Written Answers Nos. 25-41
25. Deputy Louis O'Hara asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht to provide an update on the progress of the town centre first initiative in Galway East; his plans to support regeneration in towns and villages across County Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52952/26]
View answerThe Town Centre First (or the TCF) Policy, is a major government policy initiative that supports the regeneration of Irish towns to ensure that they are vibrant, viable and attractive places to live, work, visit and invest in.
Significant progress has been made since the launch of the policy.
For example, under TCF funding is provided by my department to local authorities, including Galway County Council, to employ dedicated Town Regeneration Officers. These Officers are a key link between the local authority, towns and villages and their communities. They also work closely across multi-disciplinary regeneration teams in local authorities, such as Capital Delivery Teams, also funded by my department.
Dedicated TCF support funding of over €7m has also been provided by my Department. This has included funding for the development of 52 TCF Town Plans nationally, including in Gort and Athenry. The funding also helped establish Town Teams nationwide, including in Headford, An Cheathrú Rua, and Oranmore. These initiatives aim to support local communities in identifying and addressing the key issues in their own towns and communities.
A range of capital funding streams is available across my department to support delivery on TCF objectives. The Rural Regeneration and Development Fund has allocated over €35 million to 19 projects across County Galway. Similarly, the Town and Village Renewal Scheme has awarded €8.5 million to 81 projects in County Galway.
My department will continue to work closely with colleagues such as local authorities and the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage to deliver on the goal of revitalising our rural towns and villages.
26. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht the position regarding any work ongoing within his Department to support Mná Tí and other accommodation providers to ensure that there is sufficient accommodation available for secondary school students to attend Gaeltacht summer colleges courses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52701/26]
View answerMy Department provides a number of supports to households providing accomodation for summer colleges students.
In order to foster language acquisition and enrichment opportunities in the Gaeltacht for learners beyond the post-primary education system, my Department provides a subsidy under the Irish Language Learners Scheme (Scéim na bhFoghlaimeoirí Gaeilge) which is payable to qualifying Gaeltacht households who provide accommodation for those attending an Irish course in any one of the c. 40 Irish-language colleges operating under the scheme.
I announced in May this year an increase of €1.50 per student per night in the subsidy payable to recognised households providing accommodation for students under this Irish Language Learners Scheme. An additional €1.50 per student per night will also be paid to recognised hostels/residential colleges to provide accommodation under the scheme. Over 530 households from across the Gaeltacht who are registered with my Department under the scheme will benefit from these increases. The subsidy for eligible households, therefore, increased from €14.50 to €16 per night, and from €10.50 to €12 in the case of recognised Gaeltacht hostels/residential colleges under the scheme.
This is the fifth increase in the subsidy payable under the scheme since the beginning of 2022, resulting in a 60% increase paid to households.
The subsidy benefits over 29,000 learners per year and represents an investment by the State of over €8m annually in the Irish summer colleges sector.
Newly-recognised households may also avail of a once-off starter grant from my Department. This grant supports households with the cost of works required to comply with fire safety requirements, including the installation of alarms and fire suppression systems, and with the purchase of beds and mattresses. The grant is worth up to €6,000 or 80% of cost, whichever is less.
To further assist the sector, in late 2025, I made available to established households providing accommodation under the scheme, a short-term Accommodation Upgrade Grant. Under this scheme, a grant of up to €2,000 or 80% of the total cost, whichever is less, was made available to long-standing recognised households to support the cost of purchasing new furniture, including bunk beds, single beds and single mattresses. 255 households availed of the scheme and over €400,000 was paid out to succefull applicants.
The cap of 12 students per household per course was also removed in recent years and increased to a maximum of 16 per household. This increased the capacity for greater numbers of students to attend courses, but also allowed households who are in a position to accommodate a greater number of learners in their homes to generate a greater level of income from the scheme.
It is my intention to continue to support the maintenance and development of this sector where possible over the coming years, as outlined in the current Programme for Government.
27. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh den Aire Forbartha Tuaithe agus Pobail, agus Gaeltachta an bhfuil sé i gceist ag an Rialtas tacú leis an bhfeachtas Athghaelú atá á reáchtáil ag Conradh na Gaeilge trí logainmneacha Gaeilge a úsáid gach uair is féidir, fiú i gcumarsáid trí Bhéarla [53303/26]
View answerTá Conradh na Gaeilge ina eagraíocht neamhspleách le stádas carthanachta agus faigheann sé maoiniú ó fhoinsí éagsúla, lena n-áirítear maoiniú Stáit do ghníomhaíochtaí ainmnithe.
Tá Conradh na Gaeilge aitheanta ag Foras na Gaeilge mar cheanneagraíocht sa mhór-réimse Ardú Feasachta, Cosaint Teanga agus Ionadaíocht.
Cuireann mo Roinn 75% de bhuiséad Fhoras na Gaeilge ar fáil ach is í an Chomhairle Aireachta Thuaidh-Theas (CATT) a cheadaíonn buiséad bliaintiúil an Fhorais.
Faoin gcomhaontú maoinithe atá idir Foras na Gaeilge agus Conradh na Gaeilge, tá feidhmeanna sannaithe don Chonradh lena n-áirítear "imeachtaí feasachta gníomhacha a eagrú le go gcumhachtófar daoine le gníomhú ar son chur chun cinn na Gaeilge." Thiocfadh an feachtas Athghaelú isteach faoin bhfeidhm sin.
Tá maoiniú ar fiú €997,576 údaraithe ag Bord Fhoras na Gaeilge do Chonradh na Gaeilge i mbliana, ardú 15% ar maoiniú 2025.
28. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht to give a detailed progress report in relation the previous call by this Deputy for a taskforce to be set up in south Kerry, to be used for the entire country in relation to depopulation, the amalgamation of clubs (details supplied) immigration and so on; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53138/26]
View answerSince its launch in 2021, Our Rural Future has delivered vital investment and supports, strengthened local economies, and improved quality of life across rural Ireland.
Measures delivered through Our Rural Future which can be seen to support our aim of increasing the population in rural areas include improvements in rural transport, broadband provision, support for rural enterprise, and ongoing support for the agri-food sector.
My own department has seen significant funding increases in recent years across a range of capital investment schemes such as the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund, the Town and Village Renewal Scheme and the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme. This investment is delivering real impacts in rural communities all across the country.
According to the OECD, rural remote regions in Ireland recorded the highest population growth of all OECD countries between 2001 and 2021 and CSO figures show a 6.4% increase in highly rural remote areas between 2016 and 2022. Within this context, I recognise that some rural areas, including in south Kerry, continue to face demographic challenges, and supporting the sustainability of all rural areas remains a key focus for Government.
Development of the new Our Rural Future policy is nearing completion.
My department undertook an extensive programme of consultations to help shape the new policy, and many of the issues relating to attracting and retaining young people and their families in rural areas featured strongly. This consultation process included a dedicated meeting with the GAA at Croke Park, which myself and Minister Buttimer attended, alongside GAA President Jarlath Burns, Director General Tom Ryan and members of the GAA National Demographics Committee, in relation to issues such as those raised by the Deputy.
I was happy to see that the GAA also engaged proactively in the call for written submissions, and all such submissions received are feeding into the development of the new policy.
Rural population trends, in line with many of the issues addressed by Our Rural Future, are an issue that require input from across a range of Government Departments, and thus we will continue our whole-of-Government approach as we implement this next phase of Ireland’s rural development policy.
This new policy will build on the progress already achieved and will set out a renewed vision for the years ahead. It will provide the framework for the Government's ongoing commitment to rural Ireland, supported by clear and practical actions and backed by substantial investment targeted at securing a more sustainable and resilient future for our rural communities.
29. Deputy Mark Wall asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht the current funding allocated by his Department to raise awareness on water safety. [53132/26]
View answer43. Deputy Conor D. McGuinness asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht if he will increase his Department’s funding allocation to Water Safety Ireland to support its critical work in saving lives. [53186/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 29 and 43 together.
Water Safety Ireland (WSI) is the statutory, voluntary body and registered charity established to promote water safety and reduce drownings in Ireland. WSI has statutory responsibility for the promotion of public awareness of water safety; advancement of education related to the prevention of accidents in water; instruction in water safety; and the establishment of national standards for lifeguards.
Funding from my Department to Water Safety Ireland has more than doubled since 2022. I secured a 20% increase in funding for WSI in 2026, rising from €2,492,000 in 2025 to €2,992,000 in 2026.
WSI has used this funding to establish new training and education programmes, to run large-scale and targeted awareness campaigns, and to develop partnerships and expertise. My Department will continue to support WSI as it further develops its education, training and awareness raising activities.
30. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht to provide an update into the community centre investment fund; the status of all approved projects not yet drawn down; whether inflationary top-ups are being considered; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53059/26]
View answerThe 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 €112 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.
Of the 861 refurbishment projects approved under CCIF 2022, 836 are now complete leaving only a small number to submit their final draw downs. Under CCIF 2024, which also focussed on refurbishment of existing facilities, 788 projects were approved for funding. Of these, 439 are now complete. The remaining projects are expected to progress to completion in the months ahead.
For the refurbishment projects, funding approvals are granted in the form of a maximum agreed grant amounts. Any cost overruns beyond the final agreed amount are met by the applicant or through agreed changes to the project that reduce costs to stay within the allocated funding.
I was delighted to launch the latest round of funding under CCIF 2026 on March 26th for enhancement and refurbishment of existing community centres. The fund will be delivered across 2 categories with maximum funding levels of €25,000 and €100,000 respectively. The closing date has now passed and the appraisal process has commenced. I look forward to announcing the successful projects later in the year.
Under the CCIF 2023, 12 new-build projects were approved indicative funding of €30.2 million in April 2024. Nine of these projects are now at construction stage with the remainder at design or tender stage. The projects at construction stage have a confirmed funding requirement of €24.5 million following detailed design and procurement compared to indicative funding of €23.1 million at initial approval stage. Much of this will have been related to the impact of construction inflation.
I am committed to ensuring that the CCIF continues to support the development of high quality community facilities across the country.
31. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Conor D. McGuinness den Aire Forbartha Tuaithe agus Pobail, agus Gaeltachta an dtabharfaidh sé uasdátú maidir leis an maoiniú atá á chur ar fáil chun áiseanna feabhsaithe a chur ar fáil do Naíonra Gharbháin i nDún Garbhán agus do Naíonra Philib Barún i dTrá Mhór. [53183/26]
View answerMar is eol don Teachta, bhí cruinniú agam féin agus ag oifigigh mo Roinne le hionadaithe ó Naíonra Gharbháin i nDún Garbhán agus ó Naíonra Philib Barún i dTrá Mhór i mí Aibreáin 2026.
Ó shin i leith, bhí oifigeach ó mo Roinn ar cuairt ar na Naíonraí chun féidearthachtaí maoinithe faoi na Scéimeanna Tacaíochta Gaeilge (Caipiteal) de chuid mo Roinne a phlé agus chun an próiseas iarratais a mhíniú do na coistí.
Seo thíos an stádas reatha a bhaineann leis an dá chás:
Naíonra Gharbháin i nDún Garbhán – Tá an coiste ag iarraidh cead pleanála a fháil don togra ó Chomhairle Contae Phort Láirge chun tabhairt faoi na hoibreacha cuí. Tá fáilte rompu iarratas a dhéanamh agus iad réidh dó sin agus déanfaidh an Roinn an t-iarratas sin a phróiseáil agus a mheas i gcomhthéacs spriocanna an chiste sa ghnáthbhealach. Tá oifigeach na Roinne i dteagmháil rialta leo.
Naíonra Philib Barún – Tá plé leanúnach ag tarlú idir ionadaí ón choiste agus an Roinn ar mhaithe le doiciméid tairisceana a ullmhú chun comhairleoirí gairmiúla a earcú. Nuair a bheidh an próiseas tairisceana sin curtha i gcrích, beidh an Coiste ábalta iarratas a dhéanamh agus déanfaidh an Roinn an t-iarratas sin a phróiseáil agus a mheas i gcomhthéacs spriocanna an chiste sa ghnáthbhealach.
Dár ndóigh, tá oifigigh mo Roinne ar fáil chun comhairle a thabhairt do na coistí maidir leis an phróiseas iarratais ach teagmháil a dhéanamh leo.
32. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht the plans in place in his Department to improve the funding and resourcing of community centres; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52565/26]
View answerMy department has invested substantial levels of funding in resourcing community centres in recent years and this investment is set to continue.
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 €112 million has been allocated since 2022 for the enhancement and refurbishment of existing community centres and the construction of new centres where such a need has been identified.
I was delighted to launch the latest round of funding under CCIF 2026 on March 26th for enhancement and refurbishment of existing community centres. The fund will be delivered across 2 categories with maximum funding levels of €25,000 and €100,000 respectively. The closing date has now passed, and the appraisal process has commenced. I look forward to announcing the successful projects later in the year. I also expect that the next iteration of funding announced under the Fund will focus on new build projects.
The CLÁR programme also provides funding for community facilities and amenities, including community centres, in designated CLÁR areas. The applications under the 2026 scheme are currently being assessed and I expect to announce the successful projects later in the year.
The current LEADER Programme is operational across the country, with total funding of €180 million for the period from 2023 to 2027. It provides support to rural communities under a broad range of themes. While it does not support the ongoing operational costs related to community centres, it has for many years supported community projects for capital works such as refurbishments and accessibility improvements once they are compatible with LEADER’s Operating Rules and the Local Development Strategy for the area.
My Department's Local Enhancement Programme (LEP) is targeted towards supporting communities that are impacted by disadvantage, as identified in the Local Economic and Community Plan of the relevant local authority. It provides small capital grants to community and voluntary groups for the improvement/refurbishment of their facilities and/or the purchase of equipment. The fund is administered locally on behalf of the Department by Local Community Development Committees (LCDCs) across the country.
The LEP 2026 was announced on December 5th, 2025, and provides €7 million in capital supports to many small community groups and organisations, particularly those who serve disadvantaged communities in rural and urban areas. The successful projects were announced on July 2nd, 2026.
Also administered by my department is the Community Services Programme (CSP). With funding of €59.4m this year, the programme currently supports 434 community-based organisations to provide 453 local social, economic, and environmental services through a social enterprise model. The CSP provides an annual co-funding contribution towards each full-time equivalent position being supported, and, where warranted, towards the cost of employing a manager.
An open call for applications to join the CSP closed for preliminary applications on May 8th, and all applications received are currently going through the various stages of the appraisal process. It is anticipated that organisations will be notified of the outcome of this preliminary application stage in the coming weeks. Subsequently, shortlisted applicants will be invited to submit a full application to Pobal by end August. Feedback will be provided to those organisations that have not been shortlisted.
I would encourage organisations to check my Department’s website for information on funding opportunities and announcements.
33. Deputy Edward Timmins asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht if he monitors the failure of county councils to spend RRDF funding, in particular the case of Baltinglass, County Wicklow; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53314/26]
View answerThe Rural Regeneration and Development Fund (RRDF) is a major capital investment programme which seeks to support large-scale, ambitious projects which can achieve sustainable economic and social development in rural areas.
Funding is allocated to local authorities and other State-funded bodies, who are responsible for delivering projects and managing project spend. As a general rule, the RRDF will provide up to 80% of the total project costs, with at least 20% to be provided in matching contributions by the applicants.
Funding from the RRDF is made over the approved lifetime of the project. This is on the basis of actual expenditure incurred and claimed thereafter by the Lead Body through my Department. Wicklow County Council is the Lead Body for the ‘Making Baltinglass the Hub for South West Wicklow’ project, funded with support of over €2.67 million under the RRDF. I can confirm that the Council has drawn down over €622k of this funding to date, with an additional claim currently being processed.
Local authorities delivering projects approved under the RRDF are in receipt of Exchequer funding. As such, they are subject to the requirements related to public spending code for capital projects which are detailed in the Department of Public Expenditure NDP Delivery and Reform’s ‘Infrastructure Guidelines’.
The lifecycle of large-scale infrastructure projects such as RRDF typically ranges between 3 and 5 years. The Department’s procedures are specifically designed to support local authorities and to accommodate unforeseen changes which can inevitably arise during this construction cycle.
In relation to the Baltinglass project, whilst the Department had previously provided approval to Wicklow County Council to proceed to tender for public realm works, the Council subsequently confirmed an intention to revise design elements of the project. The Council confirmed that this was to address matters raised in a Quality Audit completed in December 2025. The Council has advised that this audit was a Department of Transport requirement for all projects on public roads, pulling together several sub audits such as accessibility, road safety, walkability, cycling, public transport, etc., on the scheme.
The Council also confirmed that it currently in the process of preparing revised construction tender documents to reflect the design changes, and that it expects to go out to the market for tender for works over the coming short number of months.
My department remains in ongoing engagement with local authorities and other delivery partners to provide any assistance it can for capital projects funded by the Department. In addition, my department provides funding to local authorities to employ technical and professional staff on Capital Deliver Teams to support timely and effective delivery.
I am committed to ensuring that the RRDF can 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.
34. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht to provide an update on the progress of the implementation of the revitalised RAPID programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53321/26]
View answerThe Programme for Government commits to the establishment of a new scheme similar in style to the previous RAPID (Revitalising Areas through Planning, Investment and Development) programme, where all state agencies work together to implement community development and town-centre rejuvenation.
I was delighted to launch the successor programme to RAPID last week on the 8th July 2026. The new programme will be known as SÍOL, which translates to ‘Seed’ in English. SÍOL stands for Scéim Infheistíochta ag Obair Le Chéile, and this translates to the ‘Working Together Investment Scheme’. Capital funding of €31.5 million has been secured up to 2030 in the National Development Plan to support the new SÍOL programme.
The programme aims to deliver supports such as community safety projects, public realms works, projects to support health and wellbeing initiatives, and projects that support access to education and training, while targeting the supports to the urban areas with the highest concentration of disadvantage.
The new programme uses an evidence base including the Pobal HP Deprivation Index, information from the CSO report Urban and Rural Life in Ireland and research by the ESRI. In addition, the programme takes into consideration the areas in Ireland covered by the CLÁR programme to ensure geographical complementarity. Priority is given to those small areas with the highest population of extreme disadvantage, and the scheme is designed to provide similar supports to these areas that is given to rural areas through schemes such as CLÁR. 15 areas have been designated as SÍOL areas, and there will be €5 million funding available to these areas in 2026.
A Call for Proposals issued to all local authorities with responsibility for SÍOL areas on 8 July 2026 and the deadline for the submission of applications for funding is 14 August 2026. My Department expects to announce the successful projects in late 2026 and all projects must be completed within 18 months of approval.
35. Deputy Peter Roche asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht if his Department has considered establishing a dedicated community project support officer within each local authority whose role would be to assist voluntary community organisations in identifying suitable funding opportunities, preparing grant applications, managing procurement requirements, completing drawdown documentation and ensuring compliance with Departmental funding conditions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53197/26]
View answerMy department’s mission 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.”
A key part of achieving this mission is ensuring that communities in urban, rural and Gaeltacht/Island areas are supported to access services and supports, including supports to identify and apply for appropriate funding opportunities.
My department currently delivers this support through funding staff to provide tailored supports in local authorities, local development companies and through agencies such as Pobal and Údarás na Gaeltachta. Examples of some of the supports funded by my department, are outlined below.
The Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme (SICAP), is our country’s primary social inclusion intervention programme overseen by my department. The programme supports individuals and community groups who face disadvantage, providing targeted supports in areas such as employment, mental health, education, and community engagement. The programme contracts are awarded to the Local Community Development Committees (LCDCs) in local authorities and the services are provided via staff funded in the 49 Local Development Companies.
LEADER is a multi-annual programme which is delivered in all rural areas through 33 Local Action Groups (LAGs) around the country. The LAGs have dedicated project officers to assist local communities and voluntary organisations in the application process.
In addition, my Department’s Community and Language Support Programme provides ongoing capital and ongoing assistance to support community organisations and committees throughout Gaeltacht areas that work for the Irish language and for the benefit of Gaeltacht communities. A team of Gaeltacht based regional officers are available to assist with all stages of the application process and drawdown of funding requests. My department also provides funding to Local Development Companies on 5 offshore islands in Cork, Galway and Mayo, along with funding for Comhdháil Oileáin na hÉireann, the umbrella organisation that represent the interests of all the inhabited offshore islands.
Town Regeneration Officers, or TROs, funded by my Department, work closely across multi-disciplinary teams in local authorities who are collectively responsible for town regeneration. This includes engagement with business interests and community organisations in developing and delivering regeneration and town renewal projects under my department’s Town and Village Renewal Scheme (TVRS) and the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund (RRDF).
The new €25 million Community Centres Investment Fund will support community groups with the improvement and refurbishment of their community centre facilities. My department hosted a number of online information events and check-in clinics during April to June 2026 to support committees in preparing and submitting an application under this year’s round of funding. These events were held in order to provide guidance and supports in relation to the application process.
The current PEACEPLUS programme 2021 – 2027, co-funded by my department and managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB), provides for pre-development application support workshops for potential applicants and post-approval supports under a number of investment areas.
In relation to the Community Services Programme, organisations deemed a potential fit with the Programme arising from Open Calls are supported by Pobal to assist them in developing a Business Plan to formally apply for the programme.
Finally, my department currently provides €2.9m annually to support the community functions of local authorities, in particular the work of the Local Community Development Committees (LCDCs) through Additional Staff Resource (ASR) payments. Staff in these work areas engage with a diverse range of community, charitable and voluntary groups on a wide variety of funding programmes, that are administered by LCDCs.
It is recommended that community groups are encouraged to engage with their LCDCs, Local Development Companies and Public Participation Networks (PPN), to ensure they are aware of all existing funding opportunities.
My department is committed to keeping under review the administration of all our funding programmes and schemes to ensure they remain fit for purpose and can be accessed by those who need the supports that are available.
36. Deputy Albert Dolan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht the additional measures being considered to support rural towns and villages experiencing population growth but facing deficits in community infrastructure, including community centres, sports facilities and public amenities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53313/26]
View answerMy department provides a range of supports to address the needs of rural towns and villages across Ireland. As part of this approach, my officials work with a number of delivery partners, including local authorities and local development companies, to ensure local challenges and needs are duly considered.
Responsibility for identifying and selecting local priorities and submitting applications in response to departmental calls for proposals is often delegated to our delivery partners including local authorities. In respect of LEADER, the local action group is responsible for selecting and approving projects in its respective area.
This is based on their assessment of local needs taking account of matters such as those raised by the Deputy including population indicators and levels of existing amenities, in addition to the specific scheme criteria. These bodies have on-the-ground knowledge and expertise in relation to the local area and its priorities, ensuring the effective targeting of investment.
An example of the investment by the department is the Town and Village Renewal Scheme. Since 2020 over €210 million has been allocated to towns and villages across the country under this scheme, with €26 million supporting 116 rural projects across Ireland announced under the most recent funding allocations in December 2025.
My Department also funds a wide range of other schemes that have supported thousands of capital projects nationwide in recent years, including LEADER, CLÁR, the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme, the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund, and the Community Centre Investment Fund.
There are more funding opportunities available for rural communities than ever before. I would encourage all rural communities to engage with their local authorities and to access the scheme information available on my department's website to see what funding stream might best suit their needs.
37. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht for an update on the redevelopment plan for a community centre (details supplied). [52755/26]
View answerThe Community Centre Investment Fund (CCIF) was introduced to provide high quality, accessible community spaces that are available to all groups in communities in both rural and urban areas.
Through the CCIF, some €112 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.
The 2023 CCIF was opened specifically for applications from community groups striving to build their own community centre to service local needs. This scheme provided funding of up to €6 million for new community centres on green or brownfield sites. Over €30 million was approved for the construction of 12 new community centres covering nine counties under the fund.
I was delighted to launch the latest round of funding under CCIF 2026 on the 26th March for enhancement and refurbishment of existing community centres. The fund will be delivered across 2 categories with maximum funding levels of €25,000 and €100,000 respectively.
The closing date has now passed, and the appraisal process has commenced. I look forward to announcing the successful projects later in the year.
I understand that the proposal referred to by the Deputy is seeking to develop a new build community centre. I expect to announce a new iteration of CCIF for new build community centres next year and the community may wish to avail of this.
In the meantime, I note that substantial levels of investment in community facilities is also available through schemes such as LEADER, the Town and Village Renewal Scheme and the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund. Details on all these programmes are available on my department's website.
38. Deputy Cathy Bennett asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht if he will provide an update on plans to expand Líonra Gaeilge scheme to new towns. [53299/26]
View answerIrish Language Networks may be recognised under the Gaeltacht Act 2012 provided that language plans have been agreed with the communities in the various networks in accordance with prescribed language planning criteria. Foras na Gaeilge is responsible under the Gaeltacht Act, 2012, for supporting organisations in the preparation and implementation of language plans in the Irish Language Networks.
3 Irish Language Networks have been approved to date under the Gaeltacht Act: Inis, Baile Locha Riach and Cluain Dolcáin. In addition, two further networks in the north – Carn Tóchair and Iarthar Bhéal Feirste – have been approved under a non-statutory process administered by Foras na Gaeilge.
In 2020, Foras na Gaeilge reviewed the organisation's Irish Language Community Scheme and, as a successor, the Irish Language Network Development Scheme was launched. Among the aims of this scheme is that current grantees place a particular emphasis on working towards recognition as an Irish Language Network. Through the scheme, groups are being empowered to come forward and enter the next round of both the statutory application process in operation in the southern jurisdiction and the non-statutory process in the north.
As the Irish Language Network Development Scheme is closely linked to the objectives of the Gaeltacht Act 2012, the Board of Foras na Gaeilge approved an extension of time for current scheme grantees until the end of 2026. This will provide me with the opportunity, as Minister, to make a decision as to when the next cycle of preparing language plans for Irish Language Networks will commence, taking into account the current status of the language planning process, feedback from Foras na Gaeilge, and the financial resources available to my Department in the coming years.
39. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht the way in which the Irish language is being promoted and prioritised in the development of an enterprise hub (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53316/26]
View answerThe campus referred to by the Deputy acts as a digital hub and enterprise centre geared towards accommodating start-ups and established companies, with offices, hot desks and meeting/training rooms available to clients from both the private and public sectors. It will provide training facilities for Irish-language and cultural courses to third level students, and also serve as a cultural facility for the Gaeltacht area in which it is situated.
The refurbishment work on the building was fully completed in May 2026 and Údarás na Gaeltachta has informed me that certain staff of an tÚdarás and a number of client companies have moved into the offices in recent weeks.
Údarás na Gaeltachta also advises me that Irish is the working language of the campus and that a key priority for its administrators is promoting the use of Irish, both in the workplace and at all training and cultural events held on site. As is the case with all Údarás na Gaeltachta facilities, a language plan is in place to ensure the visibility of the language, to promote the use of Irish by the staff of client companies/organisations, and by hot desk users, and to create opportunities to broaden the use of Irish for the local community, as well as for visitors.
In addition to providing much-needed office space in this Gaeltacht area, the facility is now a valuable community resource and Údarás na Gaeltachta has relayed that local community groups have held events and meetings on the campus. Údarás na Gaeltachta also state that an Irish-language course for adults will be held at the facility in August and that another significant community event will take place there in early December.
40. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht the breakdown of town and village renewal, rural regeneration and development fund allocations, including applications refused, by county for the period 2023-2026; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53058/26]
View answerThe Rural Regeneration and Development Fund (RRDF) is a major capital investment programme, which seeks to support large-scale, ambitious projects that can achieve sustainable economic and social development in rural areas. The focus of the RRDF is on rural towns and villages with a population of less than 10,000 people. To date, the RRDF has allocated over €610 million for 270 projects across Ireland.
Calls for applications to the RRDF are sought under two categories. Category 1 relates to large scale capital works projects with all necessary planning and consents in place and are ready to proceed. Category 2, which typically provides funding of up to €1m per project, relates to projects which may planning permissions and statutory consents and further development to become ready for Category 1 status.
It should be noted that the assessment process for RRDF operates on a competitive application basis and is a place based and demand-led Fund.
In February of this year, I was delighted to open applications in respect of a Sixth Call for Category 1 Call for proposals under Fund, and am inviting proposals for projects that will help revitalise our rural towns and villages and provide the necessary facilities and infrastructure to assist in attracting people to live, work and invest in rural areas. Full details on this Call can be located on my Department’s website.
The Town and Village Renewal Scheme (TVRS) was introduced in 2016 and is one of a number of measures designed to rejuvenate rural towns and villages throughout Ireland. Since the launch of the scheme over €210 million has been allocated to over 1,900 projects. TVRS is administered by local authorities, who work closely with local communities and businesses to develop proposals to respond to the needs of our rural towns and villages. The local authority has the responsibility for identifying and shortlisting local priority projects in advance of submitting applications to the Department.
In April I announced a new call for proposals under the Building and Land Acquisition Measure of the Town and Village Renewal Scheme. Assessment of these applications is currently ongoing, and local authorities will be informed of the successful acquisitions shortly.
The details of the next iteration of TVRS are currently being developed and it is my intention to issue a call for proposals under the Main Scheme and Project Development Measure strands of the scheme later this year.
The details requested by the Deputy regarding applications made under the RRDF and TVRS respectively, between 2023 and 2026 are outlined in the tables at the links below.
I am committed to ensuring that my Department’s schemes can 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.
41. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht the engagement he or his Department have had with the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage regarding the provisions contained in section 5.2 of the Draft National Housing Statement relating to multi-unit housing developments in Gaeltacht areas; whether concerns have been raised regarding the potential weakening of existing language protections in county development plans; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53017/26]
View answerMatters relating to planning and housing in the Gaeltacht fall under the Planning and Development Act, 2024. As such, the primary responsibility for this Act lies with the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage.
It is, however, my considered view that the draft National Planning Statement will have a number of positive impacts in Gaeltacht areas.
For the first time ever, the importance of proper planning as a means of protecting the Irish language has been mainstreamed in national planning guidelines. This is a clear to be seen by the use of terminology from the Gaeltacht Act throughout the National Planning Statement and by the inclusion of a specific chapter relating to the Gaeltacht;
For the first time ever, we will now have a standardised language test to be used by local authorities when assessing planning applications in the Gaeltacht. This will take the form of B2 on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages or the Teastas Eorpach na Gaeilge in the context of the Irish language;
For the first time ever, national guidance will be provided to local authorities as regards the retention of units for Irish speakers in multi -unit housing developments. This will be set at the percentage of daily Irish speakers in a Gaeltacht Language Planning Area in the most recent Census of Population plus 10% in order to encourage Irish speakers to either remain in or return to Gaeltacht areas;
Under these guidelines, the new concept of inter-Gaeltacht mobility will be introduced whereby Irish speakers residing in one Gaeltacht region will be treated more favourably if they are moving to work and reside in another Gaeltacht region;
For the first time, Irish speakers will be treated more favourably if they have resided in a Gaeltacht area for a period of five years or more. This will be a cumulative five-year period which ensures that those returning home after living abroad will see the benefits of this initiative;
It is expected that these measures will have the long-term effect of encouraging parents of young children who may be wavering in their choice of language in the home to move towards the Irish language due to the tangible benefits available to Irish speakers in the planning system;
Finally, it is expected that these measures will reduce the inflationary impact of widespread construction of a holiday homes in Gaeltacht areas which are also areas of high scenic amenity and that this will, over the longer term, ensure that Irish speakers are not priced out of the housing market in Gaeltacht areas.
So overall, while there may be some issues that need to be teased out, I think the document is a very positive development which can be improved upon in its final iteration, thus enabling the inclusion of increased protections for the Irish language among Gaeltacht communities in county development plans.
