Written Answers Nos. 2055-2068
2055. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the status of an application (details supplied) for funding under the community centres investment fund; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35488/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder 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.
In June this year, 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.
The scheme closed for applications on Thursday 5th September. I understand that the application referred to by the Deputy has been received and will now be appraised alongside all of the other applications. I hope to begin announcing the successful applicants in the coming months.
2056. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development who will be enforcing the ban on the classification of dogs known as ‘XL Bully breed’; the definition of an ‘XL Bully breed’; if owners are no longer permitted to sell this breed; what will become of such breeds already in dog rescues; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35502/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI recently announced a ban on XL Bully dogs in the interest of public safety following a number of recent horrific attacks. The ban will be implemented in the following 2 stages.
From October 1st 2024, new regulations will prohibit the importing, breeding, selling and re-homing of XL Bully dogs.
From February 1st 2025, it will be illegal to own an XL Bully without a ‘Certificate of Exemption’.
The regulation will detail a system of Certificates of Exemption for XL Bully owners who wish to keep their dogs. There will be a 4 month period between the 1st October 2024 and the 31st January 2025, where these owners will be able to apply for a Certificate of Exemption in order to keep their XL Bully dogs.
For consistency across jurisdictions, Ireland will be using the physical conformation standard applied in both the UK and Northern Ireland. While there are a series of subjective criteria contained in this standard to support the identification of an XL Bully, there is one size criteria that is definitive. In order to be classified as an XL Bully type dog, the following height criteria will apply;
• An adult male dog, has a height of not less than 51cm (20 inches) as measured at the withers
• An adult female dog, has a height of not less than 48cm (19 inches) as measured at the withers
The withers, in relation to a dog, means the highest point of the body of the dog that is immediately behind the neck of the dog.
Details of the conformation standard and further information will be available on gov.ie shortly.
The regulation will be enforced within the framework of the primary legislation - in this case, the Control of Dogs Act 1986 and 2014. In this context, the local authorities, through the Dog Warden Service will be responsible for its enforcement.
Local authorities are also responsible for the recruitment of dog wardens. I was delighted to announce together with my colleagues, the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Darragh O’Brien TD, and Minister of State with Responsibility for Local Government and Planning, Alan Dillon TD, funding of €2 million for local authorities to support the resourcing of dog warden services from 2025. The funding recognises the increased demands in the area of dog control and the need to ensure resources on the ground to enforce the pending ban on XL Bully dogs.
Any XL Bully Type dogs that are in dog shelters after the 1st October will be handed over to the Dog Warden where arrangements will be made to euthanise the dog in a humane manner.
2057. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the position regarding the forthcoming ban on XL Bully dogs; how these dogs will be classified; the agency responsible for enforcing this ban; how an owner could qualify for a certificate of exemption; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35518/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI recently announced a ban on XL Bully dogs in the interest of public safety following a number of recent horrific attacks. The ban will be implemented in the following 2 stages.
From October 1st 2024, new regulations will prohibit the importing, breeding, selling and re-homing of XL Bully dogs.
From February 1st 2025, it will be illegal to own an XL Bully without a ‘Certificate of Exemption’.
The regulation will detail a system of Certificates of Exemption for XL Bully owners who wish to keep their dogs. There will be a 4 month period between the 1st October 2024 and the 31st January 2025, where these owners will be able to apply for a Certificate of Exemption in order to keep their XL Bully dogs.
For consistency across jurisdictions, Ireland will be using the physical conformation standard applied in both the UK and Northern Ireland. While there are a series of subjective criteria contained in this standard to support the identification of an XL Bully, there is one size criteria that is definitive. In order to be classified as an XL Bully type dog, the following height criteria will apply;
• An adult male dog, has a height of not less than 51cm (20 inches) as measured at the withers
• An adult female dog, has a height of not less than 48cm (19 inches) as measured at the withers
The withers, in relation to a dog, means the highest point of the body of the dog that is immediately behind the neck of the dog.
The application process for a Certificate of Exemption will be managed by Local Authorities. Details of the conformation standard and further information on the criteria to qualify will be available on gov.ie shortly. However, as I previously announced in July, all XL Bully owners will be required to License, Microchip and Neuter their dogs.
The regulation will be enforced within the framework of the primary legislation - in this case, the Control of Dogs Act 1986 and 2014. In this context, local authorities, through the Dog Warden Service will be responsible for its enforcement.
Local authorities are also responsible for the recruitment of dog wardens. I was delighted to announce together with my colleagues, the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Darragh O’Brien TD, and Minister of State with Responsibility for Local Government and Planning, Alan Dillon TD, funding of €2 million for local authorities to support the resourcing of dog warden services from 2025. The funding recognises the increased demands in the area of dog control and the need to ensure resources on the ground to enforce the pending ban on XL Bully dogs.
2058. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if she is aware of the updated National Planning Framework’s projections for the geographical distribution of future job and population growth between the five cities and outside Ireland's cities; how these projections might impact the development of her Department’s forthcoming National Hub Strategy; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35607/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraA key focus of Our Rural Future (2021-2025) is to optimise digital connectivity to support vibrant, sustainable rural communities.
My Department, together with the Department of Enterprise Trade and Employment, is leading on the formulation of a first National Hub Network Strategy, in consultation with hub managers, local authorities, communities and other hub sector stakeholders. The strategy will include measures to underpin the sustainable development of the network of hubs with a view to enabling rural regeneration, contributing to balanced regional economic development, supporting working in hubs and delivery of services in rural communities.
I am fully aware of the updated National Planning Framework’s projections and the National Hub Strategy will assist public bodies planning future enterprise and remote working hubs so that they are developed in a strategic way, that meets local or regional demand and maximises utilisation in key locations in line with the National Planning Framework. I am committed to closing the digital divide between rural and urban communities and ensure that those living in rural communities are provided with the same opportunities for remote working, online trading and for education as those in larger urban areas.
2060. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the community centres located within both Cavan and Monaghan that received capital funding under the community centres investment fund in the years of 2022, 2023 and to date in 2024; and the capital works that were carried out at each community centre, in tabular form. [35666/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder 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 county Cavan, 24 community centres received funding of over €1.3 million. In county Monaghan, 39 community centres received funding of over €1.4 million. The details requested in respect of these projects are set out at the link below.
On 20th April 2024, I was delighted to also announce an investment of over €30 million for 12 new community centres nationwide. One of these projects is based in Rockcorry in county Monaghan and has been approved for funding of over €2.6 million.
In June this year, I announced 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. I look forward to announcing the successful projects under the 2024 fund in the coming months.
2061. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if she will outline her Department’s provision for the additional funding and resources of veterinary services by local authorities to implement the XL Bully ban given that all current local authority vets will transfer to the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine by January 2025; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35687/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraDiscussions are ongoing in relation to the proposed transfer of the Local Authority Veterinary Service and certain functions to the Department of Agriculture Food and the Marine (DAFM).
My Department and the Department of Agriculture are in contact regarding the possible impact this may have on my Departments Dog Control responsibilities including any potential impact on any functions in the context of the forthcoming XL Bully Ban.
2062. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if she will outline any guidance provided to local authorities by her Department on the use of privately contracted veterinary services in the implementation of the new XL Bully ban; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35688/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI recently announced a ban on XL Bully dogs in the interest of public safety following a number of recent horrific attacks. Subsequently, an Implementation Team for the XL Bully regulations was established by the chair of the Dog Control Stakeholder Group, retired Deputy Garda Commissioner Mr. John Twomey, to support the development of the regulations. Local authority interests are represented on the group through the Local Government Management Agency (LGMA).
The LGMA representative has engaged with the Chief Executives in local authorities confirming that the primary responsibility for the application and enforcement of these regulations will rest with local authorities as per its functions under the Control of Dogs Acts.
Where a person does not hold a valid Certificate of Exemption after the 1st February 2025 or have proof of application for same, the dog will be seized and thereafter maybe euthanised by a veterinary officer on behalf of the local authority.
Local Authorities have commenced planning for the implementation of these regulations and documentation to support the process will issue from my Department shortly.
2063. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the reasons no representative of local authorities sits on the Dog Control Stakeholder Group, given they are currently tasked solely with implementation of both the new XL Bully ban and the implementation of legislation on dog breeding; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35689/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn 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.
Local Authority interests are represented on the group through the City and County Managers Association (CCMA). In addition, the Local Government Management Agency (LGMA) have been assisting the Chair of the Stakeholder Group on the Implementation Team for the XL Bully regulations. This team have been working over the last number of weeks to support the development of the regulations.
The stakeholder 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.
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. I was delighted to announce, together with my colleagues, the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Darragh O’Brien TD, and Minister of State with Responsibility for Local Government and Planning, Alan Dillon TD, funding of €2 million for local authorities to support the resourcing of dog warden services from 2025. The funding recognises the increased demands in the area of dog control and the need to ensure resources on the ground to enforce the pending ban on XL Bully dogs.
2064. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if she will outline guidance given by her Department on developing a service agreement between An Garda Síochána and local authorities on the seizure of XL Bully dogs; if a working group between the two bodies is in place to address the security issues and the safety of staff; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35690/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraIt should be noted that while my 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.
Local authority dog warden services will be primarily responsible for the enforcement of the regulations and will be responsible for the initial accommodation of seized XL Bully dogs. It is envisaged that, where appropriate, local authority dog warden services will liaise with An Garda Síochána in the enforcement of the regulations, as is the current practice.
The Control of Dogs Act allows a member of the Garda Síochána to seize and detain any dog that appears to be a stray dog and they may enter any premises (other than a dwelling) for the purposes of such seizure and detention.
To support the work of dog wardens and to ensure consistency and a standardised approach to enforcement, my Department has provided funding towards the cost of the Dog Control Service National Training Programme 2024. The training commenced in April and the next module consists of 2 days of XL Bully identification training that includes a half day hands-on with dogs. The programme is voluntary, however all dog control personnel are actively encouraged to attend.
The County and City Management Association (CCMA) Dog Control Working Group developed the programme in association with my Department. This Working Group is chaired by a Local Authority Director of Services and includes Local Authority Veterinary Officers and Dog Wardens.
2065. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development for an update on development of new legislation to transfer responsibility for the control of dog breeding local authorities to a Government Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35691/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraDiscussions are ongoing in relation to the proposed transfer of Local Authority Veterinary Service and certain functions to the Department of Agriculture Food and the Marine (DAFM).
My Department and the Department of Agriculture are in contact regarding the possible impact this may have on my Departments Dog Control responsibilities particularly as it relates to Dog Breeding Establishments. Officials will continue to engage on this matter as required.
2066. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the way an XL bully dog will be identified given that there is no defined breed standard in Ireland; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35712/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI recently announced a ban on XL Bully dogs in the interest of public safety following a number of recent horrific attacks. The ban will be implemented in the following 2 stages.
From October 1st 2024, new regulations will prohibit the importing, breeding, selling and re-homing of XL Bully dogs.
From February 1st 2025, it will be illegal to own an XL Bully without a ‘Certificate of Exemption’.
The regulation will detail a system of Certificates of Exemption for XL Bully owners who wish to keep their dogs, and there will be a 4 month period between the 1st October 2024 and the 31st January 2025, where these owners will be able to apply for a Certificate of Exemption in order to keep their XL Bully dogs.
For consistency across jurisdictions, Ireland will be using the physical conformation standard applied in both the UK and Northern Ireland. While there are a series of subjective criteria contained in this standard to support the identification of an XL Bully, there is one size criteria that is definitive. In order to be classified as an XL Bully type dog, the following height criteria will apply;
• An adult male dog, has a height of not less than 51cm (20 inches) as measured at the withers
• An adult female dog, has a height of not less than 48cm (19 inches) as measured at the withers
The withers, in relation to a dog, means the highest point of the body of the dog that is immediately behind the neck of the dog.
Details of the conformation standard and further information will be available on gov.ie shortly.
2067. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the supports available for people on disability in rural areas, to ensure that they can afford transport to hospital appointments; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35843/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have responded separately to the Deputy's Parliamentary Question as regards the supports provided for people with disabilities through the Department of Social Protection. In terms of the Department of Rural & Community Development, I would add that the CLÁR programme provides funding under a number of different measures for small-scale infrastructural projects in designated rural areas. Measure 2 of that funding programme provides funding for 'Mobility, Cancer Care, First Responder and Meals on Wheels Transport Support'.
This measure is operated directly by my Department. It is open to established organisations/groups that operate on a voluntary basis and provide:
• transport to/from day care/other medical/therapy/respite services for those with significant mobility issues including requiring specialised wheelchair accessible vehicles;
• transport to/from designated cancer treatment hospitals/centres under the National Cancer Care Programme;
• Community First Response Support/Search and Rescue organisations;
• Meals on Wheels services.
The 2024 CLÁR programme is now closed for all measures and my officials are currently assessing all applications. I hope to announce the successful applications in the coming months. Since this measure was first introduced in 2018, my Department has provided funding of almost €8 million for the provision of over 150 vehicles.
Funding is also available under my Department's Community Recognition Fund for the purchase of community vehicles for a range of purposes, and local authorities have two further windows to make applications for funding under this Fund between now and the end of January, 2025.
My Department’s Community Services Programme (CSP) provides an employment subsidy towards the provision of local services by 430 community-based organisations, primarily in disadvantaged areas. This includes three organisations that provide accessible transport services for people with disabilities operating in the Greater Dublin Area, with over 50 posts funded to provide the transport services. There are no similar services funded in rural areas at present under the CSP programme.
Separately, the National Transport Authority and Local Link have supported community car initiatives in a number of locations across the country, which can also be of assistance in supporting access to hospital and medical appointments.
2068. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the up-to-date position regarding the review of Clár areas; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35992/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department's CLÁR scheme is a targeted investment programme that provides funding for small scale infrastructural projects in designated rural areas. This scheme has gone from strength to strength in recent years. Under the 2023 scheme I approved over €13 million for 303 projects.
The areas originally selected for inclusion in the programme in 2001 were those which suffered the greatest level of population decline from 1926 to 1996. The average population loss in the original CLÁR areas over the period 1926 to 1996 was 50%.
In 2006, an analysis of the 2002 Census data was carried out by Maynooth University and the programme was extended to include areas with an average population loss of 35% between 1926 and 2002.
A national review of CLÁR areas was subsequently undertaken in 2021 using the 2016 Census of Population data. From the review it is clear that many areas have seen population growth in the relevant period rather than decline, and indeed the most recent census data published by the Central Statistics Office points to further population growth across all counties since 2016.
The details of the review continue to be considered by my Department. In addition, the implications of the latest Census data would need to be evaluated before any decisions are made in relation to changing areas eligible for funding under the CLÁR programme. I believe that the current designation has served us very well and I don’t want to make changes unless they add value to the scheme.
Furthermore, it is important to also consider the context in which CLÁR now operates. I have developed a suite of supports for communities in rural areas so that there are a range of different funding options available to rural communities, be they in CLÁR areas or otherwise. There is the Town and Village Renewal Scheme, the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme and the Community Centres Investment Fund to name a few.
I look forward to announcing more successful projects under CLÁR 2024 later in the year.
