessary planning and other consents in place and which are ready to proceed. Category 2 provides smaller grant funding to enable the development of project proposals suitable for future calls for Category 1 applications.
Last October 2025, I was delighted announced successful projects resulting from Category 2 applications, with funding of over €20.5 million being allocated to 30 landmark regeneration projects in rural communities across the country.
I can confirm that it is my intention to launch a further Call for Proposals for larger scale Category 1 RRDF projects in the near future and the scheme criteria and application timelines applying under that Call are currently being finalised.
RRDF applications are assessed on a competitive basis and against transparent criteria. This information, together with the scoring system upon which the assessment process will be undertaken, is made available to applicants at the outset of each call. Examples of previous criteria under which applications have been assessed include the proposed project’s social and economic impact, regenerative potential, financial sustainability, and policy coherence.
I can confirm that where a project has previously not been deemed successful in a funding application, subject to its meeting the prevailing eligibility criteria, it may be submitted in a subsequent Call for Proposals.
45. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Naoise Ó Cearúil den Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht conas a chinnteoidh an Plean Gníomhaíochta do Sheirbhísí Poiblí Gaeilge, 2026–2028 go mbeidh seirbhísí a chuirtear ar fáil trí Ghaeilge ar fáil de réir caighdeán comhsheasmhach cáilíochta ar fud comhlachtaí poiblí in 2026; cén mhéadracht feidhmíochta a úsáidfear chun an caighdeán sin a mheas; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [8688/26]
View answerBa mhór an onóir dom é, mar an chéad Aire sinsearach le cúram den Ghaeilge agus den Ghaeltacht le roinnt blianta anuas, an chéad Phlean Gníomhaíochtaí um Sheirbhísí Poiblí Gaeilge, a chlúdóidh an tréimhse 2026-2028, a fhoilsiú le déanaí.
Féachann an Plean Gníomhaíochta seo, le cur chuige iomlánaíoch, intomhaiste agus praiticiúil a ghlacadh maidir le cur i bhfeidhm an Phlean Náisiúnta um Sheirbhísí Poiblí Gaeilge 2024-2030, a foilsíodh faoi Achtanna na dTeangacha Oifigiúla, 2003-2021, i mí Dheireadh Fómhair 2024.
Tugadh faoi chomhairliúchán agus plé leathan tras-Rialtais agus eile – in ullmhú an Phlean Gníomhaíochta seo – go háirithe mar a bhaineann le croí-sheirbhísí poiblí agus ceantair Ghaeltachta. Tógadh é freisin ar an taighde luachmhar a rinneadh don Phlean Náisiúnta féin, a léirigh go bhfuil suim shoiléir ann i measc oibrithe san earnáil phoiblí inniúlacht sa Ghaeilge a fheabhsú agus go bhfuil dearcadh dearfach ann i leith na teanga go ginearálta.
Leis an bPlean Gníomhaíochta seo, dírítear go príomha ar fhorbairt na struchtúir tacaíochta a theastaíonn chun go mbeidh rath ar an obair seo sa todhchaí, le béim curtha ar go leor bearta nua agus éagsúla a thriail. Leagtar amach ann raon leathan gníomhartha chun tacú le comhlachtaí poiblí agus iad ag obair i dtreo cuspóirí foriomlána an Phlean Náisiúnta agus an Achta a bhaint amach, is é sin leibhéal agus caighdeán na seirbhísí a chuirtear ar fáil trí Ghaeilge a mhéadú chomh maith le cinntiú go bhfuil dóthain foirne acu, inniúil sa teanga, chun é sin a dhéanamh. Sa chomhthéacs sin, cuirtear an-bhéim sa Phlean seo ar bhearta bainteach leis an oll-sprioc earcaíochta a bhaint amach, is é sin go mbeidh 20% d’earcaigh chuig comhlachtaí poiblí inniúil i nGaeilge faoi dheireadh 2030.
Tríd an obair seo, i gcomhar le córas na gcaighdeán teanga atá le tabhairt isteach faoin Acht chomh maith, déanfar cinnte de go mbeidh seirbhísí poiblí curtha ar fáil trí Ghaeilge de réir caighdeán comhsheasmhach cáilíochta. Áirítear roinnt gníomhartha sa Phlean Gníomhaíochta seo bainteach le nithe a fhorordú trí na caighdeáin teanga chomh maith le bearta atá le tacú le comhlachtaí poiblí agus iad á gcur i bhfeidhm. Tugann Gníomh 2.2.1 den Phlean Gníomhaíochta léargas chomh maith ar an saghas ábhar a bheidh le clúdach faoi na caighdeáin teanga féin, i gcomhréir leis an méid sonrach atá luaite faoi Ailt 19A-D den Acht féin chomh maith le tógáil ar úsáid rathúil an chórais sa Bhreatain Bheag. Agus an Plean Gníomhaíochta seo ceadaithe anois, tá i gceist tús a chur leis an gcomhairliúchán ar na dréacht-chaighdeáin anois go luath trí na meicníochtaí aitheanta faoin Acht.
Ó thaobh méadracht fheidhmíochta, do 2026 agus ar aghaidh, a mheas - beidh tuairisciú bliantúil le déanamh ar an dul chun cinn ar an bPlean Gníomhaíochta trí thuarascáil bhliantúil an Choiste Chomhairligh um Sheirbhísí Gaeilge - a d'ullmhaigh an Plean Gníomhaíochta ar ndóigh - mar aon le mo thuarascáil bhliantúil féin ar fheidhmiú an Achta. Faoin Acht, tá an dá thuarascáil seo, mar aon le Tráchtaireacht an Choimisinéara Teanga ar thuarascáil bhliantúil an Choiste Chomhairligh, le cur faoi bhráid an Rialtais sula leagtar faoi bhráid Thithe an Oireachtais iad.
Tá dualgas ar chomhlachtaí poiblí faoin Acht anois chomh maith achoimre maidir le feidhmiú an Achta a áireamh ina gcuid tuarascálacha bliantúla féin.
Anuas air sin, tugtar léargas i tuarascálacha bliantúla an Choimisinéara Teanga ar an saghas teagmháil a bhíonn ag an bpobal leis an oifig sin ó thaobh caighdeáin na seirbhísí atá á bhfáil acu, chomh maith leis an teagmháil a bhíonn ag an oifig sin le comhlachtaí poiblí ó thaobh cúrsaí comhlíontachta agus comhairle lorgtha. Déantar na tuarascálacha seo a chur faoi bhráid an Rialtais sula leagtar faoi bhráid Thithe an Oireachtais iad chomh maith.
Dá réir, tá mé muiníneach go gcuirfidh na meicníochtaí tuairiscithe seo leibhéal leordhóthanach trédhearcachta ar fáil maidir le cur i bhfeidhm an Phlean Gníomhaíochta agus gnéithe eile den Acht agus go gcoinneofar an Rialtas agus an pobal araon ar an eolas gach bliain faoin dul chun cinn ina leith sin.
46. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht the criteria for a community horse project to be included in Pobal funding; the programmes that Pobal can offer for a community horse project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8685/26]
View answerPobal works on behalf of Government, and in conjunction with communities and local agencies, to support social inclusion and local and community development. Pobal provide administrative support to my department for a wide array of programmes and schemes, including the LEADER programme, the Social Inclusion & Community Activation Programme (SICAP), the Scheme to Support National Organisations (SSNO) and so on.
Pobal also provide support to my Department for the Community Services Programme (CSP). I was delighted to secure increased funding for this important programme in 2026. The CSP funds a small number of horse related projects via a contribution towards their staffing costs. These organisations, along with over 400 other CSP supported organisations, are required to meet the programme criteria (available on the Pobal website) for CSP rather than any specific community horse project related criteria. While the CSP is currently closed for applications, it is intended to launch an open call for new applicants in the coming months. I would encourage any interested parties to check my Department and Pobal’s respective websites for details once the open call is launched.
Separate to the CSP, my department also currently provides funding of €147,840 to Dublin City Council for the Cherry Orchard Equine Centre, with which the Deputy may be familiar. This funding is paid under the Targeted Social Inclusion Measure in our Dormant Accounts Funding.
This funding is specifically targeted at social inclusion and ensures increased engagement with young travellers, marginalised youths and disadvantaged youths in the Ballyfermot/Cherry Orchard area. The centre provides a variety of supports, including youth services, engagement with Youth Diversion Projects and Crisis Intervention programmes, delivery of accredited and non-accredited equine training and supports to individuals progressing towards employment.
I would strongly encourage any community organisations or individuals seeking information on supports to make contact with their relevant Local Development Company, Local Community Development Committee, Public Participation Network and other local stakeholders, who will be best placed to advise of available and upcoming funding opportunities.
47. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht the steps his Department is taking to support the development of community spaces in Cork north central; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8278/26]
View answerMy department provides a range of schemes which support the development of community spaces nationwide, including in Cork North Central.
The Community Centre Investment Fund was introduced to provide high quality, accessible, community spaces that are available to all groups in 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. County Cork has been allocated over €10.7 million for 189 projects under the fund. For example, Rylane was allocated over €1.8 million under the 2023 new build measure and Firmount Community Centre received almost €137,000 for upgrade and refurbishment works.
The LEADER programme provides support to rural communities and has for many years supported community facilities, with funding available under themes such as rural infrastructure and social inclusion. County Cork has an allocation of almost €16.8 million under the 2023-2027 LEADER programme to cover a range of projects in the county. In Cork North Central, for example, Whitechurch & Waterloo Community Association were approved for LEADER funding of over €50,000 for the development of an outdoor multisports area.
The Town and Village Renewal Scheme (TVRS) supports the revitalisation of rural towns and villages across Ireland by providing funding to initiatives designed to rejuvenate town centres, including projects to develop multipurpose community spaces. Since the launch of the scheme, over €210 million has been allocated to more than 1,900 projects across Ireland. Successful projects under the 2025 TVRS were announced on 22 December last year and this included 8 projects valued at almost €1.4 million in County Cork.
The Rural Regeneration and Development Fund (RRDF) seeks to support large-scale, ambitious projects that can achieve sustainable economic and social development in rural areas and can provide funding towards projects that support the provision of community facilities. To date, the RRDF has allocated over €613 million for 273 projects across Ireland. Over €2.1 million has been provided to four Category 2 projects across County Cork, including one project in Cork North Central, and over €24.7 million to six larger Category 1 projects based across County Cork, all of which include community facilities. I have signalled my intention to launch an RRDF Category 1 RRDF Call for Proposals for large projects in the near future.
The Local Enhancement Programme is targeted towards supporting communities that are impacted by disadvantage, as identified in the Local Economic and Community Plan 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.
The Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme provides funding for new outdoor recreational infrastructure and for the necessary repair, enhancement or promotion of existing outdoor recreation infrastructure in countryside areas across Ireland.
Further details in respect of the schemes above can be found on my Department's website.
48. Deputy Albert Dolan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht when the next round of the community centres investment fund and community and halls investments scheme will be launched; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8342/26]
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. Through the CCIF, 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.
I am committed to delivering further iterations of the CCIF in the coming years in line with the commitment in the Programme for Government for this to become a permanent rolling fund. My officials are currently finalising the details of the next call for applications under the fund, which will focus on refurbishment to existing community centres.
I expect to open this new round of funding to applicants in the coming months with a view to announcing successful projects before the end of the year.
50. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht if he is satisfied that public signage is adequately translated and displayed in the Irish language; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8199/26]
View answerRegulations, setting our requirements around Irish language and bilingual public signage, were brought into effect through the Official Languages Act 2003 (Section 9) Regulations 2008.
Compliance with those Regulations is a matter for each public body prescribed under the Act, with monitoring of that compliance a matter for Oifig an Choimisinéara Teanga. An Coimisinéir Teanga's annual report, which is laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas each year, sets out any areas of note regarding compliance under the Act.
Having recently published the Action Plan for Irish Language Public Services, I look forward to also reporting on progress made under that Plan and the Act in general in my own annual report, which is also laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas.
The publication of this Plan, coupled with the increase I secured under Budget 2026 for the Irish language and the Gaeltacht, will now accelerate the move towards a bilingual public service, and indeed bilingual society, in line with Programme for Government commitments.
