Written Answers Nos. 32-51
32. Deputy Brian Brennan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht when he plans to launch the next round of town and village renewal scheme funding; if projects that were unsuccessful in previous rounds will be considered; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22996/26]
View answer59. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht when applications for the next round of the town and village renewal scheme will open for applications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21757/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 32 and 59 together.
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. Since the launch of TVRS in 2016 over €210 million has been allocated to over 1,900 projects across Ireland.
TVRS focuses on stimulating town centre economic and social regeneration to be achieved through projects which support sustainable employment creation, town centre resilience and regeneration, enhancement of our streetscapes, and the bringing of vacant and derelict buildings or lands back into use as multi-use community spaces.
The 2025 TVRS Scheme had three funding streams for project applications, the Building or Land Acquisition Measure, the Main Scheme and the Project Development Measure. In December last, I announced the most recent round of TVRS funding and confirmed the allocation of €26.2 million to 116 projects under the Main Scheme and the Project Development Measure. In August of 2025, I confirmed funding of €6.73 for the local authority acquisition of property under the TVRS ‘Building and Land Acquisition Measure’.
TVRS 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. It is important to note that TVRS is always oversubscribed with respect to the available budget. Funding is allocated based on project suitability against the scheme criteria, geographical spread, the quality of the proposed projects and the available budget.
Projects that did not secure funding in previous rounds of TVRS are eligible to reapply provided they meet the current scheme criteria.
The details of the next iteration of TVRS are currently being developed and I expect to announce details of the scheme later this year.
33. Deputy Catherine Callaghan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht if there are plans to increase the overall allocation of funding for CLÁR programmes, in line with the expansion of the areas eligible for CLÁR funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23087/26]
View answerThe CLÁR programme provides funding under a number of different measures for small-scale infrastructural projects in designated rural areas. On the 10th of March I was delighted to launch the 2026 CLÁR programme. Funding will be provided for community facilities and amenities, community vehicles and specific support for island communities.
This year, following a review of CLÁR areas, I have designated an additional 110 electoral divisions (EDs) as eligible for CLÁR bringing the population covered by CLÁR to over one million for the first time. This expansion includes four additional EDs in Carlow and six additional EDs in Kilkenny,
As part of the estimates process, I secured an additional €1 million for CLAR in 2026 to increase the overall annual allocation from €11 million to €12 million. I look forward to approving the successful projects in both new and old CLÁR areas before the end of the year,
34. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht the position regarding the establishment of a national umbrella organisation for women’s sheds, similar to what is in existence for men’s sheds; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22370/26]
View answer60. Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht the position regarding the development of a national organisation for Women's Sheds; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22796/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 34 and 60 together.
The emergence of Women’s Sheds has been a very positive development for communities across Ireland. They provide a safe, comfortable and inclusive environment where women of all ages can share skills and work on meaningful projects and connect with their communities.
I am committed to providing any support I can for the development of a national governing body for Women’s Sheds to ensure that individual Women’s Sheds can benefit from having a strong national representative body to advocate on their behalf. I am pleased that my colleague, Minister Jennifer Murnane O'Connor, shares my view.
Both my Department and the Department of Health have jointly funded the provision of a facilitator to assist the representatives of the Women’s Sheds in their discussions around the formation of a national body. The facilitator is also providing advice to the representatives from the Women’s Sheds in the context of appropriate governance structures.
My officials along with their counterparts in the Department of Health hold regular update meetings and good progress is being made, supported by the facilitator.
A final report is expected from the facilitator in the next number of weeks, and this report will help to determine the next steps. My Department will review its recommendations and will continue to engage with the Women's Sheds representatives to determine the most appropriate supports for its implementation.
I was delighted to see the official launch of the Women's Sheds of Ireland (WSOI) earlier this month on International Women's Day. My colleague Minister Murnane O Connor attended a hugely successful launch event held in Tullamore, with over 400 women in attendance. I look forward to engaging with the Women’s Sheds of Ireland in the future.
35. Deputy Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht his engagement with the Department of Children, Disability and Equality to ensure sustainable provision of Irish-medium early years services. [22529/26]
View answerEarly childhood is a critical period for language acquisition, and Early Learning and Care (ELC) and School-Age Childcare (SAC) settings offer a unique and powerful opportunity to introduce and nurture Irish in an immersive, supportive, and engaging environment. My Department has engaged extensively with the Department of Children, Disability and Equality on the development of its national plan and associated action plan to support Irish language provision in ELC and SAC.
Drawing on consultation with key stakeholders, sectoral expertise, and existing good practice, the national plan will outline a phased and sustainable approach to developing capacity, building educator and practitioner competence and confidence, enhancing resources, and supporting families and communities in fostering Irish language use. Targeted and practical steps will be set out to strengthen Irish language provision across the ELC and SAC sectors, ensuring that children of all backgrounds can experience and develop a positive relationship with the language from an early age.
My Department, the Department of Children, Disability and Equality and the Department of Education and Youth will work together with ELC and SAC settings, relevant stakeholders, educators and practitioners, and support organisations to progress the actions arising out of the high-level objectives to be contained in the national plan. Through coordinated actions and ongoing monitoring, the implementation of this Plan will contribute meaningfully to national efforts to support Irish and ensure that the language is a living, everyday part of children’s lives from their earliest years.
This work aligns with national policy frameworks including First 5: A Whole-of-Government Strategy for Babies, Young Children and their Families (2019–2028) and with the 20-Year Strategy for the Irish Language 2010–2030, and supports the goals of increasing access to high-quality Irish-medium and Irish language-supported services.
36. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht the Gaeltacht for an update on the Údarás na Gaeltachta (Amendment) Bill 2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22992/26]
View answerThe Údarás na Gaeltachta (Amendment) Bill, 2024, completed Committee Stage in Dáil Éireann last year and has been included in the Government's Legislative Programme to be taken at Report Stage during the current term.
Arrangements are now being made to convene Report Stage at the earliest opportunity.
37. Deputy Rory Hearne asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht his plans to ensure the accessibility of the Irish language and Irish classes, particularly for those who want to learn but may not have the means for a private course; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23007/26]
View answerMy Department supports the Irish summer colleges sector to foster language acquisition and enrichment opportunities for learners of the language from the ages of 10 years and over in the Gaeltacht outside of the formal education system.
In this context, my Department provides a subsidy under Scéim na bhFoghlaimeoirí Gaeilge / the Irish Language Learners Scheme (SFG) payable to qualified Gaeltacht households providing accommodation for those attending an Irish course in any one of the c. 40 Irish-language colleges operating under the scheme.
The subsidy, currently valued at €14.50 per night, benefits over 29,000 learners annually by subsidising the cost of accommodation while staying in any of the over 500 Gaeltacht households approved under the scheme and represents a State investment of over €7m annually in support of the Irish summer colleges sector.
Evidence indicates an upward trend in the number of learners attending Gaeltacht summer colleges. Departmental figures show that over 29,000 learners participated in courses in 2025, representing an increase on the figure for 2024 and also on the pre-pandemic figure of 2019 which both stood at around 27,000.
My Department also funds a number of other initiatives under Scéim na bhFoghlaimeoirí Gaeilge including the DEIS Gaeltachta scholarship scheme. This initiative commenced in 2019 and provides scholarships to students attending DEIS second-level schools to attend recognised Irish summer colleges. It is administered by the Galway Roscommon Education and Training Board (GRETB) on behalf of my Department. In 2025, I increased the total annual funding available for the scheme from €400,000 to €900,000.
With this significant rise in funding, over 900 scholarships will now be offered annually. It should be noted also that, in the period since the scheme was established, the Department of Education and Youth has increased the number of post-primary schools with designated DEIS status to over 230, thus ensuring that the DEIS Gaeltachta scheme is more broadly accessible than ever before.
Each scholarship is currently worth c.€950 each or 85% of the course fee, whichever is lesser, for a three-week course and €820 or 85% of the course fee, whichever is lesser, for a two-week course. GRETB has indicated to my officials that both demand and uptake of scholarships remains high annually and that the number of DEIS schools participating in the scheme has increased in recent years from 36% in 2023/24 to 63% in 2024/25.
I might also mention the ERASMUS Gaeltachta fund, worth €250,000, which facilitates opportunities for up to 175 third-level students to spend three months immersed in the Gaeltacht. Under ERASMUS Gaeltachta, a subsidy worth €23.50 per night towards accommodation costs is provided to enable third-level institutions to offer a semester in the Gaeltacht to their students. Similar to the other aforementioned measures, this subsidy is payable to hosts providing accommodation under the terms of Scéim na bhFoghlaimeoirí Gaeilge.
In the interest of completeness, it should be noted that, in addition to the aforementioned grant schemes funded by my Department, it is understood that a number of other public and private organisations administer Irish college scholarship schemes and Irish language courses. As my Department does not have oversight of these schemes, I am not in a position to provide details of same.
I am satisfied that these measures provide significant, broadly accessible, language-learning opportunities for learners of the language across the country at different ages and stages of education and align with the key principles of social inclusion, while generating substantial down-stream economic benefits for Gaeltacht regions.
38. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht whether he will provide supports for suburban Dublin villages that currently do not meet the criteria for urban and town regeneration schemes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22378/26]
View answerMy Department is responsible for a range of initiatives which address deprivation and regenerate communities in both rural and urban areas. The current Programme for Government commits to the establishment of a new communities initiative, similar in style to the previous RAPID (Revitalising Areas by Planning, Investment and Development) programme, where all state agencies work together to implement community development and town-centre rejuvenation. Capital funding of €5 million was announced in Budget 2026 for the introduction of the new programme.
My Department is currently examining the potential formulation of this programme. Considerations that will inform the development of the new programme will include, but are not limited to, the changed demographic and socio-economic landscape since the previous programme, potential geographical areas to be considered for targeted support and the levels of funding already available through other schemes in my Department.
The original RAPID programme was established in 2001. It was an area-based approach to disadvantage, representing a focused initiative by Government to target the most concentrated areas of disadvantage in the country. It was delivered in a number of suburban Dublin areas and such areas are under consideration for the new programme as well as similar areas in other cities and towns. It is expected that the new programme will launch in the coming weeks.
39. Deputy Grace Boland asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht if his Department has undertaken any assessment of whether rapidly growing communities within the administrative area of Fingal County Council, including Skerries, Rush, Lusk and Balbriggan, are receiving equitable access to rural development funding schemes compared with towns of similar population size in other counties; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21733/26]
View answerMy department has a number of schemes under the Rural Development Investment Programme (RDIP), including for example the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund (RRDF), the LEADER Programme, the Community Centre Investment Fund (CCIF) and the Town and Village Renewal Scheme (TVRS).
It should be noted that the 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 that can make a lasting impact on 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 geographic spread, but will also consider factors such as alignment with Our Rural Future, Town Centre First plans, other Department priorities, available funding, the range, mix, quality and impact of proposed projects, past project delivery performance of local authorities and previous funding provided.
The LEADER programme supports the development of Ireland’s rural areas and covers all parts of Ireland with the exception of the five main cities of Dublin, Cork, Limerick, Waterford and Galway. In rural areas of Dublin, which includes the four areas referenced by the Deputy, a total budget of €4.7 million is available to the LEADER Local Action Group for the period from 2023 to 2027. This was allocated to the area using a national methodology which takes population density as well as deprivation levels into account.
The Community Centre Investment Fund (CCIF) was introduced to provide high quality, accessible, community spaces that are available to all groups in all communities in both rural and urban areas. Some €111 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. Almost €1.4 million has been allocated to 34 projects in the Dublin Fingal region in the same period. I have today announced a new round of funding under the CCIF, to focus on refurbishment works.
The Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS) provides funding for the development and enhancement of outdoor recreational infrastructure such as walking trails, cycleways, water-based recreation sites and mountain trails. Since 2020, funding of over €420,000 has been approved for 11 projects in the Dublin Fingal region.
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.
Since the launch of TVRS in 2016 over €210 million has been allocated to over 1,900 projects across Ireland. Previous iterations of TVRS have funded projects in Fingal, including a Streetscape Enhancement Measure in Rush, the acquisition of a former parochial house, parochial hall and coach house in St Margaret's to develop into a multi-purpose community space and the refurbishment of Rush Community Centre. 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 details of the scheme later this year.
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.
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.
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.
40. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht if he will provide a specific progress report on the 20% recruitment target for Irish-competent staff in public bodies as outlined in the Action Plan for Irish Language Public Services 2026-2028; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16843/26]
View answerAs the first senior minister in recent times with responsibility for the Irish language and the Gaeltacht, it was a great honour for me to publish in January the first Action Plan for Irish Language Public Services, for the period 2026-2028.
This Action Plan seeks to adopt a holistic, measurable and practical approach to the implementation of the National Plan for Irish Language Public Services 2024-2030 – in particular the ambitious recruitment target as referred to by the Deputy. It builds on the clear interest shown through the research for the National Plan among staff of public bodies to improve their Irish-language competency, as well as their positive attitude towards the language in general. This research also demonstrated that there were many Irish speakers in the system already who perhaps were not recorded as so yet.
In this context, as a key mechanism for public bodies to ensure that they have a sufficient number of staff with Irish-language competency to provide high quality bilingual services, this Action Plan proposes a number of measures relating to the 20% recruitment target – with a full chapter dedicated to the subject. Highlights for 2026 include:
• proactive recruitment of individuals with Irish-language competency and reporting by public bodies in regard to same;
• proactive support for those wishing to improve their Irish language skills, through training courses, and networking and coaching opportunities;
• various awareness raising measures including 'Fís' - a new conference for young people organised through Conradh na Gaeilge - the first of which took place in the National Convention Centre on 12 March during Seachtain na Gaeilge. Over 5,000 young people from across the country attended this landmark event, the largest ever youth event held through Irish. The conference brought together post-primary and third-level students, young professionals, creators, businesses and Irish language organisations to highlight and showcase our bilingual future in education, careers and community;
• the launch of a national awareness campaign later this year;
• the development of apprenticeship, internship and other programmes;
• increasing the language capacity of the IPA, publicjobs and the HSE; and
• establishing with the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, a sectoral working group for tertiary education.
I have emphasised to Government colleagues the role we all play in achieving these ambitious objectives and look forward to reporting on the progress in achieving those targets during 2026 in both my Department's Annual Report and my annual report to Government on the implementation of the Official Languages Acts, both of which will be laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas in due course.
As referenced above, the Action Plan also sets out reporting requirements for public bodies around the recruitment target for inclusion in their own annual reports, in line with Section 4B(b) of the Official Languages Act, as amended.
41. Deputy Mark Wall asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht the number of cases before the Charity Appeals Tribunal in the past four years; the number of successful and unsuccessful appeals; the funding provided since 2016, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23042/26]
View answerThe Charity Appeals Tribunal was established under Section 75 of the Charities Act 2009. The tribunal is a statutory body established with effect from 1 August 2016. The function of the tribunal is to hear and adjudicate on appeals against certain decisions of the Charities Regulator, under Section 45 of the Charities Act 2009. The tribunal is independent in the performance of its statutory duties. My Department provides secretariat support to the Charity Appeals Tribunal.
The following table summarises the appeals cases dealt with by the Charity Appeals Tribunal for the past four years:
|
Year |
Number of Appeals Accepted |
Decision Upheld |
Decision Overturned |
Withdrawn |
Final Hearing Pending |
|
2023 |
4 |
2 |
1 |
1 |
|
|
2024 |
5 |
3 |
1 |
- |
1 |
|
2025 |
3 |
1 |
- |
- |
2 |
|
2026 |
0 |
- |
- |
- |
- |
|
Total |
12 |
6 |
2 |
1 |
3 |
The following table outlines the expenditure incurred by the Charity Appeals Tribunal for the period 2016 to present:
|
Year |
Funding Total |
|
2016 |
€0.00 |
|
2017 |
€0.00 |
|
2018 |
€0.00 |
|
2019 |
€1,159.91 |
|
2020 |
€0.00 |
|
2021 |
€0.00 |
|
2022 |
€165.00 |
|
2023 |
€3,083.45 |
|
2024 |
€36,766.82 |
|
2025 |
€13,292.45 |
|
2026 |
€0.00 |
42. Deputy Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht his plans to increase youth participation in the language planning process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22528/26]
View answerThe Gaeltacht Act 2012 provides the statutory framework for undertaking the language planning process on a coordinated basis. The public, the voluntary sector, the public sector and the private sector work together to support the Irish language in the various geographical areas as recognised under the Act. The language is supported as the community and family language of the Gaeltacht and of other areas outside of the Gaeltacht through the preparation and implementation of language plans at community level. The purpose of the language plans is the strengthening of language usage in the context of family, community, education, social, business and public affairs.
In conjunction with the Language Planning Process, my Department provides funding to a number of Irish Language organisations. These are Tuismitheoirí na Gaeltachta, Comhar Naíonraí na Gaeltachta, Muintearas Teo. and Ealaín na Gaeltachta. Language Planning Officers employed in the prescribed Gaeltacht Language Planning Areas, Gaeltacht Services Towns and Irish Language Networks work in conjunction with these organisations to further implement and develop the approved language plans and the organisations funded work programmes.
A subsidiary company of Údarás na Gaeltachta with responsibility for youth Development, Muintearas Teo is in receipt of a grant €493,000 in 2026 to enable them to commence the training and recruitment process in preparation for the roll-out of a major plan for the provision of youth services across the Gaeltacht. Subject to funding becoming available, the roll-out of this plan over the coming years will ensure a central role for young people in future leadership roles in the Gaeltacht, thus underpinning the continuation of the inter-generational transfer of the language into the future.
43. Deputy Liam Quaide asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht whether his Department has evaluated the administrative burden placed on voluntary and community groups applying to multiple overlapping funding schemes; and if he will outline any plans to streamline application, reporting and compliance processes. [23003/26]
View answer58. Deputy Liam Quaide asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht the extent to which funding schemes administered by his Department are coordinated under a single strategic framework; the steps being taken to address fragmentation across multiple short-term funding streams; and whether consideration is being given to multi-annual funding models for community development. [23000/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 43 and 58 together.
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. 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.
Last year, my Department’s new Statement of Strategy for the period 2025-2028 was published. Contained within this is a framework for the ambitious programme of work to be undertaken within this timeframe which will in turn support the implementation of the priorities set out in the Programme for Government 2025 – Securing Ireland’s Future.
Its accompanying mission statement is to ‘Support the development of sustainable, inclusive and resilient communities throughout Ireland, including in rural, island and Gaeltacht areas, embracing their unique cultural, linguistic and environmental features.” At the core of that mission are four important strategic goals, including the goal to support inclusive, engaged and resilient communities, empowered to contribute meaningfully and participate fully in society, underpinned by a thriving community and voluntary sector.
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 such as the Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme (SICAP), the Community Services Programme (CSP) and the Support Scheme for National Organisations (SSNO), all provide support on a multi-annual basis.
The new Social Inclusion & Community Activation Programme (SICAP) began on 1 January 2024 and will run until the end of 2028. €74 million is being allocated to the Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme (SICAP) and other social inclusion supports in 2026.
The Community Services Programme (CSP) currently supports 445 services nationally via 426 community organisations through a social enterprise model focusing on urban and rural communities where public and private sector services are lacking, either through geographical or social isolation or because of demand deficits. The total funding for current year is €59.4m and is delivered through multi-annual funding contracts with the supported organisations.
The Scheme to Support National Organisation (SSNO) currently provides multi-annual funding towards core costs of national, community and voluntary organisations delivering services and supports. The current SSNO commenced in July 2022 and will conclude at the end of June 2026. Under this iteration, approximately €28 million will be provided to 82 national, community and voluntary organisations. A new three-year period of funding will commence later this year.
Separately, my Department oversees the LEADER Programme which also operates on a multi-annual basis and allows for local action groups (LAGs), which incorporates not for profit organisations, to claim a maximum of 25% of their expenditure towards their running and operational costs. A total of €180m is available for the programming period from 2023-2027.
The PEACEPLUS programme 2021-2027 is a €1.14 billion cross-border funding programme and is a partnership between the EU, the Irish Government, the United Kingdom, and the Northern Ireland Executive. The contribution required from this Department is €96 million. The PEACEPLUS allocation in 2026 is €11.13 million.
Additionally, my Department supports a broad range of targeted programmes and initiatives under its Rural Development Investment Programme so that it can continue to respond to the differing needs of rural communities.
Each of these funding schemes and arrangements have distinct and specific objectives, eligibility criteria and conditions regarding outputs, reporting, EU legislative requirements and audit. Many of these requirements are consistent across schemes and also enable the department to meet its obligations under public spending rules. My Department is aware of the challenges facing the community and voluntary sector in meeting the compliance and reporting requirements of our funding schemes, as recognised in the previous strategy for the sector. This will continue to be addressed under the successor strategy to be approved by Government later this year.
44. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht his plans to support housing for families in Gaeltacht areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22989/26]
View answerIt should be noted by the Deputy that housing policy is a matter for the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage .
That said, the provision of housing for those living and working in Gaeltacht areas is an extremely important issue as it is essential to developing the language, services, employment, entrepreneurship and other opportunities in the Gaeltacht. Minister Browne and I have been working closely on this with officials since my appointment as Minister.
The recently published Government Housing Plan contains a commitment by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage to publish a National Planning Statement for the Gaeltacht in the first half of 2027, while also stating that the feasibility of Údarás na Gaeltachta working with Uisce Éireann and local authorities to support housing construction for Irish speaking communities will be examined.
I have recently facilitated a meeting between Údarás na Gaeltachta and Uisce Éireann with a view to ensuring that progress is made on this matter without delay.
It is worth noting, however, that Údarás na Gaeltachta has a secondary role in this space as the primary responsibility lies with the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage and the local authorities.
On a related matter, I met with the LGMA and relevant local authorities on Thursday 19th February to discuss the matter of Gaeltacht housing. At that meeting I recommended that relevant local authorities integrate the specific needs of the Gaeltacht into County Development Plans, and consult with Údarás na Gaeltachta to ensure that any housing policy to be implemented is appropriate to address the housing shortage in the Gaeltacht.
45. Deputy Naoise Ó Muirí asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht the steps his Department is taking to ensure cost is not a barrier for students wishing to attend summer Gaeltacht courses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22949/26]
View answerMy Department supports the Irish summer colleges sector to foster language acquisition and enrichment opportunities for learners of the language in the Gaeltacht outside of the formal education system. In this context, my Department provides a subsidy under Scéim na bhFoghlaimeoirí Gaeilge / the Irish Language Learners Scheme (SFG) payable to qualifying Gaeltacht households providing accommodation for those attending an Irish course in any one of the c. 40 Irish-language colleges operating under the scheme.
I announced an increase to the daily subsidy payable to recognised households in July 2025 (backdated to May 31st 2025). This subsidy is currently worth €14.50 per student per day for recognised households and €10.50 for recognised hostels/residential colleges. The increase follows the nearly 30% increase to the subsidy rate payable to households and a 90% increase to residential colleges and hostels/boarding school style accommodation providers since 2022.
The subsidy benefits over 29,000 learners annually, while staying in any of the over 500 Gaeltacht households approved under the scheme and represents a State investment of over €7m annually in support of the Irish summer colleges sector.
Evidence indicates an upward trend in the number of learners attending Gaeltacht summer colleges. Departmental figures show that over 29,000 learners participated in courses in 2025, representing an increase on the figure for 2024 and also on the pre-pandemic figure of 2019 which both stood at around 27,000.
My Department also funds a number of other initiatives under Scéim na bhFoghlaimeoirí Gaeilge including the DEIS Gaeltachta scholarship scheme. This initiative commenced in 2019 and provides scholarships to students attending DEIS second-level schools to attend recognised Irish summer colleges. It is administered by the Galway Roscommon Education and Training Board (GRETB) on behalf of my Department. In 2025, I increased the total annual funding available for the scheme from €400,000 to €900,000. With this significant rise in funding, over 900 scholarships will now be offered annually. It should be noted also that, in the period since the scheme was established, the Department of Education and Youth has increased the number of post-primary schools with designated DEIS status to over 230, thus ensuring that the DEIS Gaeltachta scheme is more broadly accessible than ever before.
Each scholarship is worth c.€950 each or 85% of the course fee, whichever is lesser, for a three-week course and €820 or 85% of the course fee, whichever is lesser, for a two-week course. GRETB has indicated to my officials that both demand and uptake of scholarships remains high annually and that the number of DEIS schools participating in the scheme has increased in recent years from 36% in 2023/24 to 63% in 2024/25.
I might also mention the ERASMUS Gaeltachta fund, worth €250,000 which facilitates opportunities for up to 175 third-level students to spend three months immersed in the Gaeltacht. Under ERASMUS Gaeltachta, a subsidy worth €23.50 per night towards accommodation costs is provided to enable third-level institutions to offer a semester in the Gaeltacht to their students. Similar to the other aforementioned measures, this subsidy is payable to hosts providing accommodation under the terms of Scéim na bhFoghlaimeoirí Gaeilge.
In the interest of completeness, it should be noted that, in addition to the aforementioned grant schemes funded by my Department, it is understood that a number of other public and private organisations administer Irish college scholarship schemes. As my Department does not have oversight of these schemes, I am not in a position to provide details of same.
I am satisfied that these measures provide significant, broadly accessible, language-learning opportunities for learners of the language across the country at different ages and stages of education and align with the key principles of social inclusion, while generating substantial down-stream economic benefits for Gaeltacht regions.
46. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Barry Heneghan den Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht maidir leis an bplean gníomhaíochta do sheirbhísí poiblí Gaeilge a d’fhoilsigh sé le déanaí, an bhfuil costáil déanta ar fheidhmiú an phlean gníomhaíochta agus, má tá, an féidir leis an figiúr a thabhairt dúinn; an dtabharfaidh sé gealltanas go lorgóidh sé méadú suntasach sa chéad cháinaisnéis eile le híoc as an bplean seo ina iomláine agus, ag an am céanna, an lorgóidh sé maoiniú suntasach sa bhreis chun na moltaí sa tuairisc ó Barr Feabhais faoin bpleanáil teanga a foilsíodh le déanaí a fheidhmiú, ar nós an moladh tuarastal ar leibhéal príomhoifigigh feidhmiúcháin san earnáil phoiblí a chur ar fail do na hoifigigh phleanála teanga agus an moladh go mbeadh breis baill foirne pleanála teanga i ngach limistéar pleanála teanga [22799/26]
View answerTá na costais seo a leanas measta ag mo Roinn chun an Plean Gníomhaíochta um Sheirbhísí Poiblí Gaeilge 2026-2028 a chur i bhfeidhm: €6m in 2026, €7.5m in 2027 agus €7.8 in 2028.
San áireamh anseo, tá meastachán de €1 milliún in aghaidh na bliana do chúrsaí oiliúna Gaeilge a scaipfear trasna an os cionn 400 comhlacht poiblí atá ag feidhmiú sa Stát. Áirítear leis seo freisin bearta eile de chuid mo Roinne a bhfuil airgead ceadaithe ina leith cheana féin nó airgead curtha ar leataobh ag mo Roinn chun iad a mhaoiniú. Ina measc tá ciste nuálaíochta atá le bunú faoin bPlean Gníomhaíochta chun tacú le comhlachtaí poiblí bearta nuálacha a chur i gcrích i dtaca le cur i bhfeidhm an Achta.
Mar a bhaineann sé leis na bearta atá aitheanta le mo Roinn nó le gníomhaireachtaí faoina cúram; i bhfianaise an t-ardú suntasach a bhfuair mé don Ghaeilge agus don Ghaeltacht i gcáinaisnéis 2026, meastar go mbeifear in ann iad seo a chlúdach as leithdháileadh reatha mo Roinne agus go gcuirfear leo bliain ar bhliain de réir mar a chuirtear cistí eile ar fáil.
Mar an chéad aire sinsearach don Gaeilge agus don Ghaeltacht le blianta fada, leanfaidh mé ar ndóigh de bheith ag iarraidh cur leis an leithdháileadh don chlár tríd an gCáinaisnéis gach bliain. Mar sin féin, beidh maoiniú ghealltanais na gcomhlachtaí poiblí eile atá rannpháirteach faoi réir phróisis bhliantúil na meastachán poiblí agus léireofar é sna leithdháiltí foilsithe san Imleabhar Meastachán Athbhreithnithe gach bliain.
Maidir leis an méid faoi chúrsaí pleanála teanga, is é seo a leanas an scála pá reatha atá i bhfeidhm mar a bhaineann sé le hOifigigh Pleanála Teanga: €36,450, €39,000, €41,550, €44,100, €46,650, €49,200, €51,750. Go hiondúil, bíonn solúbthacht ag an gceanneagraíocht, i gcomhar le hÚdarás na Gaeltachta nó le Foras na Gaeilge de réir mar a bhaineann, Oifigeach Pleanála Teanga a fhostú ag tosú amach ag aon cheann de na pointí idir 1 agus 4 ar an scála thuas i mbliain 1 d’fheidhmiú an phlean, ag brath ar cháilíochtaí, thaithí, agus thosca ábhartha eile.
Ceadaíodh tacaíocht bhreise don 4 Limistéar Pleanála Teanga a raibh Oifigeach Cúnta Pleanála Teanga ceadaithe dóibh i 2023 - Gaoth Dobhair, Rann na Feirste, Anagaire & Loch an Iúir; Cois Fharraige; Conamara Láir & Ciarraí Thiar. Aontaíodh ag an am sin go go mbeadh cead ag na limistéir sin Oifigeach Pleanála Teanga a fhostú seachas Oifigeach Cúnta Pleanála Teanga, de réir mar a oireann. Mar thoradh ar an gcinneadh sin, tá siad in ann beirt Oifigeach Pleanála Teanga a fhostú ina gcuid limistéir pleanála teanga in áit Oifigeach Pleanála Teanga amháin agus Oifigeach Cúnta Pleanála Teanga amháin, mar a bhí roimh 2023.
Tá acmhainní breise curtha ar fáil do na heagraíochtaí a thacaíonn leis an bpróiséas ina iomláine, lena n-airítear acmhainní don phróiseas agus freisin do na heagraíochtaí sin (Tuismitheoirí na Gaeltachta, Ealaín na Gaeltachta Teo, Comhar Naíonraí na Gaeltachta Teo agus Muintearas Teo san áireamh) a chuireann seirbhísí riachtanacha ar fáil atá mar bhunchloch ag feidhmiú éifeachtach an phróisis. Cuirfear tuilleadh acmhainní isteach sna seirbhísí lárnacha seo sna blianta amach romhainn, ag tosú le hallúntas breise d’os cionn €0.5m atá ceadaithe do Mhuintearas Teo le tus a chur le soláthar seirbhísí óige sa Ghaeltacht i 2026.
Déanfar cur i bhfeidhm na moltaí atá san áireamh i dTuairisc Bharr Feadhais Teo a bhreithniú i gcomhthéacs na n-allúntas a bheidh ar fáil don phróiseas pleanála teanga sna blianta amach romhainn chomh maith.
47. Deputy Naoise Ó Cearúil asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht whether his Department intends to implement the rural-typology framework recommended in the OECD’s Rural Policy Review of Ireland 2026; whether this new classification system will reform the existing categories currently used across national rural programmes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22975/26]
View answerAs part of the process to develop the new Our Rural Future policy, my department commissioned the OECD to undertake an independent review of rural policy in Ireland. This will ensure that the new policy is informed by objective, independent analysis and international best practice.
The OECD published its Review on 17 February 2026. It highlights the 'unique whole-of-government approach' taken under the first Our Rural Future policy, which has increased visibility of the impact of cross-Government policies and programmes in rural areas. It also recognises the significant status given to rural policy through the establishment of the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht in 2017.
In setting out its recommendations, the OECD points to the benefits of improved use of 'rural intelligence'. This refers to wider and more effective use of data and evidence to better inform, evaluate and analyse policies and programmes that impact rural areas.
A key tool recognised by the OECD to support this is the Central Statistics Office's Six-Way Urban-Rural Classification, which is a set of typologies already in place and in use in Ireland. The classification captures variation within urban and rural areas and allows for a more nuanced understanding of rurality.
The OECD highlighted that, as the CSO classification is tailored to Ireland’s settlement patterns, it provides a more detailed and policy-relevant basis for understanding rurality than more general international frameworks. Using this approach, socio-economic data can be disaggregated by degree of rurality, supporting the development of more flexible and targeted interventions based on identified need.
The OECD Review highlighted the potential for broader integration of the CSO classification across policy. My Department is already working with the CSO in this regard and a key focus of the new Our Rural Future policy will be to strengthen the application of the classification and to develop our ‘rural intelligence’ capacity, supporting a more evidence-focused and placed-based approach to rural development.
48. Deputy Mark Wall asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht the actions his Department has taken to date to reduce the need for community groups to register as a charity for the purpose of applying for grants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23041/26]
View answerMy Department delivers a wide variety of funding schemes that provide supports for community groups, regional bodies and national organisations across the country. These schemes include the Local Enhancement Programme, the Community Centre Investment Fund, the Senior Alerts Scheme, supports for Tidy Towns groups, Agricultural Shows, the Community Services Programme, the Scheme to Support National Organisations and the Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme.
Depending on the qualification criteria for each scheme, applicants may be required to be registered charities to apply for funding. Further information on the qualification criteria for all of my Department’s schemes and funding programmes can be found at gov.ie.
The Charities Act 2009, as amended, sets out the conditions that are required for organisations operating in the state to apply to the Charities Regulator for registration. It is a matter for each organisation to decide whether it meets the requirements of the Charities Act 2009 to apply for registration as a charity.
The Charities Regulator is the independent statutory body responsible for regulating charities in Ireland. Its work includes registering charities, maintaining a Register of Charities, ensuring compliance with charity law and trustee duties in relation to the control and management of registered charities and carrying out investigations into the affairs of registered charities. The Regulator also supports best practice in the governance, management and administration of these organisations.
The proportionate regulation of charities is vitally important to ensure that Ireland has a vibrant, trusted charity sector that is valued for the public benefit that it provides.
49. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Mairéad Farrell den Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht nuashonrú a thabhairt ar an obair atá ar siúl ag Údarás na Gaeltachta agus Roinn na Gaeltachta chun tacú le forbairt tithíochta sa Ghaeltacht; nuashonrú a thabhairt ar chruinnithe a bhí ag an Aire leis an Aire tithíochta maidir le foilsiú treoirlínte pleanála tuaithe agus Gaeltachta; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [23100/26]
View answerBa chóir a thabhairt faoi deara go mbaineann ceisteanna tithíochta leis an Roinn Tithíochta, Rialtais Áitiúil agus Oidhreachta. Sa chomhthéacs sin, tá obair idir lámha ag an Roinn Tithíochta, Rialtais Áitiúil agus Oidhreachta ar bhonn leanúnach chun tacú le soláthar tithíochta ar fud na tíre, an Ghaeltacht san áireamh. Da bharr an tsuim phearsanta atá agamsa sna hiarrachtaí réiteach a aimsiú ar cheist na tithíochta sa Ghaeltacht, tá roinnt cruinnithe tar éis a bheith agam leis an Aire Browne ar an ábhar ó ceapadh mé mar Aire Forbartha Tuaithe agus Pobail agus Gaeltachta.
Tá a bhfuil geallta i bPlean Tithíochta an Rialtais don Ghaeltacht soiléir. Anuas ar na scéimeanna tacaíochta náisiúnta a bheidh ar fáil don phobal i gcoitinne, tá sé geallta go bhfoilseofar Ráiteas Náisiúnta Pleanála don Ghaeltacht sa chéad leath de 2027 agus go n-oibreoidh Údarás na Gaeltachta le hUisce Éireann agus údaráis áitiúla chun na féidearthachtaí a bhaineann le suíomhanna seirbhísithe a bheadh feiliúnach do thithíocht a fhiosrú.
Tá punann suntasach maoine faoi úinéireacht an Údaráis ar fud na Gaeltachta agus tá bonneagar fuíolluisce ag láithreáin éagsúla mar chuid de sin. Mar atá leagtha amach i bplean tithíochta an Rialtais ‘Tithe a Sheachadadh, Pobail a Thógáil 2025-2030: Plean Gníomhaíochta don Soláthar Tithíochta agus chun Dul i nGleic leis an Easpa Dídíne', tá deiseanna ann do Údarás na Gaeltachta comhoibriú le húdaráis ábhartha chun leas a bhaint as an mbonneagar atá ann cheana trí chur chuige straitéiseach, plean-bhunaithe, chun riachtanais tithíochta i bpobail Ghaeltachta a chomhlíonadh.
Tá obair thábhachtach ar bun ag Údarás na Gaeltachta chun fostaíocht a chur ar fáil do phobail na nGaeltachta agus ní bheadh sé cuí béim agus fócas na heagraíochta a chomhlíonadh an róil sin a laghdú ná a athrú. Dá bhrí sin, beidh ról tánaisteach ag an Údarás maidir le tacú le soláthar tithíochta sa nGaeltacht, i dteannta ról na Roinne Tithíochta, Rialtais Áitiúil agus Oidhreachta agus na n-údarás áitiúil.
50. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh den Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht an bhfuil sé fós den tuairim nach dteastaíonn cúrsaí ollscoile breise trí Ghaeilge chun an sprioc 20% earcaíochta a bhaint amach don státseirbhís, i gcomhthéacs an méid atá ráite ag an gCoimisinéir Teanga; an bhfuil sé ar an eolas faoi thoil na n-institiúidí tríú leibhéal cúrsaí breise a sholáthar trí Ghaeilge má tá maoiniú ar fáil; an bhfuil sé i gceist aige maoiniú na Roinne i dtreo ardoideachas trí Ghaeilge a ardú nó straitéis a ullmhú i gcomhar leis an Roinn Breisoideachais, Ardoideachais, Taighde, Nuálaíochta agus Eolaíochta; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [22303/26]
View answerAithním an luach a bhaineann le cúrsaí iomlán trí mheán na Gaeilge ag leibhéal 7 agus 8 i réimse leathan clár léinn a chur ar fáil do phobal labhartha na Gaeilge. Chuige sin, tá réimse cúrsaí trí Ghaeilge á maoiniú ag mo Roinn in institiúidí tríú leibhéil éagsúla faoinár dTionscnamh Ardscileanna Gaeilge le roinnt mhaith blianta anuas.
Tá taithí ag mo Roinn ar an gcineál oibre seo cheana féin mar ba í a bhí lárnach sa phróiseas rathúil a chuir deireadh leis an maolú ar úsáid na Gaeilge san aontas Eorpach ag deireadh 2021 tar éis dul tríd tréimhse pleanála agus earcaíochta dúshlánach. Is é taithí na Roinne ó bheith ag riar an Tionscnaimh, áfach, nach roghnaíonn ach líon beag mac léinn na cúrsaí seo gach bliain. Léiríonn sé seo do mo Roinn nach iad cúrsaí lán-Ghaeilge i réimse leathan clár léinn an uirlis is éifeachtaí chun sprioc earcaíochta an Achta a bhaint amach sa ghearr-théarma mar go n-éilíonn an cuspóir seo soláthar ar scála.
Is í príomhthosaíocht mo Roinne sa tréimhse amach romhainn, mar sin, a chinntiú go mbeidh deis ag cainteoirí agus foghlaimeoirí Gaeilge teagmháil a choinneáil léi agus iad ag dul tríd an gcóras oideachais tríú leibhéal. Chuige sin, leagann an Plean Gníomhaíochta um Sheirbhísí Poiblí Gaeilge 2026-2028 béim ar uasoiliúint agus ar inniúlacht sa Ghaeilge a choinneáil i gcomhthéacs an sprioc earcaíochta 20% a bhaint amach.
Chuige sin, tá grúpa oibre earnála le bunú agus le tionól go luath faoin bPlean Gníomhaíochta chun breithniú a dhéanamh ar an gcaoi ar féidir leis an earnáil oideachais threasaigh tacú le spriocanna na hearnála poiblí a bhaint amach mar atá leagtha amach sa Phlean Náisiúnta um Sheirbhísí Poiblí Gaeilge 2024-2030 agus san Acht. Féachfaidh an grúpa seo leis na tosaíochtaí ó thaobh an t-éileamh ar scileanna ar leith sa réimse seo a leagan amach agus freagairt dóibh dá réir, ag cur cúinsí réigiúnacha agus deiseanna teicneolaíochta san áireamh.
Beidh mo Roinn agus an Roinn Breisoideachais agus Ardoideachais, Taighde, Nuálaíochta agus Eolaíochta i gcomhchathaoirleacht ar an ngrúpa oibre earnála seo ag leibhéal Príomhoifigigh. Tá an leibhéal dea-thola agus dearfachta i leith na hoibre seo ó fógraíodh í an-spreagúil agus léiríonn sé an tacaíocht atá á feiceáil agam i leith fhorbairt na teanga ar fud na seirbhíse poiblí agus san oideachas go háirithe. Beidh ionadaíocht leathan i gceist leis an ngrúpa oibre seo, ach go háirithe ionadaíocht láidir ón earnáil oideachais threasaigh, lena n-áirítear ionadaíocht institiúideach.
Díreofar tríd an bPlean Gníomhaíochta freisin ar fhorbairt modúl agus micrea-dhintiúr trí Ghaeilge, a d'fhéadfaí a dhéanamh in éineacht le cúrsaí eile. Déanfar iniúchadh ar na deiseanna atá ann chun tabhairt faoi chúrsaí Gaeilge taobh le clár eile freisin – agus é seo á thairiscint i roinnt ollscoil cheana féin.
Is fiú a lua go bhfuil éileamh as cuimsithe tagtha ar chúrsaí Gaeilge don státseirbhís tríd an Fhorais Riaracháin le roinnt blianta anuas chomh maith – ó 163 in earrach 2022 go gar go 600 anois in earrach 2026. Beifear ag plé go dlúth leis an bhForas Riaracháin faoin bPlean Gníomhaíochta as seo go ceann píosa mar sin chun tógáil ar an dea-obair seo.
Táthar sna céimeanna deireanacha den phróiseas bainteach le hathbhreithniú neamhspleách atá déanta ar Thionscnamh Ardscileanna na Gaeilge mo Roinne chomh maith. Is cinnte go ndéanfar breithniú ar thorthaí an athbhreithnithe sin agus na céad céimeanna eile á n-aithint sa spás seo.
Maidir le maoiniú earnáil an oideachais threasaigh go ginearálta chomh maith le straitéis a fhorbairt i leith na hearnála sin, tuigfidh an Teachta gur gnó é sin don Aire Breisoideachais agus Ardoideachais, Taighde, Nuálaíochta agus Eolaíochta. Ach táim muiníneach idir an fhoráil atá déanta den Ghaeilge san Acht an Údaráis um Ard-Oideachas, 2022 agus na struchtúir éagsúla atá á gcur ar bun againn, go mbeifear ag tabhairt airde ar na ceisteanna sonracha bainteach le sprioc earcaíochta 20% na hearnála poiblí a bhaint amach mar chuid den obair seo go léir.
51. Deputy Grace Boland asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht whether any additional funding streams are planned in 2026 to support community facilities, town centre renewal and rural infrastructure in the Dublin Fingal region; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21734/26]
View answerMy department has a number of schemes under the Rural Development Investment Programme (RDIP) to support community facilities, town centre renewal and rural infrastructure which are available to communities in the Fingal region.
The Community Centre Investment Fund (CCIF) was introduced to provide high quality, accessible, community spaces that are available to all groups in all communities in both rural and urban areas. Some €111 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. Almost €1.4 million has been allocated to 34 projects in the Dublin Fingal region in the same period. I have today opened a further round of funding under the CCIF, focusing on refurbishments to existing community centres.
The Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS) provides funding for the development and enhancement of outdoor recreational infrastructure such as walking trails, cycleways, water-based recreation sites and mountain trails. Since 2020, funding of over €420,000 has been approved for 11 projects in the Fingal region. My officials are currently finalising the details of the next call for applications under ORIS and I expect to open this new round of funding to applicants in Q2 of 2026.
The current LEADER programme covers the period from 2023 to 2027. It provides support to rural communities under a broad range of themes, including Rural Infrastructure and Social Inclusion. A total allocation of €4.7 million is available to the LEADER Local Action Group in Dublin for the 2023-27 programming period. The LEADER programme in Dublin covers rural areas of Fingal, South Dublin, and Dun Laoghaire Rathdown.
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. Since the launch of TVRS in 2016 over €210 million has been allocated to over 1,900 projects across Ireland. In December of last year I was delighted to approve funding of over €1m for 5 projects across Fingal including for town centre renewal and public realm works in Ballyboughal and Lusk as well as the for renovation of St Margaret’s community hall. TVRS is administered through local authorities, who work closely with local communities and businesses to develop proposals that can make a lasting impact on rural towns and villages. The details of the next iteration of TVRS are currently being developed and I expect to announce details of the scheme later this year.
Also administered by my department is the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund (RRDF), which is a major programme which seeks to support large-scale, ambitious projects that can achieve sustainable economic and social development in rural area. The focus of the Fund is on rural towns and villages with a population of less than 10,000 people and located outside of the Dublin Metropolitan area. To date, the RRDF has allocated over €614 million for 273 projects across Ireland. I was delighted to recently announce the opening of a Category 1 Call for Proposals. The closing date for applications under the fund in July 28th and full details can be found on my Department’s website.
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.
