Martin Browne
Ceist:2024. Deputy Martin Browne asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the reason that community recognition fund grants have yet to be awarded for 2024. [34160/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraCommunity Development Projects
Ceisteanna (2024)
Freagraí scríofa
The Community Recognition Fund was first introduced in 2023 to recognise the huge efforts made by communities in welcoming and supporting people coming to Ireland.
Through the 2023 allocation, funding of €50 million was approved for some 900 projects in providing support to cities, towns and villages nationwide who have welcomed people from Ukraine and other countries. To further support communities, a further €50 million in funding was announced earlier this year under the Community Recognition Fund.
Proposals under this year's fund can be submitted across three rounds of applications. The closing dates for receipt of applications under the first round has now passed. The next round closes on September 30th and the final round on January 31st, 2025.
On August 2nd I was delighted to announce €16.5 million to deliver 185 community projects across the country under application round one. A list of the approved projects can be found on my Department's website.
I look forward to seeing the positive impact that this funding will have on the ground in communities all across Ireland and I hope to announce further projects as the second and third application rounds progress.
Community Development Projects
Ceisteanna (2025)
Paul Kehoe
Ceist:2025. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development whether there will be a further round of offers for the Community Recognition Fund; if so, if entrants will have to apply again; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34201/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Community Recognition Fund was first introduced in 2023 to recognise the huge efforts made by communities in welcoming and supporting people coming to Ireland. Funding of €50 million was approved for some 900 projects. I was delighted to announce a further €50 million in funding under the Community Recognition Fund earlier this year.
Applications under the current round of funding can be submitted by local authorities across three rounds, so as to allow flexibility and adequate engagement and collaboration on larger projects. The phased closing dates for receipt of applications are May 31st, September 30th and January 31st, 2025.
Each local authority was required to create a dedicated space on their website outlining the various ways communities can access Community Recognition Funding and details of any workshop/consultation events. A link for each local authority can be found on my Department's website: www.gov.ie/en/service/e626a-community-recognition-fund-2023/
Last month, I was delighted to announce funding of €16.5 million to deliver 185 projects around the country under round 1. Applications are now open for round 2 and I would encourage community groups to contact their local authority about any projects they have in mind.
Any community group or organisation who has submitted an application that was not selected for funding under round one, should engage with their local authority to discuss the application further.
Community Development Projects
Ceisteanna (2026)
Paul Kehoe
Ceist:2026. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the reason a grant application (details supplied) was unsuccessful; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34211/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Community Recognition Fund was first introduced in 2023 to recognise the huge efforts made by communities in welcoming and supporting people coming to Ireland.
Through the 2023 allocation, funding of €50 million was approved for some 900 projects in providing support to cities, towns and villages nationwide who have welcomed people from Ukraine and other countries. I was delighted to announce a further €50 million in funding under the Community Recognition Fund on March 15th last.
Applications under the current round of funding can be submitted by local authorities across three phases, so as to allow flexibility and adequate engagement and collaboration on larger projects. The phased closing dates for receipt of applications are May 31st, September 30th and January 31st, 2025.
Under this new round of funding, Wexford local authority have been awarded funding of €1,703,377 which brings the total funding provided to Wexford County Council under the Community Recognition Fund to over €3.2 million.
Local authorities are required to engage and collaborate with communities to identify the most appropriate projects for support. It is a matter for each local authority to identify the most appropriate locations for funding based on their analysis of the level of arrivals in each location and in the context of previous funding supports and local needs.
I understand that Wexford County Council received an application from the group referred to by Deputy but this was not shortlisted for submission to my Department under application window one. It may be the case the project mentioned will be submitted by the local authority under the remaining application windows.
Community Development Projects
Ceisteanna (2027)
Seán Fleming
Ceist:2027. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development to provide the full list of applicants and successful applicants who submitted applications under the community recognition fund 2024 (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34256/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Community Recognition Fund was first introduced in 2023 to recognise the huge efforts made by communities in welcoming and supporting people coming to Ireland.
Through the 2023 allocation, funding of €50 million was approved for some 900 projects in providing support to cities, towns and villages nationwide who have welcomed people from Ukraine and other countries. To further support communities, I was delighted to announced a further €50 million in funding under the Community Recognition Fund on March 15th last.
The additional funding is specifically targeted at projects which are located in cities, towns and villages who are hosting the Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection and/or International Protection Applicants.
Applications under the current round of funding can be submitted by local authorities across three phases, so as to allow flexibility and adequate engagement and collaboration on larger projects. The phased closing dates for receipt of applications are May 31st, September 30th and January 31st, 2025.
Under this new round of funding, Laois local authority have been awarded funding of €1,012,996 which brings the total funding provided to Laois County Council under the Community Recognition Fund to over €2 million.
Local authorities are required to engage and collaborate with communities to identify the most appropriate projects for support. It is a matter for each local authority to identify the most appropriate locations for funding based on their analysis of the level of arrivals in each location and in the context of previous funding supports and local needs.
In August 2024, I was delighted to announce funding of €16.5 million to deliver 185 projects around the country under window 1. All projects from Laois County Council that were submitted to my Department have been approved under window 1 which can be viewed in the table below. A list of all 185 successful projects can be found on my Departments website: www.gov.ie/en/service/e626a-community-recognition-fund-2023/
I look forward to seeing the positive impact that this funding will have on the ground in communities all across Ireland.
Community Recognition Fund 2024 Approvals - Laois
|
Location |
Lead Applicant |
Project Description |
Funding Approved |
|
Portlaoise |
Laois County Council - St. Marys Hall Portlaoise |
St. Mary's Sports Hall - Works on Roof |
€150,000 |
|
Rathdowney |
Laois County Council |
Necessary Works at Clochar Community Centre to include: Development of outdoor terrace to create an event space for groups - Development of Outdoor Equipment Storage facilities for Community Groups - Painting of Building |
€65,000 |
|
Ballylinan |
Ballylinan GAA |
Development of a Community Walking Track |
€70,000 |
|
Mountmellick |
Laois County Council |
Land acquisition for community use |
€100,000 |
|
|
|
|
€385,000 |
Control of Dogs
Ceisteanna (2028)
Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Ceist:2028. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development when the annual 2023 dog control statistics will be published on her Department's website; if she plans to move to a quarterly release of statistics as is the case in Northern Ireland; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34362/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
My Department has overall policy responsibility for the Control of Dogs Acts 1986 to 2014. This legislation makes provision for dog licensing arrangements and the functions of dog wardens. Local Authorities have responsibility for all operational matters under the Control of Dogs Acts.
Each year my Department collects and collates statistics from local authorities in relation to dog control services. These statistics include, but are not limited to, the number of dogs entering and exiting pounds; the number that are re-homed and reclaimed; and the number that are euthanised.
The 2023 dog control statistics report is at an advanced stage and I hope to be in a position to publish it shortly. There are no immediate plans to change the reporting period for the dog control statistics however the Stakeholder Group are looking at all aspects of Dog Control in Ireland and that will include data collection.
Animal Welfare
Ceisteanna (2029)
Paul Murphy
Ceist:2029. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the dates on which her Department inspected a dog pound (details supplied) since it opened. [34373/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
My Department has overall policy responsibility for the Control of Dogs Acts 1986 to 2014. This legislation makes provision for dog licensing arrangements and the functions of dog wardens. Local Authorities have responsibility for all operational matters under the Control of Dogs Acts including the operation of Dog Pounds/Shelters.
My Department has no role in the inspection of Dog Pounds and the deputy should contact the relevant Local Authority to obtain specific information regarding pound inspections.
Departmental Funding
Ceisteanna (2030)
Carol Nolan
Ceist:2030. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if she will consider revising upwards the core funding and support staff funding available to an organisation (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34517/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Public Participation Networks (PPNs) were established following the enactment of the Local Government Reform Act in 2014. The PPN is the main link through which each local authority connects with the local community sector.
The PPNs' primary function is to provide representation for the community sector in policy-making structures, giving local volunteers a greater say in local government decisions. When community representation is required on local authority committees, such as Strategic Policy Committees or Local Community Development Committees, it must be sourced through the PPN.
Membership of a PPN is open to volunteer-led and not-for-profit groups in each local authority area. Over 20,690 groups nationwide are currently members of a PPN and there are PPNs established in all 31 local authority areas.
My Department, in conjunction with local authorities, provides funding to each of the 31 PPNs for staffing and operational costs. My Department has also funded structural supports to the PPNs at the national level, including training, awareness-raising, HR advisory services and ICT support.
Funding for PPNs increased from €2.45 million in 2022 to €2.95 million in 2024. This increase means that this year my Department will provide up to €85,700 in funding to each of the 31 PPNs around the country in core costs, with local authorities also providing funds to support their PPNs.
In 2021, my Department commissioned an independent ‘root and branch’ review of PPN structures, the report of which was published in June 2022. The research that underpins this report benefitted from the expert input of PPN representatives, local authority staff and other stakeholders close to the PPNs. The report highlighted the many achievements to date and also flagged opportunities for improvements and development.
Following publication of the report, my Department established a working group consisting of representatives of PPNs, local authorities and other senior stakeholders to oversee the development and implementation of a Roadmap of actions based on the report’s recommendations.
Implementation of the PPN Roadmap will commence in Q4 of this year and will, initially, focus on actions flagged as priorities by the sector. I would expect that the issue of future funding levels for all PPNs will be examined as part of this process.
With respect to the level of funding for PPNs in 2025, this will be considered as part of my Department’s broader Budget 2025 deliberations, the outcome of which will be communicated in due course.
Official Travel
Ceisteanna (2031)
Peadar Tóibín
Ceist:2031. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the number of flights she has taken to or from Shannon Airport, Cork Airport and Knock Airport since assuming office. [34763/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I can confirm that I have not taken any flights to or from Shannon Airport, Cork Airport or Knock Airport since assuming office as the Minister for Rural and Community Development.
Departmental Funding
Ceisteanna (2032)
Robert Troy
Ceist:2032. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if a valid CLÁR application has been submitted by a community centre (details supplied); and when a decision on CLÁR applications will issue. [34889/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
My Department's CLÁR scheme is a targeted investment programme that provides funding for small scale infrastructural projects in designated rural areas.
The 2024 CLÁR programme was launched on the 12th April last. The measures to be included in the CLÁR programme are reviewed and revised, if appropriate, each year.
The measures being funded under CLÁR 2024 are:
• Measure 1: Developing Community Facilities & Amenities (funding up to €50,000)
• Measure 2: Mobility, Cancer Care, First Responder and Meals on Wheels Transport (funding up to €100,000)
• Measure 3: Our Islands (funding up to €120,000)
The project application referred to by the Deputy has been received by my Department. My officials are currently assessing all applications under the CLÁR 2024 scheme and I hope to be in a position to announce all successful projects later this year.
Departmental Staff
Ceisteanna (2033)
Mattie McGrath
Ceist:2033. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the number of political staff employed in her Department, including parliamentary assistants, secretarial assistants, special advisers, drivers and other relevant positions; the number of civil or public service staff seconded to work within his Department or constituency offices; the salaries and job titles of each such person; the duty or role of each, in each of the years 2020 to 2023 and to date in 2024, in tabular form [34920/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Department of Rural and Community Development was established on 19th July 2017. Michael Ring T.D. was appointed Minister from July 2017 until June 2020. While in this post, Minister Ring employed the following staff in the Department.
2020: Jan-Jun
|
Job Title: |
Salary: |
|
Special Advisor |
Principal Officer Standard Scale |
|
Press Advisor |
Principal Officer Standard Scale |
|
Civilian Driver |
CO- Civilian Driver Standard Scale |
|
Civilian Driver |
CO- Civilian Driver Standard Scale |
In June 2020, I was appointed Minister for Rural and Community Development. Set out in the tables below are relevant staff that have been employed from June 2020 to date. There are no Civil or Public Servants seconded to work within my office in the Department or my Constituency Office.
My special advisor's role includes the provision and oversight of press information, advising on external communications, oversight of briefing material including for Order of Business purposes, and liaison with similar advisors across Government.
The main duties of the Temporary Clerical Officer in my Constituency office include general office duties such as meeting constituents, scheduling meetings and recording and responding to constituency representations.
June 2020 to date
|
Job Title: |
Salary: |
|
Special Advisor |
Principal Officer Standard Scale |
|
Special Advisor to Minister of State |
Principal Officer Standard Scale |
|
Civilian Driver* |
CO- Civilian Driver Standard Scale |
|
Temporary Clerical Office (TCO) - Constituency Office |
Clerical Officer PPC Standard Scale |
*In May 2022, due to enhanced security arrangements, the role of civilian driver was no longer required.
Ministerial Staff
Ceisteanna (2034)
Mattie McGrath
Ceist:2034. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development to provide a list of the names of each special adviser employed by his Department since 2020; the Minister and Minister of State whom each adviser is associated with, and their respective salaries, in tabular form; the areas of expertise covered by such advisers; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34938/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Department of Rural and Community Development was established on 19th July 2017, with Michael Ring TD appointed as Minister and serving in office until 27th June 2020. The tables below outline the advisors employed for the period to 27th June 2020 and the advisors appointed subsequent to that.
The areas covered by my own advisor are many, and include the provision and oversight of press information, advising on external communications, oversight of briefing material including for Order of Business purposes, and liaison with similar advisors across Government. The areas covered by the advisor to Minister of State Joe O’Brien TD are also many, and include assisting in management of the overall work programme, provision of advice and briefing on policy matters and Oireachtas matters, attendance at relevant Senior Official Group and Cabinet Committees, and liaison with similar advisors across Government.
2020:
|
Name |
Role |
Minister |
Salary |
|
Daniel Rowan |
Press Advisor |
Minister Michael Ring |
Principal Officer PPC Scale |
|
Padraig Hughes |
Special Advisor |
Minister Michael Ring |
Principal Officer Scale |
|
Niall O’Connor |
Special Advisor |
Minister Heather Humphreys |
Principal Officer PPC Scale |
2021 to date
|
Name |
Role |
Minister |
Salary |
|
Niall O’Connor |
Special Advisor |
Minister Heather Humphreys |
Principal Officer PPC Scale |
|
Anne-Marie McNally |
Special Advisor |
Minister of State Joe O’Brien |
Assistant Principal PPC Scale |
Ministerial Staff
Ceisteanna (2035)
Mattie McGrath
Ceist:2035. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the details of the expenses paid to ministerial advisers in his Department in each of the years 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 and to date in 2024, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34956/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Department of Rural and Community Development has employed two Special Advisers since June 2020.
Niall O’Connor works as my Special Adviser.
Anne-Marie McNally works as Special Adviser to Minister of State, Joe O’Brien.
The details requested by the Deputy are set out in the table below:
Expenses breakdown of Niall O’Connor - Special Adviser to Minister Humphreys
|
Year: |
Total Expenses Paid: |
|
2020 |
Nil |
|
2021 |
€3,118.75 |
|
2022 |
€7,960.14 |
|
2023 |
€7,241.02 |
|
2024 (to date) |
€4,733.84 |
Expenses breakdown of Anne-Marie McNally - Special Adviser to Minister O’Brien
|
Year: |
Total Expenses Paid: |
|
2020 |
Nil |
|
2021 |
€2,915.20 |
|
2022 |
€15,090.04 |
|
2023 |
€14,288.29 |
|
2024 (to date) |
€11,340.71 |
Departmental Schemes
Ceisteanna (2036)
Richard Bruton
Ceist:2036. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the number of community grants issued under the different schemes operated by her Department in each year since 2016; and the aggregate value for the respective year. [35020/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
My Department was established in 2017, and operates a large number of schemes aimed at supporting both rural development and community development.
The main rural development programmes which underpin national policy outlined in Our Rural Future 2021-2025 and other policy documents such as the Town Centre First policy are the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund (RRDF), LEADER, the Town and Village Renewal Scheme (TVRS), the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS), the Local Improvement Scheme (LIS), the CLÁR programme and support for Islands transport services and capital works. There are also a range of other smaller supports including the Walks Scheme, Tidy Towns, Connected Hubs and Broadband Connection Points. The majority of funding under the rural development programme is channelled through local authorities and other public bodies.
The main community development programme supports are the Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme (SICAP), the Community Services Programme (CSP), the Community Centre Investment Fund (CCIF), the Community Recognition Fund (CRF), Libraries Development, and the Local Enhancement Programme (LEP)/Community Enhancement Programme (CEP). A number of other smaller measures are in place within this programme area which empower communities through supporting structures and participatory decision making, including the Scheme to Support National Organisations, Local Community Development Committee supports, and Public Participation Network supports.
The table below sets out the aggregate values requested. The link provides further breakdown of allocations across various schemes which support communities throughout the country.
|
Year |
Number of grants approved |
Total value of these approved allocations € |
|
2017 |
1827 |
€101,457,160 |
|
2018 |
5207 |
€181,169,096 |
|
2019 |
4265 |
€296,951,748 |
|
2020 |
9255 |
€223,219,422 |
|
2021 |
8820 |
€302,553,074 |
|
2022 |
8061 |
€418,945,930 |
|
2023 |
6276 |
€235,397,653 |
|
2024 |
1358 |
€354,267,496 |
|
Totals |
45,069 |
€2,113,961,579 |
Departmental Schemes
Ceisteanna (2037, 2038)
Richard Bruton
Ceist:2037. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the number of heritage grants issued under the different schemes operated by her Department in each year since 2016; and the aggregate value for the respective year. [35021/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraRichard Bruton
Ceist:2038. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development her views on whether there needs to be a fresh look at how we plan at national level to ensure that the many local heritage assets in each county are harnessed to promote rural development and quality of life more effectively. [35022/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 2037 and 2038 together.
'Our Rural Future’ is the whole-of-Government’s policy for balanced, sustainable, regional development. It recognises that our heritage lies at the heart of rural Ireland, and is one of the keys to sustaining rural areas and regenerating them. For example, the policy acknowledges that Ireland’s heritage affords a huge comparative advantage in terms of the tourism offering in rural areas.
Commitments relating to local heritage assets are predominantly delivered via the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, and implemented through the publication of the national heritage plan ' Heritage Ireland 2030', which was launched in 2022. The plan recognises the role our heritage plays in our communities, economy and society, and sets out strategic priorities for the heritage sector.
The plan’s vision is for heritage – in all its forms – to be at the centre of local and national discourse, valued by all and cared for and protected for future generations. The plan recognises that Ireland’s built, cultural and natural heritage plays a critical role in rural economies and helps define the character and sense of place that is so important in our rural communities. This is guiding our approach at a national level.
In addition to the above, the importance of heritage is also integrated into a number of other policies developed and implemented by my Department. The Government's Town Centre First (TCF) Policy sets out a framework to facilitate and resource the regeneration of Irish towns to ensure that they are vibrant, viable and attractive places to live, work, invest in, and visit. The policy contains 33 actions to achieve national objectives, and expressly recognises that heritage-led regeneration can support and make best use of existing resources in order to drive future growth and development.
Embracing Ireland’s Outdoors, the National Outdoor Recreation Strategy 2023-2027 provides a strategic, collaborative framework to facilitate the consolidation and sustainable growth of the outdoor recreation sector. It includes an ambition to protect our landscapes, habitats and built heritage by better planning where and how we develop our outdoor recreation infrastructure. The County Outdoor Recreation Plans being developed across the country as a result of this strategy will also create a more strategic approach to outdoor recreation locally in each county and include a consideration of heritage sites.
Finally, Our Living Islands, the National Islands Policy 2023-2033, also clearly recognises the important contribution of our offshore inhabited islands in terms of our national economy, our culture and our heritage.
My Department does not capture details of the amount of funding approved specifically for heritage projects. However, my Department funds hundreds of projects every year through a range of schemes, many of which would have a heritage aspect.
For example, the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS) provides funding for the development and enhancement of outdoor recreational infrastructure such as walking trails, cycleways, mountain trails and water-based recreation projects. In the past number of years, ORIS has supported a number of walking trails which hold a significant heritage element or provide a link to a heritage site. Examples of these include Aughnacliffe Heritage Trail, Kilmovee Heritage Trail and Bawnboy Heritage Trail. Approvals under the ORIS scheme can be viewed on the Department’s website, www.gov.ie/drcd.
In addition, since the establishment of my Department in 2017, the Walks Scheme has provided over €16 million to participants (farmers/landholders) who maintain sections of approved walking trails which traverse their land. Many of the trails on the scheme are traditional walking routes and pilgrim walks that provide access to local heritage sites of importance, which would not otherwise be accessible. Some of the historic trails that are supported on the scheme include the Miner's Way & Historical Trail, St Declan Ways and Croagh Patrick Heritage Trail.
Under the Community Centre Investment Fund (CCIF) which I introduced in 2022, over €75 million has already been was committed for improvement and refurbishment works on over 860 existing community centres across Ireland and the construction of 12 new community centres. To date the Community Centre Investment Fund has supported many heritage project across the country such as funding for essential maintenance to the roof of the centre for St. Killian’s Heritage Trust in Cavan. The details in relation to all of the CCIF projects is available on my Department’s website at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/service/fec91-community-centres-investment-fund/
The Community Recognition Fund (CRF) was first introduced in 2023 to recognise the huge efforts made by communities in welcoming and supporting people coming to Ireland. Through the 2023 allocation, funding of €50 million was approved for some 900 projects in providing support to cities, towns and villages nationwide who have welcomed people from Ukraine and other countries. To further support communities, a further €50 million in funding under the Community Recognition Fund was announced last March.
The Community Recognition Fund has supported a number of heritage related projects across the country such as the purchase of equipment by Kilfenora Heritage Association, Co Clare. The details in relation to projects awarded funding under Community Recognition Fund is available on my Department’s website at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/collection/3a749-community-recognition-fund-2023-list-of-successful-applicants/
The Rural Regeneration and Development Fund is a key capital investment scheme which directly supports the objectives of Our Rural Future and the Town Centre First policy. It supports projects that have the potential to revitalise rural towns and villages through planned and sustainable regeneration that will drive greater economic activity and footfall, address vacancy and dereliction, ensure the reuse of heritage and other existing buildings, and provide the necessary facilities and infrastructure in settlements. Well over €500m in RRDF funding has been approved to date, including support for projects that include a heritage focus such as the recently approved projects to regenerate Castleblayney’s Market Square in Monaghan and the regeneration of ‘Dan Breen’s House’ and the Courthouse in Tipperary. Details of all RRDF projects approved since the scheme’s launch, together with funding levels, can be found on the DRCD website at: www.gov.ie/en/publication/7be140-test/
Since the launch of the Town and Village Renewal Scheme in 2016, over €177 million of funding has been approved for almost 1,800 projects across Ireland. The Town and Village Renewal Scheme is one of a series of national and local support measures designed to rejuvenate small rural towns and villages throughout Ireland. It also funds heritage-linked projects such as the regeneration of the Garda station, a heritage building, in Piltown, County Kilkenny. Details of the projects supported can be found at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/policy-information/01125e-town-and-village-renewal-scheme/
The LEADER Programme aims to deliver a range of actions to rural communities over the lifetime of the policy. It supports a broad range of activities which aim to respond to the diversity of the local needs of our rural areas. Funding is focused on a thematic approach to rural development under the headings of Economic Development and Job Creation, Rural Infrastructure and Social Inclusion, Sustainable Development of the Rural Environment and Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation. Many LEADER projects would include a heritage element such as funding provided to the Lisdoonvarna Historical Society for a photographic and historical display.
The list of projects approved under the LEADER programme is available on the Department’s website at: www.gov.ie/en/publication/b849be-local-action-groups-approved-projects-2014-2020/
Question No. 2038 answered with Question No. 2037.
Urban Development
Ceisteanna (2039, 2059)
Richard Bruton
Ceist:2039. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development If she will outline the aggregate investment to date in the Town Centre First Project; if she will highlight some of the greatest achievements to date; and if she will indicate the lessons learnt from the pilot projects in order that a fresh plan to scale up the initiative considerably could now be considered. [35023/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraRichard Bruton
Ceist:2059. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the measures she has taken to incentivise living on Ireland's high streets to date; if she is considering any new innovative policies in conjunction with the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to do so; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35608/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 2039 and 2059 together.
Launched 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. TCF supports the Our Rural Future vision for a thriving rural Ireland by setting out a framework to facilitate and resource the regeneration of Irish towns to ensure they are vibrant, viable places to live, work, invest in, and visit.
The TCF policy, a joint initiative by my Department and the Department of Housing Local Government and Heritage (DHLGH), encourages innovative proposals for the reuse of vacant and underused residential and other buildings in town centres.
Significant progress has been made since the launch of the Policy towards establishing momentum in achieving its objectives. For example, the establishment of a National TCF Office within the Local Government Management Agency (LGMA) which drives the actions under the policy; the appointment of 26 Town Regeneration Officers in each local authority (funded by my Department) which work as central drivers of TCF at a local level; and the establishment of a National Oversight and Advisory Group, which oversees delivery of the TCF policy are important developments in this regard.
In December 2021, I announced €2.6 million in funding to support the development of 26 TCF Plans. These community-based plans are produced by individual Town Teams, drawn from local community and business representatives, that are helping communities develop a vision for their town and identify viable projects to realise that vision. These Town Plans can be viewed on the TCF website at www.towncentrefirst.ie
In February last, I launched a new TCF suite of supports which is providing an additional €4.5 million to support broader efforts to regenerate town centres through a bottom-up approach. The measures supported are for the development of a further 26 town plans, support for the establishment and development of Town Teams, and the completion of Project Development Measure (PDM) projects. All successful projects and towns supported under the TCF suite of supports are available to view on the following link: www.gov.ie/en/publication/473d3-town-centre-first-policy/. This funding is also supporting the establishment of a further 68 Town Teams nationwide.
As can be seen from the 33 actions contained within the policy, the significance of Town Centre First is that it intended to provide for an integrated policy approach for the development of Irish towns rather than it being a funded programme in and of itself. Central to the success of TCF is the range of support funding in place right across Government.
A number of major government funding streams have now been aligned closely with Town Centre First including programmes such as the Urban Regeneration and Development Fund (URDF); my own Department’s Rural Regeneration and Development Fund (RRDF) and Town and Village Renewal Scheme (TVRS) and; Housing for All Crói Cónaithe (Towns) Fund; ERDF Town Centre First Heritage Revival (THRIVE) Fund; the Town Centre Living Initiative; the Historic Towns Initiative (HTI); and Climate adaptation/retrofitting schemes.
Examples of recent funding announcements include €164m announced for 30 regeneration projects under the Rural Regeneration & Development Fund (RRDF) in May, and €20m under the Town and Village Renewal Scheme (TVRS) in April.
In relation to housing specifically and within the wider framework of Housing For All, Our Rural Future, and Town Centre First, the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage is responsible for the following suite of measures which are in place to support and incentivise town centre living;
• The Croí Cónaithe (Towns) Fund and Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant supports increased housing supply by bringing vacant and derelict properties back into use. This allows a grant of up to €50,000 for the refurbishment of vacant properties and up to €70,000 for derelict properties, for rental properties and homeowners. Feedback on the grant, which was launched in July 2022, has been very positive with over 8,600 applications received, over 5,400 applications approved and over 480 grants drawn down by the end of Q2 2024.
• Among a range of schemes addressing vacancy including Repair and Lease, Buy and Renew, and Local Authority Home Loans, the Ready to Build Scheme makes serviced sites in towns and villages available to individual purchasers (self-builders) at a discount up to a maximum of €30,000.
• The First Home Scheme, Local Authority Affordable Purchase Scheme and Help to Buy are all available to eligible purchasers seeking to acquire new build homes nationally.
• ‘Town Centre Living’ Architectural Design competitions encourage innovative design for social housing within town centres and progress the Town Centre First policy’s objectives of compact growth and town-centre revitalisation.
• Call 3 of the Urban Regional Development Fund (URDF) provides a €150m revolving fund for local authorities to address long term vacancy and dereliction in large towns and cities. Based on submissions from all 31 local authorities over 1,200 long term vacant buildings located in town and city centres have been approved to date. This is in addition to the significant investment of €1.6 billion under URDF Calls 1 and 2 supporting a wide range of public realm and public infrastructure projects in our cities and large towns.
• Planning regulations, introduced in 2018 under S.I. No. 30/2018, which exempted certain vacant commercial premises, including ‘over the shop’ type spaces, from requiring planning permission to change to residential purposes have been extended until 2025. The scope of the exemption was also extended to include ‘public houses’. Over these six years from 2018 to 2023, local authorities received 1165 notifications from developers intending to avail of the exemptions. If enacted, this would result in 2716 new homes across the country. There is ongoing collaboration with local authorities to monitor the effectiveness of these planning exemptions, which also support the DHLGH’s Vacancy Activation Programme.
A specific commitment is contained within the TCF policy to carry out a review of the effectiveness of the policy 3 years from the policy’s launch, which will be mid-2025. Any learnings that emerge from that process will be used to inform future decisions regarding the future of the initiative. In the meantime, my Department remains fully committed to the success of the Town Centre First policy and will continue to work closely with colleagues in the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage to deliver on the goal of revitalising rural towns and villages.