James O'Connor
Question:13. Deputy James O'Connor asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht if additional funding will be provided for the local improvement scheme. [22977/26]
View answerRural Schemes
Questions (13)
Written answers
The Local Improvement Scheme (or the LIS) provides for the upgrade of non-public rural roads and laneways that are typically not maintained by local authorities. Since it was re-introduced by my Department in 2017 over €201 million has been allocated to local authorities for LIS.
Last month, I was pleased to launch the 2026 scheme with funding of €17.55 million. This is an increase on the initial base funding allocated in 2025 and is evidence of my commitment to ensuring the scheme remains well funded. Cork County Council received an allocation of almost €1.35 million, including €140,000 in ring fenced funding for LIS island roads.
My officials have engaged with all local authorities, who are in the process of preparing their lists of roads for repair under the scheme. Submissions will be closely monitored to ensure funding is fully utilised and that as many roads as possible are completed under the scheme.
As in previous years, I will monitor departmental spending closely over the coming months and if savings are identified, consider allocating additional funding to schemes such as the Local Improvement Scheme later in the year.
Library Services
Questions (14)
Paula Butterly
Question:14. Deputy Paula Butterly asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht if he will expand the My Open Library Programme; if he will support the development of libraries as inclusive third spaces; if he will provide funding to enhance sensory-friendly facilities in public libraries in Louth; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16278/26]
View answerWritten answers
The provision of library services, including the My Open Library service, is primarily the responsibility of local authorities in their capacity as library authorities under the Local Government Act 2001.
Notwithstanding this, my Department remains fully committed to the continued expansion of the My Open Library (MOL) programme and to supporting the development of public libraries as inclusive third spaces at the heart of our communities.
The MOL service is a key part of the National Public Library Strategy: The Library is the Place 2023-2027, which aims to improve access and inclusion. Since its introduction as a pilot in 2014, over €6 million been invested in the MOL service, which is now available in 58 branches nationwide with further projects nearing completion and expected to open in the coming months.
My department will shortly be issuing a call for small scale investments in public libraries which may include sensory facilities, upgrades in broadband speeds and enhancements in the accessibility of library facilities. All local authorities, including Louth County Council, will be invited to submit costed proposals under this call. I also intend to issue a call for further My Open Library facilities later this year, following the completion of a review by the LGMA of the current My Open Libraries.
My Department is committed to strengthening the role of libraries as third places. This is reflected in the recently issued Standards and Benchmarks for public libraries, which was prepared in conjunction with the LGMA and CCMA, and includes a focus on creating spaces that encourage social engagement, lifelong learning, and a sense of belonging.
Community Welfare Services
Questions (15)
Keira Keogh
Question:15. Deputy Keira Keogh asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht the supports available to community organisations in rural areas working to promote equality and inclusion; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13285/26]
View answerWritten answers
The Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme (SICAP), is the Government’s main social inclusion programme. It is delivered nationwide in both urban and rural areas by Local Development Companies.
The aim of the programme is to reduce poverty and promote social inclusion and equality in Ireland through supporting communities and individuals using targeted, practical interventions. It also builds local capacity by supporting community groups and networks to strengthen participation and address social exclusion at local level.
In Budget 2026, I increased funding for SICAP by €1.5 million, bringing total investment to over €50 million this year. This ensures the continued delivery of vital, frontline supports.
Separately, the Community Development Pilot Programme, launched in 2021, aims to trial community led interventions that address poverty, social exclusion and inequality and promote human rights. In 2026, €150,000 has been allocated to each of the 10 projects across the country.
My department’s Community Services Programme (CSP) currently supports 445 community-based services via 426 organisations, to provide local social, economic and environmental services through a social enterprise model, with a record budget of €59.4m in 2026. The projects are primarily located in disadvantaged urban and rural areas and provide supports to disadvantaged communities
My Department also funds the Seniors Alert Scheme. This funding is available to registered community based organisations towards the purchase of a personal alarm or pendant that enables older people to live independently. Since 2015, almost 160,000 people have been supported, including over 17,000 in 2025.
In addition, the Scheme to Support National Organisations provides multi-annual funding to organisations tackling poverty, social exclusion and inequality. Since 2022, €24 million has been allocated to 82 organisations.
I have also provided funding over the last number of years to Men's and Women's sheds throughout the country. These sheds provide a safe, comfortable, and inclusive environment where men and women of all ages can share skills, connect with one another and with their communities. They also help to tackle social isolation, provide a space to socialise, and build friendships.
I would encourage any community organisation or individual seeking support to engage with their Local Development Company, who are best placed to advise on available supports and upcoming opportunities.
Departmental Funding
Questions (16)
Liam Quaide
Question:16. Deputy Liam Quaide asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht the proportion of funding allocated by his Department that is provided on a multi-annual basis as opposed to once-off or competitive grant schemes; and if he will outline any plans to move towards longer-term, sustainable funding structures for community organisations. [23001/26]
View answerWritten answers
The community and voluntary sector is quite diverse and receives financial support from a wide range of government departments and agencies, including from my department.
The Government’s strategy to support the community and voluntary sector, Sustainable, Inclusive and Empowered Communities, published in 2019, set out a long-term vision for our communities in Ireland and provided a strategic framework across Government for engagement with the sector and support through a wide range of programmes and initiatives. It included a commitment to promote multi-annual funding for community and voluntary organisations. My department is currently developing a successor strategy that will build upon the achievements, structures and programmes established under the previous strategy whilst also responding to new challenges and contexts.
Across the community development area of my department, funding of €260 million is being provided in 2026. Consistent with the commitment in the strategy for the community and voluntary sector, the most significant funding programmes provide support on a multi-annual basis, including the Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme (SICAP), the Community Services Programme (CSP) and the Support Scheme for National Organisations (SSNO).
€74 million is being allocated to the Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme (SICAP) and other social inclusion supports in 2026. This includes €12 million for community integration work, helping to support new arrivals.
The Community Services Programme currently supports 426 community-based organisations, with a budget of €59.4m allocated for 2025, to provide local services through a social enterprise model.
The Scheme to Support National Organisation (SSNO) currently provides multi-annual funding towards the core costs of 82 national, community and voluntary organisations. A new iteration of the Scheme will commence this year.
My department will continue to work with relevant stakeholders, including community and voluntary sector representative organisations and local development companies, to provide sustained financial support to community organisations across the country.
Rural Schemes
Questions (17)
Peter Roche
Question:17. Deputy Peter Roche asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht the per capita LEADER funding allocation for east Galway, noting that the per-head funding is lower than that of neighbouring regions; whether his Department has considered increasing the overall LEADER budget, including minimum allocations for local action groups; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22931/26]
View answerWritten answers
The LEADER programme is a core component of my department's Rural Development Investment Programme, and has been operating successfully in Ireland for 35 years. As the Deputy will be aware, the current programme runs from 2023 to 2027, and has a total allocation of €180 million.
Within this overall budgetary allocation, Galway has an allocation of €9 million, almost €5.5 million of which is allocated to Galway East. In keeping with the multi-annual nature of the LEADER programme, this allocation was made at the start of the programming period to enable Local Action Groups to effectively manage funding and projects over multiple years.
The model used to allocate funds to LEADER areas was not based on per capita funding. Rather, the approach taken was that each LEADER area was initially given the same base line allocation of €3 million. The remaining funding was then allocated based on population density and Pobal's Deprivation Index.
This approach ensured that a fair, robust and transparent allocation process was in place. It also ensured that the allocation took account of the nature of the LEADER programme itself by allocating funding by reference to issues such as social deprivation which are at the core of what LEADER seeks to address.
Under the current programme, my focus is on ensuring that the available budget delivers high quality projects to rural communities across the country, and I have no plans to increase the €180 million funding available for the current programming period.
I am also committed to ensuring that a well funded LEADER programmes remains at the core of the Common Agricultural Policy in the new programming period from 2028 onwards. I continue to advocate strongly at national and EU level for a well funded LEADER programme which will build on the 35 years of success which has been delivered to date.
Library Projects
Questions (18)
Pádraig O'Sullivan
Question:18. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht if he will provide an update on a library project (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17472/26]
View answerWritten answers
The provision of library services is primarily a matter for local authorities, in their capacity as library authorities, under the Local Government Act 2001. Accordingly, the funding and delivery of the library project referred to is primarily a matter for the relevant local authority, in this case Cork City Council.
I am informed by Cork City Council that the library project at Mayfield is categorised as a priority project in the Council’s Development Plan 2022-2028. I am further advised that the Part 8 planning application, as per the requirements of the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended), was approved by Councillors in October 2024, allowing the proposal to be progressed through the standard planning approval process.
My department’s Libraries Capital Programme 2023 – 2027 is now fully committed and will invest €22.6m in 11 state-of-the-art infrastructure projects and €2.6m in 12 next generation mobile library vehicles. Cork City Council’s application under the Libraries Capital Programme 2023 -2027 in respect of Mayfield Library was unsuccessful. One of the key factors in the failure of this project to secure funding was the lack of progress regarding planning approval at the time.
However, I wish to advise the House that my department will commence planning for the next iteration of the Libraries Capital Programme and a successor strategy to our current National Library Strategy later this year. With Part 8 approval secured for Mayfield library, the project is now positioned to provide a modern multi-use facility. This places the Mayfield development in a strong position to compete for future funding opportunities as they arise.
Departmental Policies
Questions (19)
Peter Roche
Question:19. Deputy Peter Roche asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht whether consideration has been given to introducing dedicated community support officers at local level to assist community groups with accessing funding streams, including grant applications and associated administrative requirements, particularly in areas where groups may have limited capacity; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22930/26]
View answerWritten answers
My Department’s mission is to promote rural and community development and support vibrant, inclusive and sustainable communities throughout Ireland.
A number of programmes provide funding for staff resources to engage with and support communities, including building capacity to access government funding schemes.
SICAP is the State’s primary social inclusion programme. It provides supports to disadvantaged communities and individuals to improve their life chances.
SICAP (Goal 1) supports collective community engagement, providing direct supports to Local Community Groups (LCGs) and Networks. This includes developing their capacity to better engage with other groups, improve outcomes in their communities, and address social exclusion issues. In 2025, SICAP supported over 2,500 LCGs and Networks.
Additionally, the Empowering Communities Programme (ECP) enhances access to key services and supports communities to respond to area-based poverty and social exclusion. Community workers act as a local resource, including supporting groups with activities such as funding applications and administrative requirements.
Separately, the department’s LEADER programme is a community-led approach to local development that is delivered in rural areas across the country by a network of Local Action Groups, or LAGs. The funding provided by my department supports eligible projects relating to community groups and rural businesses, and also contributes to LAG administration costs to support work such as engaging with prospective applicants regarding their application.
I can assure the Deputy that work remains ongoing in my Department to look at the best ways to ensure that disadvantaged communities are provided with the support they need to underpin their sustainable development.
Community Welfare Services
Questions (20)
James O'Connor
Question:20. Deputy James O'Connor asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht the grants and funding streams that are available for community centres from his Department. [22976/26]
View answerWritten answers
My Department supports community centres and community infrastructure generally through a range of funding streams such as the CLÁR programme, LEADER and the Town and Village Renewal Scheme.
On the 10th of March last, I opened the new CLÁR programme for 2026 with an increased budget of €12 million and an increase in the number of areas eligible to apply to the scheme. For the first time ever, CLÁR will be available to a population of over 1 million people.
I am also prioritising the Community Centre Investment Fund – or CCIF – which is designed specifically to invest in community centres. So far, my Department has allocated over €111 million to community centres since the scheme was introduced just 4 years ago.
This fund is delivering energy efficiency upgrades, essential maintenance and improved accessibility. It is investing in the modernisation of these facilities, the repurposing of existing spaces and, in some cases, the extension of these centres. The CCIF is resulting in more comfortable, functional and accessible community centres. That is why over 90% of grant recipients are reporting increased usage of their centres.
I want to build on the success of this scheme and, this morning, I was delighted to launch the latest round of funding under CCIF. The fund will be delivered across 2 categories with maximum funding levels of €25,000 and €100,000 respectively. The scheme will open to online applications on 29th May and I will announce the successful projects before the end of the year.
Full details of the new CCIF and support events for applicants, together with information on all of the other schemes I referred to, are available on my Department’s website.
Question No. 21 answered orally.
Departmental Strategies
Questions (22)
Roderic O'Gorman
Question:22. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht the Gaeltacht for an update on the outcome of the public consultation of “Our Rural Future”, including a draft timeline for when this will be delivered; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22991/26]
View answerWritten answers
Since it was first launched in 2021, Our Rural Future has delivered vital investment and supports, strengthened local economies, and improved the quality of life for people across rural Ireland.
The Programme for Government includes a commitment to publish and implement a new Our Rural Future, and this process is at an advanced stage of development.
An extensive process of consultation has taken place, to gather 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 workshops held across the country.
The Rural Youth Assembly has been directly 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 throughout the process.
Most recently, an open public consultation took place at the end of last year, based on a policy paper setting out the main themes and proposed points of emphasis for the new policy. This paper was well received by respondents, who provided valuable additional insight into the issues facing rural Ireland and how these might be addressed in the new Our Rural Future.
Informed by these engagements, my officials have been working intensively in recent weeks with departments across government on the new policy, with a particular focus on the development of meaningful and ambitious actions to underpin delivery.
I am confident that the new Our Rural Future will demonstrate this Government's continued support for rural Ireland and I look forward to publishing the new policy.
Rural Schemes
Questions (23)
Cathal Crowe
Question:23. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht if he will provide an overview of how the CLÁR scheme has benefitted County Clare in recent years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22542/26]
View answerWritten answers
As the Deputy will be aware the CLÁR programme provides funding under a number of different measures for small-scale infrastructural projects in designated rural areas.
Last year I approved over €14 million for 238 projects under the programme, with funding being provided for community facilities and amenities, community vehicles and specific support for our island communities. This included nine projects in Clare that collectively received almost €600,000 in funding.
Since 2020, 73 projects in County Clare have been approved funding of almost €3.5 million. The full list of projects approved each year in County Clare is available on my department’s website. It includes a range of community infrastructure projects such as playgrounds and sensory spaces, sport facility enhancements, multi-use games areas and walking trails. Funding has also been provided for community vehicles.
These projects are no doubt enhancing the lives of people in rural Clare by assisting in improving wellbeing, facilitating social interaction and enhancing recreational opportunities.
The Deputy may also be aware that I have completed a review of the eligible CLÁR areas and that an additional 110 electoral divisions have now been designated as CLÁR areas. This includes the electoral divisions of Corofin, Kilkishen and Sixmilebridge in Clare which will, for the first time, be eligible to apply for CLÁR funding. CLÁR now covers 85% of the area of County Clare and almost 48% of the population located there.
The 2026 CLÁR programme with a record budget of €12 million is now open for applications. I look forward to approving the successful applications by year end which will no doubt include many more projects for County Clare.
Gaeltacht Policy
Questions (24)
Thomas Gould
Question:24. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht for an update on the Cork city Gaeltacht satellite town proposal. [22435/26]
View answerWritten answers
The Minister of State for the Gaeltacht at the time made a notice under Section 9(2)(a) of the Gaeltacht Act in 2017 to begin the process of preparing a language plan for Cork City. This would allow Cork city to achieve the status of a Gaeltacht Service Town under the language planning process.
Cork City has always had a vibrant Irish speaking community with strong links to the Gaeltacht areas of the county, and of County Kerry. In this regard, the City has been shortlisted, together with 15 other towns as urban centres which may be accorded Gaeltacht Service Town status, subject to language plans being developed in accordance with the provisions of the Act.
The organisation, Gael-Taca was appointed as the lead organisation to prepare the language plan for the city in April 2018. Funding of €20,000 was approved for the organisation to assist in preparing the plan.
To date, a language plan of an acceptable standard has not been produced in respect of Cork City. Accordingly, my Department is currently considering the next steps in relation to progressing the language planning process in the city. It is my understanding that a proposed course of action is being prepared for my consideration and I expect that a decision will be made regarding how the process can proceed in the city in the near future.
Notwithstanding the difficulties encountered in agreeing a language plan for Cork City, my Department agreed in 2025 to extend the provisions of its Language Assistants Scheme to all Irish-medium schools within the city - a decision which was welcomed by all stakeholders.
Pleanáil Teanga
Questions (25)
Naoise Ó Cearúil
Question:25. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Naoise Ó Cearúil den Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht cén creat monatóireachta a úsáidfear chun tionchar an chiste chaipitil cúig bliana a fógraíodh le déanaí ar éifeacht oifigigh phleanála teanga a mheas; an bhfoilseoidh a Roinn táscairí feidhmíochta bliantúla chun dul chun cinn tomhaiste i dtorthaí pleanála teanga ar fud na gceantar ainmnithe go léir a léiriú; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [22974/26]
View answerWritten answers
Ar dtús báire ba mhaith liom a shoiléiriú gur pacáiste maoinithe ar luach €235,000 (€155,000 d’Údarás na Gaeltachta agus €80,000 d’Fhoras na Gaeilge) chun trealamh riachtanach oibre a sholáthar do na hOifigigh Pleanála Teanga atá ag feidhmiú sna réigiúin éagsúla a cheadaigh mé ar an 2 Márta 2026.
Laistigh den Ghaeltacht, bainfidh 26 Limistéar Pleanála Teanga (LPT) agus 3 Bhaile Seirbhíse Gaeltachta faoi scáth Údarás na Gaeltachta leas as an gciste seo agus, lasmuigh den Ghaeltacht, beidh an maoiniú ar fáil do 13 Baile Seirbhíse Gaeltachta agus 3 Líonra Gaeilge a thagann faoi scáth Fhoras na Gaeilge.
Tacóidh an maoiniú seo le cur i bhfeidhm an mholadh a déanadh san Athbhreithniú neamhspleách ar an bPróiseas Pleanála Teanga maidir le hacmhainní leordhóthanach a bheith ar fáil do gach LPT chun trealamh riachtanach oibre a cheannach. Aithnítear go mbeidh an ciste seo mar thacaíocht mhór do na hOifigigh Pleanála Teanga agus iad i mbun a gcuid oibre.
De thoradh an chúnaimh phraiticiúil seo, beidh Údarás na Gaeltachta agus Foras na Gaeilge in ann a chinntiú go bhfuil an fearas cuí oifige ar fáil do na hOifigigh Pleanála Teanga atá ag obair sna Limistéir Pleanála Teanga Gaeltachta, sna Bailte Seirbhíse Gaeltachta agus sna Líonraí Gaeilge.
Fad is a bhaineann sé le monatóireacht, aontaíonn na ceanneagraíochtaí Pleanála Teanga agus na hOifigigh Pleanála Teanga cláir oibre bliana, spriocanna agus táscairí feidhmíochta bliantúla le hÚdarás na Gaeltachta agus Foras na Gaeilge ag tús gach bliain agus déantar monatóireacht ar hcur i bhfeidhm na bpleananna teaanga tríd na próisis seo.
Acht na dTeangacha Oifigiúla
Questions (26)
Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Question:26. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh den Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht an dáta faoina mbeidh comhlachtaí poiblí forordaithe de réir fhorálacha Acht na dTeangacha Oifigiúla (Leasú) 2021 ionas go mbeidh dualgais orthu maidir le taifead agus úsáid cheart ainmneacha daoine le síntí fada; an bhfuil dearcadh ag a Roinn maidir le Bille na dTeangacha Oifigiúla (Ceart chun an Ghaeilge a Úsáid) (Leasú), 2026, a tionscnaíodh ag tús mhí an Mhárta. [22302/26]
View answerWritten answers
Lárnach d'iarrachtaí an Rialtais sa bhogadh i dtreo seirbhís phoiblí dhátheangach, tá cur i bhfeidhm iomlán agus rathúil Acht na dTeangacha Oifigiúla, 2003, i gcomhréir le gealltanais i gClár an Rialtais ina leith.
Céim shuntasach chun cinn sa mhéid seo ab ea foilsiú an Phlean Gníomhaíochta um Sheirbhísí Poiblí Gaeilge 2026-2028 in Eanáir 2026, ag eascairt as foilsiú an Phlean Náisiúnta do Sheirbhísí Poiblí Gaeilge 2024-2030 roimhe sin i mí Dheireadh Fómhair 2024.
Leis na pleananna seo agus na caidrimh uile éagsúla a cothaíodh trasna na hearnála poiblí agus iad, á bhforbairt, tá bunshraith láidir leagtha síos anois don obair eile atá le teacht faoin Acht agus mé ag súil le roinnt fógraí móra a dhéanamh ina leith i Ráithe 2 na bliana seo – forordú comhlachtaí poiblí chuig Alt 9A den Acht san áireamh. Cuirfidh an fhoráil seo dualgas ar chomhlachtaí poiblí ainmneacha, seoltaí agus teidil i nGaeilge a úsáid agus a thaifeadadh i gceart, lena n-áirítear úsáid an tsínidh fhada. Áirítear leis an bhforáil seo freisin a chinntiú go bhfuil córais TFC a úsáideann comhlachtaí poiblí in ann glacadh leis an méid sin. B’fhiú a nótáil, sa chás go bhfuil gá córas a chur in oiriúint, beidh tréimhse tugtha do na comhlachtaí poiblí comhlíontacht leis an bhforáil a bhaint amach tar éis dóibh a bheith forordaithe.
Chun tacú tuilleadh leis an obair seo, bunaíodh Grúpa Oibre Teicniúil faoin bPlean Náisiúnta chun maoirseacht a dhéanamh ar chur i bhfeidhm na forála seo, agus ar ghnéithe teicniúla eile den Phlean agus den Acht go ginearálta. Tá ionadaíocht leathan ag an ngrúpa seo ó gach cearn den earnáil phoiblí, idir Ranna Rialtais agus comhlachtaí poiblí níos leithne, agus díríonn na baill ar sheirbhísí lárnacha agus ar an leibhéal idirghníomhaíochta leis an bpobal. Feidhmeoidh an Grúpa seo mar cheannródaithe ó thaobh neadú na riachtanais teicniúla Ghaeilge isteach i bhforbairtí teicneolaíochta éagsúla laistigh dá n-eagraíochtaí féin chomh maith le dea-chleachtas a roinnt i measc ionadaithe eile an ghrúpa oibre agus go deimhin leis an tseirbhís phoiblí níos leithne.
Maidir le Bille na dTeangacha Oifigiúla (Ceart chun an Gaeilge a Úsáid) (Leasú), 2026, feictear go mbeidh aird á tabhairt ar roinnt de na nithe sonraithe ann trí na caighdeáin teanga. Tá súil agam fógra a dhéanamh go luath anois go bhfuil tús curtha leis an gcomhairliúchán ar na dréacht-chaighdeáin teanga tríd an gCoiste Comhairleach um Sheirbhísí Gaeilge mar chéad chéim. I gcomhréir le hAlt 19A(6), déanfar comhairliúchán leis na Ranna Rialtais ábhartha i ndiaidh sin agus beidh muid ag obair i dtreo tús a chur leis an gcomhairliúchán poiblí agus leis na comhlachtaí poiblí níos leithne ansin níos deireanaí i 2026.
Cuirfidh na caighdeáin teanga creat struchtúrtha agus cur chuige comhsheasmhach ar fáil maidir le soláthair seirbhísí Gaeilge sna comhlachtaí poiblí uile atá clúdaithe faoin Acht.
Community Development Projects
Questions (27)
Liam Quaide
Question:27. Deputy Liam Quaide asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht whether his Department has undertaken any comprehensive, national needs assessment of community infrastructure including community centres, youth facilities, sports and recreational spaces; if so, when this was last completed; and if he will publish the findings. [22999/26]
View answerWritten answers
I am acutely aware of the importance of community infrastructure including community centres, youth facilities, sports and recreational spaces in communities across the country.
Responsibility for youth spaces and sport would be a matter for my Government colleagues, Ms. Hildegarde Naughton, TD, Minister for Education & Youth and Mr. Patrick O'Donovan, TD, Minister for Arts, Culture, Communications, Media and Sport respectively.
My department has a suite of funding opportunities to support communities in becoming more resilient and to assist them with the development and maintenance of key community facilities and infrastructure.
The development of outdoor recreation infrastructure contributes to opportunities for healthy active lifestyles, while also building on the economic and tourism potential of an area. Since 2020, some €110m has been allocated by my Department to support over 1,350 projects through the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme.
'Embracing Ireland’s Outdoors', the national outdoor recreation strategy, is supporting the development of County Outdoor Recreation Plans and the establishment of County Outdoor Recreation Committees right across the country. These new county structures will ensure an improved approach to planning and development of sustainable and higher quality outdoor recreation spaces, and will be crucial in considering where investment in facilities is most needed within each county.
My department has also been investing heavily in improved community centres and youth facilities through schemes such as the CLÁR programme and the Community Centre Investment Fund (CCIF).
On the 10th of March last, I opened the new CLÁR programme for 2026 with an increased budget of €12 million and an increase in the number of areas eligible to apply to the scheme. The CLÁR programme has facilitated the development of important community and youth facilities including community centres and Multi Use Games Areas.
I am also prioritising the CCIF which is designed specifically to invest in community centres. This scheme was introduced in response to the accepted need to invest in improved facilities. So far, my department has allocated over €111 million to over 1300 different community centres since the scheme was introduced just 4 years ago.
I want to build on the success of this scheme and, this morning, I was delighted to launch the latest round of funding under CCIF which will focus on refurbishment works in community centres across the country.
Full details of all funding programmes administered by my Department, are available on my Department’s website.
Rural Schemes
Questions (28, 31)
Erin McGreehan
Question:28. Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht the amount of funding Louth has received through programmes such as the Community Enhancement Programme, LEADER, or the town and village renewal scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22540/26]
View answerErin McGreehan
Question:31. Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht the way in which his Department is ensuring that smaller communities in Louth, such as Carlingford, Dunleer and Collon are not left behind in strategies and programmes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22539/26]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 28 and 31 together.
My Department is committed to supporting sustainable, inclusive and resilient communities in both urban and rural areas. This is supported through strategic policies such as Our Rural Future, and the related funding programmes that support such policy. Through the programmes operated by my Department, €43 million in funding has been approved for County Louth since 2022. This includes over €6 million to date in 2026.
With regard to the Local Enhancement Programme (LEP), which replaced the Community Enhancement Programme (CEP) in 2024, this provides small scale capital grants for many small community groups and organisations, and helps support thousands of groups nationwide. The most recent announcement of overall funding, in December 2025, provided €239,000 for County Louth. The grants to individual organisations under previous iterations are available on my Departments website at www.gov.ie/en/department-of-rural-and-community-development-and-the-gaeltacht/collections/local-enhancement-programme-2025-funding-allocations/
The LEADER programme, which is co-funded by the EU, delivers tangible benefits to rural communities in areas such as economic development and job creation, rural infrastructure, social inclusion, and environmental sustainability. A total of €4.9 million has been allocated to Louth Local Action Group (LAG) area for the LEADER 2023-2027 Programme. Details of projects approved by the LAG are available here. https://assets.gov.ie/static/documents/09fe3ad4/Louth.pdf
The Town and Village Renewal Scheme (TVRS) was introduced in 2016 and has to date allocated over €210 million to more than 1,900 projects nationally. This scheme primarily targets funding at smaller rural towns and villages with populations of less than 10,000. Most recently, in December 2025, I was pleased to allocate over €1.1 million for the delivery of four projects in County Louth under TVRS, including €300,000 for the construction of a playground in Collon featuring accessible play equipment and safety surfacing. Details of all approved TVRS projects are also available on my Department’s website.
With regarding to ensuring all communities can benefit from funding, the schemes operated by my Department are designed to ensure that projects of all scales, and in communities of all sizes, can obtain funding. We work closely with local authorities to ensure schemes are flexible and that communities are aware of funding options. I would also note that the recent review of CLÁR areas resulted in Castlebellingham ED being added to the list of eligible areas.
Departmental Funding
Questions (29)
Brian Brennan
Question:29. Deputy Brian Brennan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht the measures being taken to evaluate how grant funding from his Department has been dispersed geographically, and to ensure that areas that have historically received lower levels of funding are targeted to ensure access to future rounds; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22995/26]
View answerWritten answers
My Department is committed to ensuring that it allocates funding in a fair and transparent manner, and taking account of particular pressures that may arise at national or local level. For 2026 my Department has an overall allocation of €613 million, with €193 million allocated for rural development, €260 million for Community Development, and €160 million for the Gaeltacht and the Islands.
How funding is allocated by my Department differs based on the objectives of the scheme. In general, factors taken into account include, population levels or densities, measures of socio-economic disadvantage or deprivation, ensuring regional balance, and particular national or local pressures relating to the scheme in question.
Many of the Department’s capital funding schemes are administered in co-operation with the local authorities, and community engagement is a key part of developing project plans. This means that for schemes such as Town and Village Renewal, the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme, and the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund (RRDF), projects are developed with a strong element of community engagement and are then put forward for funding by local authorities. This ensures that local knowledge and strong participatory structures helps to achieve an equitable share of funding.
With regard to current funding, the Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme funding is allocated with a strong emphasis on deprivation metrics within each area. This ensures that those areas with the strongest need receive the most support. My Department also invests in building the capacity of community groups to plan strategically and apply for funding.
In terms of ensuring fair access to funding, my Department recently commenced funding of rural capital delivery teams within local authorities. Part of the work of these teams is to engage and assist communities seeking to develop capital projects. I would also note that under the current RRDF call project proposals based in towns which have not previously been the subject of an RRDF application will receive additional marks under the scoring system. Another examples of fair access to funding is that, following the recent review of CLÁR areas based analysis undertaken for my Department by the All-Island Research Observatory in Maynooth University, 12 Electoral Divisions in Wexford are now eligible for funding for the first time. In Wicklow the number of eligible CLÁR areas has increased from 7 to 9.
My Department will continue to keep its funding under ongoing review to ensure that they remain responsive to emerging needs.
Rural Schemes
Questions (30)
Darren O'Rourke
Question:30. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht his plans to prioritise funding for fast-expanding rural towns where population growth is outpacing community infrastructure (details supplied); the way in which he will ensure these communities can access supports proportional to their needs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21843/26]
View answerWritten answers
My department has a number of schemes under the Rural Development Investment Programme, including the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund (RRDF), the LEADER Programme, the Community Centre Investment Fund (CCIF) and the Town and Village Renewal Scheme (TVRS).
Responsibility for identifying and selecting local priorities and submitting applications in response to departmental ‘Calls for Proposals’ is delegated to our project partners. This includes our local authorities, Local Development Companies and Local Action Groups who each work closely with local communities and businesses to develop proposals to respond to the needs of our rural towns and villages.
In providing for a transparent and equitable treatment of proposals made, the assessment and approval of projects will have regard to a number of factors including demonstrated need, alignment with Our Rural Future, Town Centre First plans, other Department priorities, available funding, geographic spread, the range, mix, quality and impact of proposed projects.
Administered by my department, the RRDF is a major capital investment scheme which supports large-scale, ambitious projects which can achieve sustainable economic and social development in rural areas in line with the Town Centre First Policy. The focus of the RRDF is on our rural towns and villages with a population of less than 10,000 people.To date, the RRDF has allocated over €614 million for 273 projects across Ireland. Each RRDF Call for Proposals has a defined set of objectives and criteria, which are reviewed in advance of each Call, and includes qualifying criteria relating to population, based on 2022 census. There is currently a Category 1 call for applications open, with a closing date of 28 July.
It should be noted that the Towns and Cities Regeneration Investment Fund, formerly known as the Urban Regeneration and Development Fund is administered by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage. This acts as a parallel fund to the RRDF and is established to support the regeneration and rejuvenation of Ireland’s five cities and other large towns with populations of over 9,000. Call for proposals was announced in March under this Fund, with a closing date of 1 May.
The current LEADER programme covers the period from 2023 to 2027. The total amount of funding allocated to LEADER for the 2023-2027 programme is €180 million. When taken together with the €70 million for the Transitional LEADER programme for the years 2021 and 2022, it maintains the level of funding at €250 million for the 7-year period, in line with the previous 2014-2020 LEADER programme. It provides support to rural communities under a broad range of themes, including Rural Infrastructure and Social Inclusion, and has for many years supported community facilities once they are compatible with the Operating Rules and the Local Development Strategy for the relevant LEADER area. To date, Local Action Groups nationwide have approved LEADER grant aid to over 1000 projects, with 387 of these projects, valued at over €20 million, approved under the theme of Rural Infrastructure & Social Inclusion.
The Town and Village Renewal Scheme (TVRS) is one of my department’s schemes to support the revitalisation of rural towns and villages across Ireland. While it primarily targets funding at areas with populations of less than 10,000 people, applications for towns with populations of up to 15,000 people are also accepted where the project is of a high quality, displays good value for money and has the potential to significantly benefit the town. Scheme priorities are reviewed at the end of each scheme year to ensure that funding is targeted effectively to support vibrant and attractive communities and to respond to changing needs and opportunities. The details of the next iteration of TVRS are currently being developed and I expect to announce a Call for Proposals later this year.
In addition, my department is also supporting expanding communities to develop and enhance their community centres through the Community Centre Investment Fund (CCIF), the latest iteration of which was announced today, Thursday 26 March.
I am committed to ensuring that my Department will continue to support high quality and transformational projects across rural Ireland in line with the objectives of Our Rural Future and the Town Centre First policy.
Question No. 31 taken with No. 28