Written Answers Nos. 34-68
44. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development for an update on the community centre fund when it comes to existing centres getting investment for refurbishment/renovation; when the fund is likely to open for applications; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26358/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraCommunity centres are a vital resource for any community. They are at the heart of so many of our towns and villages. That is why I have placed a central focus on improving our existing community centres and also delivering new facilities where they are needed.
Under the 2022 Community Centre Investment Fund, over €45.8 million was committed for improvement and refurbishment works on over 860 existing community centres across Ireland. In April, I approved funding of €30 million for the construction of 12 new community centres across nine counties.
On Friday last, I was delighted to announce a further €20 million in funding to support our community groups to upgrade and refurbish the community facilities in their areas. The Community Centre Investment Fund 2024 will provide funding from €10,000 up to a maximum of €100,000 towards capital costs for the refurbishment of existing community centres. This allocation brings the total amount of funding announced to support the development of community centres to over €95 million since 2022. This is an unprecedented level of investment in our community centres.
The funding can be used for a range of different investments from essential maintenance work to new kitchen facilities or energy upgrades. A series of information sessions about the scheme, and how to apply for it, will be held over the summer months. Interested applicants can now register on the online application portal in advance of the application process opening. The window for applying for the scheme will open on July 29th and groups can apply for funding up to August 29th . Full details can be found on my Department’s website.
I look forward to my Department receiving applications from community groups across the country and to announcing the successful projects from the end of the year on. I am confident that this new investment will build on the record levels of funding in recent years.
45. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the supports that are in place from her Department to assist organisations that do not have the capacity to apply for and manage EU funding. [26463/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department provides a range of supports to build capacity in community organisations across the country. With regard to EU funding programmes in particular:
• SICAP is Government’s primary social inclusion intervention, co-funded by Government and the European Social Fund Plus. The new iteration of the programme features a dedicated core area of work called Community Animation, which focuses on building capacity in community representative structures, establishing new community groups and social enterprises, and empowering communities to lead out on identifying their own needs and sustainably managing their response to challenges into the future.
• The newly established Social Innovation measures, under the European Social Fund Plus, have the objective of enhancing capacity within organisations involved in social innovation and social enterprise, aiming to enhance capacity of such organisations in relation to operations, governance and sustainability.
• Under the PEACEPLUS Programme my Department has worked with Special EU Programmes Body and relevant Northern Ireland Departments, on guidance documents, calls for applications and pre-application support workshops for potential applicants. In addition, consultants are available to support potential applicants for each of the investment areas.
• With regard to the LEADER programme, it is delivered through Local Action Groups and their Implementing Partners, who work on the ground with prospective applicants to help guide them through the LEADER application process and work with them to see their projects through to completion.
More generally, my Department has a strong focus on building capacity of organisations within the community and voluntary sector. Under Sustainable, Inclusive and Empowered Communities, a comprehensive Training Needs Assessment process is nearing completion, and it is my Department’s intention to work with the sector to implement the recommendations in order to meet the identified needs.
47. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development when the new stakeholder group on dog control will publish its recommendations; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26379/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra49. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the efforts that are being made by her Department to ensure that local authorities are enforcing the legislation to collect fines under dog control regulations. [26448/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra50. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if she will strengthen the powers available to dog wardens under the Control of Dogs Act 1986. [26447/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 47, 49 and 50 together.
I would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the recent dog attacks and express my sincere sympathies to those families impacted by these attacks. I am very committed to improving outcomes in relation to Dog Control in Ireland and am working very hard to determine what can be done by Government to mitigate such attacks in the future. In this context, I have implemented the following measures recently
• I increased ‘on-the-spot’ fines for offences under the Control of Dogs Act, including trebling the fines for most serious offences from €100 to €300. Multiple fines can be issued where more than one offence occurs.
• I announced the establishment of a €2M fund under a new Dog Control Support Initiative. The funding comes as a direct response to increased pressures on dog control services and allows for tangible improvements to dog control services across the country.
• I launched a significant media campaign on Responsible Dog Ownership. My Department has also worked closely with the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine to publish a plain-language leaflet informing dog owners of their legal obligations. This leaflet has been widely distributed and is now available from every dog warden, local authority and veterinary surgery in the country in addition to over 100 animal welfare charities. It is also available in multiple languages online at Gov.ie/ResponsibleDogOwnership.
In March 2024, I announced the establishment of a high level stakeholder group to consider and make recommendations to strengthen policy in relation to dog control issues. The group is independently chaired by retired Deputy Garda Commissioner Mr. John Twomey and is comprised of members with a broad range of expertise.
The group have been tasked with considering the policy and legislative matters under the remit of my Department, specifically the Dog Control Acts and the Dog Breeding Establishments Act. Considerations will include all relevant elements of the legislation, including enforcement and the powers currently assigned to Dog Wardens.
The work of the stakeholder group is complex in nature requiring full consideration of all aspects of both pieces of legislation under the remit of my Department and this will take some time. However, in view of recent events, I have asked the Chair to prioritise the issue of Restricted Dogs and this will be the first issue to be considered by the stakeholder group at its next meeting to be held next week. I expect the group to revert to me with recommendations on the matter as soon as possible once they have considered all issues arising.
Local Authorities have responsibility for all operational matters under the Control of Dogs Acts including licensing, enforcement and the issuing of fines. Local Authorities are also responsible for the recruitment of dog wardens. To support the important work of local authority dog wardens, my Department is part funding a national training programme for dog wardens to ensure consistency and a standardised approach to enforcement. This training commenced in April.
48. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development her views on the considerable variation in output by local authorities in respect of funding provided under the local improvement scheme; if she and her Department will work with local authorities to bring them all in line with the best performing local authorities in terms of square metres improved per million euro; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26456/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Local Improvement Scheme is funded by my Department, but administered by local authorities. This approach sees local authorities identifying priority roads for repair and procuring the works in accordance with public procurement guidelines.
The Deputy has previously raised with me the differences between counties in terms of the number of roads various local authorities have repaired compared to the overall financial allcoations. This of course does not take into account the total area of roads which have been repaired or local conditions.
With this in mind, in 2023 the national average actual cost per square metre of road repaired was €28.46. Within this there is some variation between counties. For example, the average cost in Kerry was almost exactly in line with national average at €28.44 per square metre, whereas in Cork the average cost was slightly higher at €35.23 and in Galway it was slightly lower at €22.89 per square metre.
These figures do not give a full and accurate comparison of how the scheme is being implemented in different counties however. It should be kept in mind that there many factors which could underpin differing levels of square metre cost in different counties. These can include geographic factors such as the elevation, exposure or remoteness of roads being repaired. Similarly, the condition of the roads selected for repair in given counties can differ, and it would be expected that roads experiencing very severe deterioration would cost more to repair than those in need of minor repair. Finally, the cost of materials and the availability of contractors can differ between counties, and these factors can also have an impact on the cost per square metre of roads repaired.
My Department does, however, continue to liaise with local authorities to ensure the efficient and effective operation of the Scheme. In addition, the requirement for local authorities to abide by procurement procedures and the inspection regime implemented by my Department also help to support the delivery of value for money.
I have recently announced record levels of funding for the scheme, with €40m being allocated to local authorities over the years 2024 and 2025, and I remain committed to ensuring that the Scheme is funded into the future.
51. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the details of the funding allocated to County Wicklow from her Department in the past five years, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26537/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department operates a wide range of programmes and schemes to support rural and community development throughout the country, providing targeted supports for communities across Ireland.
These supports promote social inclusion, rural development, town and village regeneration, outdoor recreation, facilitate new working opportunities, and foster enterprise growth.
Capital schemes including the Town and Village Renewal Scheme, LEADER, the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund, the Local Improvement Scheme, the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme, the Community Recognition Fund, and the Community Centre Investment Fund are delivering projects throughout the country that are having a hugely positive impact for communities.
Current funding supports such as the Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme (SICAP) and the Community Services Programme (CSP) are helping to tackle social exclusion, unemployment, promote social cohesion and support thriving communities.
Details in relation to projects awarded funding are published on an ongoing basis by my Department. As requested, I am providing the deputy with the funding allocated to County Wicklow across our programmes and schemes, from 2020 to date in 2024, in tabular form.
The information provided shows that over the last five years more than €47.4 million has been allocated to projects and schemes in Wicklow from my Department, including over €12 million this year alone.
I think this level of funding demonstrates the scale of investment in place to support rural and community development, both in Wicklow and throughout the country.
53. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the mechanism to be deployed to deliver on the commitments in Our Rural Future - Rural Development Policy 2021 to 2025; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26252/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraOur Rural Future 2021 to 2025 is the whole-of-government policy for sustainable rural development in Ireland. The policy was published in March 2021 and, as a live document, now contains more than 170 commitments for delivery. These measures support the economic, environmental, cultural and social development and wellbeing of rural communities.
The policy contains a range of commitments across Government, and focuses on the long term developmental needs of rural areas. Each commitment included in the policy is led by a nominated Government Department, State agency or other body. Funding of these commitments is met from the Votes/budgets of each relevant Government Department.
Implementation of the policy is co-ordinated on behalf of Government by my Department. An overarching Implementation Advisory Group ensures the coherent integration of the policy’s measures and comprises representatives from Government Departments, regional and local government as well as key community and development sector representatives.
Policy updates are provided through six-monthly Progress Reports and annual Work Programmes. The development of each Annual Work Programme allows for new measures and actions. These are added in light of any revised priorities, emerging opportunities and challenges. There has been strong progress in the delivery of actions reported across the Work Programmes and Progress Reports published to date, and I am committed to ensuring that progress is maintained in that regard.
54. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if she will undertake an evaluation of further initiatives which could be taken to derive the full potential from the rural connectivity created by the National Broadband Plan, to deliver new services remotely and support new activity in rural communities; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26499/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraOne of the key focuses of Our Rural Future, the Government's Rural Development Policy 2021 - 2025, is optimising digital connectivity to support vibrant, sustainable rural communities. I want to close the digital divide between rural and urban communities and ensure that those living in rural communities are provided with the same opportunities as those in larger urban areas. Throughout my tenure as Minister for Rural and Community Development, I have been clear that balanced regional development, sustainable and thriving communities, and indeed the wider national economy will all benefit from workers and employers embracing the remote working revolution.
Our Rural Future recognises the opportunity for rural rejuvenation that increased digital connectivity creates and commits to establishing a comprehensive national network of 400 remote working hubs over the lifetime of the policy. Over recent years, I have made significant funding available to rural communities around the country to support the use of digital connectivity. This funding has been provided through the schemes such as LEADER, Connected Hubs Fund, the Town and Village Renewal Scheme, the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund. These programmes have been designed to ensure that infrastructure and services are made available to meet the changing needs of our rural communities. These schemes also support job creation and enable people to stay in or return to their communities, which may not have been possible previously. I am determined to see these achievements built on.
Our Rural Future also commits to the rollout of approximately 300 community-based Broadband Connection Points (BCPs) for many of our most remote rural communities. The BCPs are publicly-accessible sites providing free WiFi internet connectivity to remote rural locations, including many of our offshore islands. My Department funds a number of projects which will take advantage of the opportunities that connectivity in BCPs offers, and provide solutions to challenges or address gaps in service that have been identified by the Department, local authority or other stakeholders. Projects in thematic areas such as Remote Working, Digital Skills and Education, eHealth and Arts and Culture have been developed in partnership with key stakeholders and rolled out to suitable BCPs across the network.
Following progress on the establishment of the Connected Hubs and BCP networks, my Department, together with the Department of Enterprise Trade and Employment, is leading on the formulation of a first National Hub Strategy, in consultation with key stakeholders. This strategy will inform the future direction of the National Hub Network and ensure the strategic development and sustainability of Ireland’s hub infrastructure, including the BCP network.
Finally, my Department has already begun preparations for the development of a successor policy to Our Rural Future. As part of this, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development has been engaged to undertake a review of the rural development policy framework in Ireland and work has commenced in this regard. The development of the successor policy will no doubt also include a focus on the importance of rural connectivity.
55. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the number of connected hubs established in County Wicklow; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26538/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraOur Rural Future recognises the opportunity that remote working presents for rural rejuvenation and commits to establishing a comprehensive and integrated national network of 400 remote working hubs by 2025. Substantial funding has been invested by my Department in the development of remote working facilities through a variety of programmes. Successful projects have been developed in collaboration with local authorities and communities including funding for the conversion of many vacant and derelict buildings into remote working hubs.
In 2021, I launched connectedhubs.ie, a shared online booking and payments platform for remote working hubs and their users. There are currently 363 facilities across the country on-boarded to the platform, 8 of which are located in Co Wicklow (Table 1 attached). An interactive map that shows the location and details of each remote working hub in Ireland is available on connectedhubs.ie.
Remote working provides an opportunity for people to continue to live in rural communities while following their career ambitions, supporting the retention of skilled people in rural communities and attracting mobile talent to rural areas. It can reduce commuting time, lowering transport emissions, provide a better work-life balance and an improved quality of life.
Following strong progress on the establishment of the Connected Hub Network and on achieving the initial critical mass, I am now focusing on the next stage of development of this network. My Department, together with the Department of Enterprise Trade and Employment, is leading the development of a first National Hub Strategy in consultation with hub managers, local authorities, communities and other stakeholders. The Strategy will inform the future direction of the Connected Hubs Network and ensure the strategic development and sustainability of Ireland’s Hub Infrastructure.
I am committed to ensuring that the Connected Hubs Network will continue to make a central contribution to the achievement of the Government's vision for rural Ireland, as set out in Our Rural Future.
56. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development when the present availability of the 300 high-speed internet hubs announced under the National Broadband Plan on 19 November 2019; the steps which she is taking to maximise their use; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26254/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraOne of the key focuses of Our Rural Future, the Government's Rural Development Policy 2021-2025, is optimising digital connectivity to support vibrant, sustainable rural communities. I want to close the digital divide between rural and urban communities and ensure that those living in rural communities are provided with the same opportunities as those in larger urban areas. I am working to achieve this ambition by providing significant funding and support through my Department.
Broadband Connection Points (BCPs) are public locations which were selected to receive high-speed connectivity as part of the National Broadband Plan. The locations of BCPs have been selected by local authorities and include public areas such as community halls, libraries, sports clubs, enterprise hubs, tourist locations and other public spaces. They are located in rural and isolated areas including on a number of off-shore islands and support remote working, digital skills training and a range of community initiatives. 294 BCPs are now live and fully operational. The connection of a small number of remaining sites is currently being finalised.
My Department has facilitated a number of projects to take advantage of the opportunities that connectivity offers, and provide solutions to challenges or address gaps in service that have been identified by the Department, local authority or other stakeholders. Projects in thematic areas such as Remote Working, Digital Skills and Education and Arts and Culture have been developed in partnership with key stakeholders and rolled out to suitable BCPs across the network.
Following progress on the establishment of the BCP Network, my Department, together with the Department of Enterprise Trade and Employment, is leading on the formulation of a first National Hub Strategy, in consultation with key stakeholders. This strategy will inform the future direction of the National Hub Network and ensure the strategic development and sustainability of Ireland’s Hub Infrastructure, including the BCP network.
57. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the steps which she is taking to address the backlog in local improvement scheme applications; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26253/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Local Improvement Scheme supports improving rural roads and laneways that are not normally maintained by local authorities. I am acutely aware of the scheme's importance to rural landowners and residents. As part of Our Rural Future, the government is committed to ensuring that the LIS is funded in the future.
My Department reintroduced the scheme in 2017 after several years without dedicated funding. Between 2017 and 2024, my Department allocated almost €170 million to local authorities under the scheme. Up to the end of 2023, this has upgraded over 4,000 non-public roads and lanes, benefitting almost 20,000 landowners and residents in these rural areas.
I recently announced €40 million in funding to cover works under the Scheme across 2024 and 2025, of which Galway received more than €2.6m and Roscommon received €1.54m.
While significant progress made in recent years, there remains strong demand under the Scheme. With this is in mind and in order to help local authorities better plan their work programmes, this year I have directed additional funding to the LIS and have allocated funding to local authorities for both 2024 and 2025. My Department also works closely with local authorities to ensure funding is fully utilised.
Importantly, although my Department funds the scheme, it is administered by local authorities. It is therefore a matter exclusively for local authorities to determine priorities based on local demand. I have however emphasised the importance of focusing on delivery in recent years.
It is my intention to continue to support the Scheme and, additionally, I have been engaging with my colleague, the Minister for Transport, with a view to that Department co-funding the Scheme to further support this important scheme.
58. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if the outdoor recreation infrastructure scheme will open for applications this year; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26383/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 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 the launch of the scheme in 2016, funding of over €129 million has been awarded to 1,775 projects across the country.
I was delighted to announce total funding of almost €22.5 million for 270 projects under the 2023 scheme. This is the largest allocation since the establishment of the scheme.
My officials will be reviewing the scheme criteria in the coming months in anticipation of the launch of a new round of funding later this year. It is my intention at this stage to launch the next iteration of the scheme in September 2024.
59. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if she or her Department officials have had discussions with Cavan County Council and Monaghan County Council on dog control matters, given the recent sad incident in Limerick; what her Department plans on doing on this matter regarding dangerous breeds; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25630/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department of Rural and Community Development has overall policy responsibility for the Control of Dogs Acts 1986 to 2014. Local Authorities have responsibility for all operational matters under the Control of Dogs Acts including licensing and enforcement.
My Department publishes annual statistics in respect of a range of the dog control responsibilities of local authorities. My officials have requested 2023 statistics from all Local Authorities, including Cavan and Monaghan, and I look forward to publishing these on Gov.ie in the coming weeks.
These statistics form the evidence base needed for better policy making and I appreciate all the work of the local authorities in collating and making the statistics available,. I look forward to continuing to work collaboratively with all Local Authorities for better enforcement of legislation and improving Dog Control policy.
In March 2024 I announced the establishment of a high level stakeholder group to consider and make recommendations to strengthen policy in relation to these issues. The group is independently chaired by retired Deputy Garda Commissioner Mr John Twomey and is comprised of members with a broad range of expertise.
The work of the stakeholder group is complex in nature requiring full consideration of all aspects of both pieces of legislation under the remit of my Department and this will take some time. However, in view of recent events, I have asked the Chair to prioritise the issue of Restricted Dogs and this will be the first issue to be considered by the stakeholder group at its next meeting to be held later this month. I expect the group to revert to me with recommendations on the matter as soon as possible once they have considered all issues arising.
60. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development when she expects drawdown of the ORIS 3 funding allocation of €445 thousand in respect of an amenity (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26455/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 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 the launch of the scheme in 2016, funding of over €129 million has supported 1,775 projects across the country.
I was delighted to announce total funding of almost €22.5 million for 270 projects under the 2023 scheme. This is the largest allocation since the establishment of ORIS.
County Kerry received funding of over €1.4 million for 17 projects under the 2023 scheme. This allocation includes €445,140 awarded to the project referred to by the Deputy. It is expected that this project will be completed by June 2026, although the exact timeframe for delivery is a matter for Kerry County Council. Successful projects can draw down funding as works are completed and the project is delivered.
62. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development to provide an update on the local enhancement programme 2024, with specific regard to projects underway in Fingal, County Dublin; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26535/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraLast December, I launched the Local Enhancement Programme (LEP), with capital funding of €6 million to assist community groups across the country. The LEP is targeted to the specific challenges facing local community groups and delivers immediate, tangible supports where they are needed most.
There was a particular focus on small capital works/improvements, and the purchase of equipment for community use. The funding may be used, but is not limited to; improved access for persons with a disability; enhancing community participation for disadvantaged and marginalised groups, and improving energy efficiency of community facilities to reduce ongoing costs.
Under the Local Enhancement Programme €1 million was ring-fenced to support Women's groups building on the €100,000 ring-fenced under the Community Support Fund the previous year.
The LEP is administered locally on behalf of my Department by Local Community Development Committees (LCDCs) across the country, with support from their Local Authority. The relevant LCDC receive and appraise applications, making determinations on how the funding can best support their communities.
With regard to specific projects underway in Fingal, I can confirm that Fingal LCDC received an allocation of €184,035 under the Local Enhancement Programme 2024, with €36,807 ring-fenced for Women's Groups. 118 projects were awarded funding under the main LEP in Fingal and 12 Women's Groups received funding.
The Local Enhancement Programme is now closed to applicants, and details of successful projects under both the main LEP and the Women's Groups ring-fenced funding have been published on my Department’s website www.gov.ie/drcd . This includes a full list of approved projects in Fingal.
63. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if her Department is considering additional measures in relation to the control of dangerous dogs; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26382/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department has policy and legislative responsibility for the Control of Dogs Acts and the Dog Breeding Establishments Act. In March 2024 I announced the establishment of a high level stakeholder group to consider and make recommendations to strengthen policy in relation to these issues.
The group is independently chaired by retired Deputy Garda Commissioner Mr John Twomey and is comprised of members with a broad range of expertise. The group have been tasked with considering the policy and legislative matters under the remit of my Department, specifically the Dog Control Acts and the Dog Breeding Establishments Act.
The work of the stakeholder group is complex in nature requiring full consideration of all aspects of both pieces of legislation under the remit of my Department and this will take some time. However, in view of recent events, I have asked the Chair to prioritise the issue of Restricted Dogs and this will be the first issue to be considered by the stakeholder group at its next meeting to be held later this month. I expect the group to revert to me with recommendations on the matter as soon as possible once they have considered all issues arising.
64. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development further to Parliamentary Question No. 4 of 9 May 2024, the timeline for the publication of the progress update on the implementation of the policy for the islands; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26518/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, I launched Our Living Islands - the National Island Policy 2023-2033 in June of last year. Our Living Islands is a substantial document – a ten-year policy backed up by rolling three year action plans. It has time-bound commitments so that Departments and agencies across Government can be held to account for its implementation.
Following the publication of the policy, I established a Monitoring Committee, chaired by my Department, to engage with key Government Departments, agencies and local authorities in relation to implementation of the action plan.
The committee includes representatives of the island communities and representatives of Departments and State bodies which have key roles in the delivery of the policy and action plan.
The most recent meeting of the Monitoring Committee was held on 21 May. The relevant Departments and Agencies provided progress updates at that meeting, particularly in relation to actions due for completion by the date of the meeting. Further updates have been received since then from Departments with actions due for completion by the end of Quarter 2 of 2024.
All of these updates are being included in a progress report to be published at the end of this month.
65. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if she recognises that communities in larger counties such as Cork are being disadvantaged by the application process under CLÁR, Measure 1; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26533/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department's CLÁR scheme is a targeted investment programme that provides funding for small scale infrastructural projects in rural areas that experience disadvantage and significant levels of de-population. This scheme has gone from strength to strength in recent years. Under the 2023 scheme I approved over €13 million for 303 projects. This is the largest allocation under the scheme since it was reintroduced in 2016.
The 2024 CLÁR programme was launched on the 12th April last. In advance of the launch of the CLÁR programme each year, I review the measures to be included in the scheme and make any adjustments as appropriate. For example, this year I have included support for meals on wheels services under the scheme.
At the same time, I believe that the current application process works very well for all CLÁR areas, including those located in larger counties such as Cork. Last year, Cork County Council submitted fifteen applications under measure 1 of the scheme and fourteen of these were funded. There were 3 applications for funding for vehicles in Cork under measure 2 of the scheme and all of these were funded. Funding of almost €4.2 million has been provided for 130 different projects in Cork since the scheme was reintroduced.
We also need to remember that there is now a broad suite of supports available from my Department for communities in rural areas to an extent that never existed previously. For example, I recently announced a further €50 million under the Community Recognition Fund for this year. Only last week I announced another round of funding worth €20 million under the Community Centre Investment Fund.
While I will continue to review the operation of the scheme each year, I believe the current model has served us well and is delivering for rural communities across Ireland.
66. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if a review of the initial town centre first initiatives is being undertaken; and if she envisages further development of the approach for the future. [26498/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraLaunched in 2022, the Town Centre First (TCF) Policy is a major cross-government policy that aims to tackle vacancy, combat dereliction and breathe new life into our town centres. It supports the Our Rural Future vision for a thriving rural Ireland.
Amongst the initiatives supported by my Department under TCF is the development of TCF Plans that are helping rural communities develop a vision for their local areas and identify viable projects to realise this vision. The initial pilot programme which consisted of 26 plans are now all completed and can be viewed on the towncentrefirst.ie website.
Last February, I launched a new suite of supports which is providing €4.5 million to support broader efforts to regenerate town centres through a bottom-up approach. This measure is supporting the development of a further 26 town plans, the establishment and development of Town Teams and the completion of Project Development Measure (PDM) projects.
All PDM applications have been received by my Department and are currently undergoing the competitive assessment process. I expect to announce successful projects shortly.
The National TCF Office is currently reviewing the completed pilot TCF plans and preparing a best-practice manual which will aid the development of the new plans. I want to emphasise that TCF is a policy approach relevant for towns of all sizes and local authorities are being supported to roll-out the approach more broadly. To this end, my Department is funding Town Regeneration Officers (TROs) in local authorities to work as a central driver of Town Centre First on a local level.
My Department also administers a range of funding schemes, many of which are linked to TCF such as the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund and the Town and Village Renewal Scheme. This strategic link between policy, communities and schemes is key to successful outcomes.
A full review of the TCF policy will be completed in 2025 and discussions are underway on the specifics of this review. Decisions on the future direction of TCF will be informed by this review. In the meantime, my Department remains fully committed to the success of the Town Centre First policy to deliver on the goal of revitalising rural towns and villages.
67. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if she will report on the working being carried out by the stakeholders’ group on control of dogs issues; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26514/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department has policy and legislative responsibility for the Control of Dogs Acts and the Dog Breeding Establishments Act. In March 2024 I announced the establishment of a high level stakeholder group to consider and make recommendations to strengthen policy in relation to these issues.
The group is independently chaired by retired Deputy Garda Commissioner Mr. John Twomey and is comprised of members with a broad range of expertise. The group have been tasked with considering the policy and legislative matters under the remit of my Department, specifically the Dog Control Acts and the Dog Breeding Establishments Act.
The work of the stakeholder group is complex in nature requiring full consideration of all aspects of both pieces of legislation under the remit of my Department and this will take some time. However, in view of recent events, I have asked the Chair to prioritise the issue of Restricted Dogs and this will be the first issue to be considered by the stakeholder group at its next meeting to be held later this month. I expect the group to revert to me with recommendations on the matter as soon as possible once they have considered all issues arising.
68. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if she is satisfied that local authorities are sufficiently resourced to enforce the legislation in relation to dog control legislation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26378/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department has overall policy responsibility for the Control of Dogs Acts 1986 to 2014. Local Authorities have responsibility for all operational matters under the Control of Dogs Acts.
Under the Control of Dogs Acts local authorities have the power to issue dog licenses, appoint dog wardens, provide dog shelters, seize dogs, impose on-the-spot fines and take court proceedings against dog owners, where appropriate.
My Department does not provide any funding to local authorities in respect of their work in the implementation of the legislative code relating to the control of dogs. Income to support Local Authority Dog Control is sourced in a number of ways, primarily through license fees and Local Authority own resources, with a nominal amount from fixed charge notices. Section 15 of the Control of Dogs Act stipulates that a local authority must employ at least one dog warden.
My Department publishes annual statistics in respect of a range of the dog control responsibilities of local authorities. Information including the number of dog wardens, by county and in tabular form, is available on the dog control statistics page on gov.ie: (www.gov.ie/en/collection/879d4c-dog-control-statistics/). The 2023 dog control statistics have been requested from local authorities and will be published on gov.ie once available.
