Written Answers Nos. 211-224
211. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 302 of 8 February 2024, to provide an update on the development of a new model of care for gender healthcare, and an implementation plan for its delivery; the timeline for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43550/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
212. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Health his plans to restrict the advertising of zero-alcohol products that brand share, that is, have the same branding, logos and colours as their full-strength alcoholic counterpart; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43572/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe importance of alcohol advertising is well recognized and restrictions on advertising is an important action in order to ultimately reduce alcohol consumption and the associated harm. On that basis my current priority is to finalise the regulations on the content of alcohol advertisements under section 13 of the Public Health (Alcohol) Act. These regulations, along with section 13, will provide that alcohol advertisements must contain health warning and that their content is limited to factual information.
The Advertising Standards Authority of Ireland (ASAI) set out that it is examining whether it will issue additional rules or guidance to address zero alcohol advertisements. Dealing with this issue through non-statutory means is likely to be faster and simpler than developing new law. I will continue to give consideration to how best to address this issue while awaiting the outcome of the ASAI process. My Department continually monitors the evidence on the impacts of advertising and the impacts of zero alcohol products on alcohol consumption and harm.
213. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the pay and other benefits, including any loyalty payment or bonuses or other benefit in kind, of each CEO of any State agency or State board under the remit of his Department for each year since 2022, in tabular form. [43369/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe following table includes a breakdown of all payments made to CEOs of State agencies under the remit of my department for each year since 2022 in tabular form.
|
Name of Body |
Salary of CEO or equivalent paid at the Scale or Rate ( please check to ensure Grade salary scale details are up to date) |
Other payments/bonuses paid |
Describe nature of any benefit in kind or other bonus |
Should any bonuses or supplementary benefits have been paid during 2022 to 2024 please explain the circumstances and advise if D/PENDR sanction was obtained for same in advance of payment |
|
Grangegorman Development Agency |
|
|
|
|
|
2022 |
€117,601 |
NIL |
NIL |
|
|
2023 |
€123,148 |
NIL |
NIL |
|
|
2024 |
€130,956 |
NIL |
NIL |
|
|
Skillnet Ireland |
|
|
|
|
|
2022 |
€148,714 |
NIL |
NIL |
|
|
2023 |
€153,593 |
NIL |
NIL |
|
|
2024 |
€159,846 |
NIL |
NIL |
|
|
SOLAS |
|
|
|
|
|
2022 |
€212,941 |
NIL |
NIL |
|
|
2023 |
€220,458 |
NIL |
NIL |
|
|
2024 |
€229,949 |
NIL |
NIL |
|
|
Science Foundation Ireland |
|
|
|
|
|
2022 |
€8,697.00 (Outgoing CEO) €205,586.00 (incoming CEO) |
NIL |
NIL |
|
|
2023 |
€226,626.00 |
NIL |
NIL |
|
|
2024 (to end Sep 2024) |
€158,092.00 (Outgoing Director General, Science Foundation Ireland- Jan-July 2024) €17,518.00 (Incoming Interim CEO, Research Ireland, Aug-Sep 2024) |
NIL |
NIL |
|
|
|
Science Foundation Ireland- Jan-July 2024) €17,518.00 (Incoming Interim CEO, Research Ireland, Aug-Sep 2024) |
|
|
|
|
Higher Education Authority |
|
|
|
|
|
2022 |
€167,143 |
NIL |
NIL |
|
|
2023 |
€175,458 |
NIL |
NIL |
|
|
2024 |
€181,878 |
NIL |
NIL |
|
|
Quality Qualifications Ireland |
|
|
|
|
|
2022 |
€159,567 |
NIL |
NIL |
|
|
2023 |
€168,644 |
NIL |
NIL |
|
|
2024 |
€137,647 (up to 30th Sept 2024) |
NIL |
NIL |
|
Notes:
Skillnet Ireland
Salary paid to end of September 119,751
To be paid Oct-Dec 2024 40,095
Projected Salary 2024 159,846
SOLAS
The 2022 figure was the end of year figure, so the equivalent for 2023 and 2024 is provided above. There is only one point on the salary scale for SOLAS’ CEO so the full gross figure at end of Dec of the relevant year is provided above, which is a comparison to the figure provided in 2022.
QQI Note:
The Chief Executive Officers received no performance related pay during the period.
The Chief Executive Officers’ pension entitlements do not extend beyond the standard entitlement in the model public sector defined benefit superannuation scheme.
214. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if she will provide an update in respect of the development of a national funding platform; if she has engaged external consultants in respect of same and the amount expended to date; if she will clarify the role of the Department in the project; if she will provide a schedule of the stakeholders she has engaged with on the project to date; and the date on which the project will go live. [43477/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn May 2021, my Department entered into an agreement with Pobal to conduct a scoping exercise on the potential for a ‘National Funding Platform’ of community and voluntary organisations which have a funding relationship with the State.
The overarching purpose of the scoping exercise was to explore options for a funding platform that would reduce the administrative burden on grantees and funders, as well as providing a single source of truth regarding community and voluntary sector recipients of state funding, and the nature of the funding that they received. The scoping exercise for the project has been completed and is under consideration in my Department. In that context, my officials have been engaging with colleagues in a range of other Government Departments and agencies.
It should be noted that any decision to move forward with what would be a significant ICT Development project that could, inter alia, draw data from across Government on a significant number of schemes, programmes, recipients and payments, would require a whole of Government approach. Such an exercise would require Government approval and would also be subject to the conditions set out in the public spending code.
215. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the number of the 2024 actions contained in the Trading for Impact: National Social Enterprise Policy 2024-2027 that have commenced to date; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43294/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraTrading for Impact, the new social enterprise policy puts forward a vision designed to help cultivate and sustain strong, impactful social enterprises in Ireland. This, in turn, will enrich the social, environmental and economic well-being of people living in our communities, both rural and urban.
The policy lays out 57 concrete actions, across five policy objectives: ‘Building Awareness of Social Enterprise’, ‘Growing and Sustaining Social Enterprise’, ‘Supporting the Green Transition’, ‘National and International Engagement’, and ‘Impact measurement’.
Through delivery of these policy objectives, Trading for Impact will create sustainable pathways to enhance both quality of life and economic opportunity while improving the capacity of social enterprises.
33 of these actions are scheduled to commence in 2024. Of these, 27 of these actions have commenced. These include:
• Establish a €2m capital support scheme to help capacity building for social enterprises.
• Deliver a National Social Enterprise Conference.
• Commission a partner organisation/s to support the delivery of social enterprise policy actions.
• Publish a quarterly Newsletter.
• Deliver research on rural social enterprises ‘Mapping Social Enterprises and their Impact on Sustainable Rural Development in Ireland’.
• Engage with Regional Assemblies on Regional Spatial and Economic Strategies to raise awareness of the potential of social enterprise.
• Enhance the co-ordination and consolidation of social enterprise representative organisations.
Through the implementation of every action over the lifetime of the new policy, I envisage that the social enterprise sector will continue to develop in size and significance. I look forward to the increased growth and contribution of social enterprise to Irish society, and to a future where they remain at the core of our communities as a valuable source of collaboration and innovation.
216. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development for a funding allocation comparison for public realm infrastructure between Portlaoise and Newbridge for 2020 to 2023 and to date in 2024; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43323/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe regeneration and revitalisation of our rural towns and villages is a key priority for my Department. In support of this priority my Department has put in place a range of supports and schemes, which focus on rural towns.
Towns such as Portlaoise and Newbridge which have a population of over 10,000, are not generally eligible for inclusion in such schemes. For example, the Town and Village Renewal Scheme (TVRS) is part of a range of measures designed to support these objectives. Since the launch of the TVRS in 2016 over €177 million has been allocated to almost 1,800 projects. The scheme provides funding to villages and towns with a population of less than 10,000 people with a minimum of 60% of the funding ring-fenced for villages and towns of less than 5,000 people.
However, as an exceptional measure, in 2020, funding was provided to TVRS which included funding for larger towns, including Portlaoise and Newbridge, aimed at assisting towns to respond to the challenges posed by COVID-19. The inclusion of larger towns on this occasion was in recognition of their importance in supporting the economic and social fabric of their surrounding rural communities.
Kildare County Council applied for, and secured funding of €40,000 for the removal of existing on street car parking spaces to allow the installation of parklets as well as for the use of public realm to allow for social distancing along with market stalls, outdoor eating & queuing of patrons for businesses in Newbridge. Similarly, Laois County Council was awarded funding of €36,000 to make improvements to the public realm which included street furniture and planting.
In respect of larger towns, I can confirm that the Department of Housing Planning and Local Government manages the Urban Regeneration and Development Fund (URDF) which has a specific focus on towns with a population of over 10,000. The URDF aims to deliver more compact and sustainable development, as envisaged under Project Ireland 2040. It does this by part-funding regeneration and rejuvenation projects in Ireland’s five cities and other large towns. More compact and sustainable development involves a greater proportion of residential and mixed-use development within the existing built-up footprints of our cities and towns. This will ensure more parts of our urban areas become attractive and vibrant places in which to live, work, visit and invest.
217. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the projects in east Galway that have been approved for funding under the rural regeneration and development fund; the amount of funding received for the years 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, and the year to date, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43439/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Rural Regeneration and Development Fund (RRDF) provides funding for the development and construction of large scale capital projects in towns, villages and rural areas across Ireland. Since 2018, funding of €584 million has been allocated to 243 projects.
Calls for applications to the Fund are sought under two categories – Category 1 and Category 2. Category 1 relates to large scale ambitious capital projects with all necessary planning and other consents in place and ready to proceed. Category 2 provides grant funding to enable the development of project proposals suitable for future calls for Category 1 applications.
Since 2020, seven Galway projects have been allocated RRDF funding of €19.5 million.
I announced the last round of successful projects on the 13th May 2024 for Category 1 funding. I was delighted to provide funding of €13.7 million to Galway County Council and Galway Rural Development for three projects in Galway – Athenry, Tuam and Glenamaddy.
I have listed all projects allocated funding in Galway, including the east Galway area, from 2020 to 2024 below.
|
Year Funding Awarded |
Location |
Project Name |
Total RRDF Funding |
|
2020 |
Clifden |
Clifden Town Centre |
€792,030.00 |
|
2020 |
Portumna |
Portumna Vision 2030 |
€1,192,855.00 |
|
2021 |
Portumna |
Portumna Courthouse |
€2,950,748.87 |
|
2022 |
Gort |
Gort Inse Guaire |
€798,584.00 |
|
2024 |
Athenry |
Athenry Public Realm Enhancement and Community and Enterprise Hub |
€6,075,518.00 |
|
2024 |
Glenamaddy |
Creation of Multi-Use Community Facility in Glenamaddy |
€4,003,125.00 |
|
2024 |
Tuam |
Tuam Town Hall |
€3,685,359.00 |
|
Total |
€19,498,219.87 |
218. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the projects in east Galway that have been approved for funding under the town and village renewal scheme; the amount of funding received, for the years 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, and the year to date, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43440/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraOur Rural Future, Ireland's Rural Development Policy 2021 – 2025, represents the Irish Government’s blueprint for the sustainable development of rural Ireland. It sets out a vision for a thriving rural Ireland, and to that end establishes a strategic framework for the delivery of capital investment under my Department's Rural Development Investment Programme. The delivery of these actions will enhance the wellbeing and quality of life for people living in our rural towns and villages.
The Town and Village Renewal Scheme (TVRS) was introduced in 2016 and is one of a number of measures designed to rejuvenate rural towns and villages throughout Ireland. Since the launch of the scheme over €177 million has been allocated to almost 1,800 projects. Of this just under €7 million has been allocated to 76 projects in County Galway.
In line with the policy commitments of Our Rural Future, TVRS priorities are reviewed at the end of each scheme year to ensure that funding is targeted effectively to support vibrant and attractive communities and to respond to changing needs and opportunities.
TVRS is administered through local authorities, who work closely with local communities and businesses to develop proposals that will bring long-lasting, positive impacts to rural towns and villages.
The 2023 Scheme placed particular emphasis on projects that bring economic and social vibrancy to town centres in line with Government policies, which will encourage more people into town and village centres to work, live, socialise and spend time in. At the end of April last, I announced €20.4 million in funding to support 82 successful projects under the 2023 Scheme, of which Galway has been allocated €750,000 for three projects.
Earlier this year, I launched a series of measures under the Town Centre First Suite of Supports to regenerate town centres. One such measure supports the completion of Project Development Measure (PDM) projects and on the 23 August 2024, I announced €2.6 million in funding to support 53 successful projects of which Galway has been allocated €148,925 for three projects.
The allocations in the table below include the amounts awarded to Galway under TVRS and the TCF Suite of Supports PDM.
The priorities for the 2024/25 TVRS are currently under review to inform the next iteration of the scheme which is provisionally scheduled to launch before the end of this year.
Details of projects allocated funding in Galway, including those in East Galway, are provided below:
219. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the projects in east Galway that have been approved for funding under the local improvement scheme; the amount of funding received, for the years 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, and the year to date, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43441/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Local Improvement Scheme, or LIS, supports the improvement of rural roads and laneways that are generally not maintained by local authorities.
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 nearly 20,000 landowners and residents in these rural areas.
While my Department provides funding for the scheme, it is administered by each local authority, which is responsible for the selection and prioritisation of roads in accordance with the eligibility criteria set out in the scheme outline. My Department retains LIS information on a county rather than municipal area basis. Details relating to municipal areas may be available from the relevant local authorities.
Last year, over €1.99 million in funding was granted to Galway County Council, including LIS funding for repairing island roads. This brings the total amount allocated to Galway since 2017 to more than €10.4 million. The table below sets out the overall funding allocated to Galway County Council in 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2023, and to date in 2024, as well as the number of roads completed.
Dedicated funding was introduced last year for LIS repair works on eligible island roads. Galway received €476,000 and has been allocated €500,000 in LIS funding across 2024 and 2025.
|
Galway |
Roads Completed |
Funding Allocated |
|
2020 |
30 |
€856,959 |
|
2021 |
49 |
€1,580,871 |
|
2022 |
50 |
€1,682,841 |
|
2023 |
48 |
€1,994,259 |
|
2024/2025 |
*TBC |
€3,088,444 |
|
Total |
177 |
€8,727,374 |
220. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the projects in east Galway that have been approved for funding under the outdoor recreation infrastructure scheme; the amount of funding, for the years 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, and the year to date, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43442/24]
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 2020, funding of almost €5 million has been allocated to 58 outdoor recreation projects in County Galway.
A table detailing the ORIS projects approved in County Galway since 2020 is set out below. This information relates to the funding approvals per calendar year rather than each annual iteration of the scheme. For example, projects under measures 1, 2 and 3 of the ORIS 2023 scheme were formally announced at the start of 2024 and are included under the 2024 column below.
Details of all approved projects can be found on my Department's website.
|
Approval Year |
Organisation |
Measure |
Project Name |
Grant Amount Approved |
|
2020 |
Galway County Council |
2 |
Upgrade work to a New Trail Development "Lúibín Leitir Móir - Slí Chonamara |
€95,873 |
|
2020 |
Galway County Council |
2 |
Knockdoemore - Lackagh Walking Trail |
€185,546 |
|
2020 |
Galway County Council |
2 |
The Walks Project, Loughrea |
€100,000 |
|
2021 |
Galway County Council |
1 |
Aughrane Forest Trail Project - Phase 1 |
€17,685 |
|
2021 |
Galway County Council |
1 |
Glenamaddy Frass Looped Walks Phase 1 |
€18,000 |
|
2021 |
Galway County Council |
1 |
Lismany Kylemore Boardwalk |
€20,000 |
|
2021 |
Galway County Council |
1 |
Lismany Kylemore Trail |
€20,000 |
|
2021 |
Galway County Council |
1 |
Clonbur Walking and Bicycle Trails (Maintenance) |
€18,000 |
|
2021 |
Comhar Na nOilean |
1 |
Out and About on the Offshore Islands |
€19,935 |
|
2021 |
Comhar Na nOilean |
1 |
Inishbofin Looped Walks & Blueways |
€12,600 |
|
2021 |
Forum Connemara CLG |
1 |
Luba Binn Shleibhe/Binn Shleibhe Loop |
€20,000 |
|
2021 |
Galway County Council |
1 |
Connemara Greenway Maintenance |
€17,000 |
|
2021 |
Galway County Council |
1 |
The Wheels of Athenry Cycle Trail |
€19,800 |
|
2021 |
Galway County Council |
1 |
Cill Mhuirbhigh Beach Maintenance |
€19,800 |
|
2021 |
Galway County Council |
1 |
Sandybanks Lane Walkway |
€20,000 |
|
2021 |
Galway County Council |
1 |
Annaghdown Pier |
€20,000 |
|
2021 |
Galway County Council |
1 |
Lúibín Gharumna Trail |
€19,638 |
|
2021 |
Forum Connemara CLG |
1 |
Inis Nee Loop |
€17,774 |
|
2021 |
Forum Connemara CLG |
1 |
Binn Shléibhe |
€17,955 |
|
2021 |
Galway County Council |
2 |
Atlantic Waterfall Walk, Letterfrack |
€183,465 |
|
2021 |
Galway County Council |
2 |
Woodford Millennium Oak Forest |
€200,000 |
|
2021 |
Galway County Council |
2 |
The Walks Project |
€200,000 |
|
2021 |
Galway County Council |
3 |
Portumna Blueway, Wayfinding, Sculpture Park |
€499,585 |
|
2021 |
Údarás na Gaeltachta |
3 |
Bealach Shéanadh Mhacha / Discover Shéanadh Mhacha |
€500,000 |
|
2021 |
Galway County Council |
3 |
Connemara Trails & Eurovelo Route |
€500,000 |
|
2021 |
Galway County Council |
PDM |
The Long Point Loughrea |
€50,000 |
|
2022 |
Galway County Council |
1 |
Connemara Greenway Maintenance |
€28,350 |
|
2022 |
Galway County Council |
1 |
Connemara Greenway Marketing |
€27,000 |
|
2022 |
Galway County Council |
1 |
Monivea Woods Trail |
€27,000 |
|
2022 |
Galway County Council |
1 |
Carrabane Forest Muddy Walks |
€29,250 |
|
2022 |
Galway County Council |
1 |
Gort Riverwalk |
€27,424 |
|
2022 |
Galway County Council |
1 |
Glenamaddy Walking Trails-Frass Looped Walks Phase 2 |
€21,072 |
|
2022 |
Forum Connemara CLG |
1 |
Luba Lough Coolin |
€26,024 |
|
2022 |
Forum Connemara CLG |
1 |
Luibin Cnoc Choilin |
€30,000 |
|
2022 |
Galway Rural Development |
1 |
Redevelopment of Bellew Riverside Nature Park |
€23,075 |
|
2022 |
Galway Rural Development |
1 |
Resurface existing walking track and carpark Galway Ruralark at Shannon Riverside Walkway. |
€25,579 |
|
2022 |
Galway Rural Development |
1 |
Upgrade of Hymany Way |
€28,316 |
|
2022 |
Galway County Council |
2 |
Creggs Mountain Walk |
€200,000 |
|
2022 |
Galway County Council |
2 |
The Walks Loughrea |
€200,000 |
|
2022 |
Galway County Council |
2 |
Killarainy Woods Trail |
€103,950 |
|
2022 |
Galway County Council |
3 |
Western Way Trail Upgrade |
€425,250 |
|
2022 |
Galway County Council |
PDM |
East Galway Eco Park |
€50,000 |
|
2022 |
Galway County Council |
PDM |
Portumna Outdoor Recreation Park |
€49,950 |
|
2023 |
Galway County Council |
PDM |
Rinville Forest Park Masterplan |
€49,950 |
|
2023 |
Galway County Council |
PDM |
Ballinasloe Outdoor Recreation Park |
€49,950 |
|
2023 |
Galway County Council |
PDM |
Linn Taoide Arainn |
€35,847 |
|
2023 |
Údarás na Gaeltachta |
PDM |
Lúibín Gharumna |
€22,770 |
|
2023 |
Údarás na Gaeltachta |
PDM |
Cois Caolaire |
€45,810 |
|
2024 |
Galway County Council |
1 |
Creggs Wildlife Garden accessibility upgrade |
€20,339 |
|
2024 |
Galway County Council |
1 |
Gateway to the Corrib |
€18,000 |
|
2024 |
Galway County Council |
1 |
Hymany Way Upgrade |
€29,710 |
|
2024 |
Galway County Council |
1 |
Lackagh Knockdoemore Walkway 2023 Enhancements |
€27,450 |
|
2024 |
Galway County Council |
1 |
Traught Beach Accessibility Upgrade |
€29,700 |
|
2024 |
Galway County Council |
1 |
An Trá Mhor Inverin Accessibility Upgrade |
€29,700 |
|
2024 |
Galway County Council |
1 |
Cill Murvey Beach Accessibility Upgrade |
€29,700 |
|
2024 |
Galway County Council |
2 |
Glinsk Heritage Park |
€200,000 |
|
2024 |
Galway County Council |
2 |
Castlegrove Woods Tales & Trails |
€47,821 |
|
2024 |
Galway County Council |
2 |
Ionad Pobail an Mháma - Car Park |
€172,583 |
|
Total |
58 Projects |
€4,944,226 |
221. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the projects in east Galway that have been approved for funding under the CLÁR programme; the amount funding received, for the years 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, and the year to date in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43443/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe CLÁR programme provides targeted investment for small scale infrastructural projects in defined rural areas. Since 2020, over 90 projects have been approved in county Galway with almost €5.7 million in funding. To date this year, there have been approvals under Measures 1 and 2 of CLÁR 2024 and I hope to announce Measure 3 projects in the coming weeks
The following table lists the projects approved in Galway since 2020.
|
Scheme Year |
Local authority (LA) / community group application |
Clár Measure |
Project |
Project Description |
Amount Allocated |
|
2020 |
LA |
1 |
Attymon Village |
Footpath and Lighting |
€40,500 |
|
2020 |
LA |
1 |
Coláiste an Chreagáin Mountbellew |
Bus and car turnaround and drop off area |
€50,000 |
|
2020 |
LA |
1 |
Coiste Forbartha Chorr na Móna, Conga |
Footpath upgrade, resurfacing of the parking area and Public lighting. |
€36,000 |
|
2020 |
LA |
1 |
Glinsk National School, Ballynakill |
Drop off area and footpaths |
€50,000 |
|
2020 |
LA |
1 |
St Columba’s National School, Killbeacanty |
Safety lights, upgrade road markings, car parking facilities |
€36,000 |
|
2020 |
LA |
2 |
Comhairle Muintir an Chaiseal CFTR |
Landscaping, fencing and picnic tables and seating |
€27,000 |
|
2020 |
LA |
2 |
Lawrancetown Community Development Group |
Amenity Area works |
€21,549 |
|
2020 |
Group |
3a |
Cairdeas, Forbairt Chonamara Láir Teo |
Equipment |
€3,986 |
|
2020 |
Group |
3a |
Glenamaddy Community Care |
Equipment |
€2,250 |
|
2020 |
Group |
3a |
Forum Connemara |
Vehicle Adaption |
€6,786 |
|
2020 |
Group |
3a |
COPE Galway |
Vehicle adaption & equipment |
€8,034 |
|
2020 |
Group |
3a |
Muintearas Teoranta |
Equipment |
€2,967 |
|
2020 |
Group |
3b |
Ability West Clifden |
Vehicle with adaption |
€54,000 |
|
2020 |
Group |
3b |
Brothers of Charity |
Vehicle |
€40,406 |
|
2020 |
Group |
3b |
Ballinasloe Social Services |
Large minibus with lift |
€59,400 |
|
€438,878 |
|||||
|
2021 |
LA |
1 |
Clonbern NS |
Pedestrian crossing and school parking upgrades. |
€50,000 |
|
2021 |
LA |
1 |
Galway County Council and Woodford Parish Development |
Extension of footpaths from Woodford to Derrycrag Nature Reserve. |
€50,000 |
|
2021 |
LA |
2 |
Lurga NS |
Development of community MUGA. |
€50,000 |
|
2021 |
LA |
2 |
Skehana Community Development Committee (SCD) |
Development of community accessible playground. |
€49,513 |
|
2021 |
LA |
2 |
Glinsk Community Development Association |
Development of community playground. |
€50,000 |
|
2021 |
LA |
2 |
Abbey Community Development Association |
Final Phase of Community MUGA, Lighting, Access to Adjacent Sensory Play Area, Gym. |
€27,000 |
|
2021 |
LA |
3a |
Comharchumann Forbartha Arann |
Development of Community Garden at Garrai na gCrann, shed, tools, bedding materials and planting. |
€8,100 |
|
2021 |
Group |
3b |
East Galway and Midlands Cancer Support |
Purchase of Vehicle |
€42,930 |
|
2021 |
Group |
3b |
Ability West Mountbellew |
Bus with adaption |
€54,000 |
|
2021 |
LA |
Innovation |
Galway County Council |
To undertake repairs at 3 community playgrounds. Update community directory of playgrounds. |
€30,825 |
|
2021 |
Group |
Innovation |
Comhairle Ceantar na nOileán Teo. |
(1) HUB Ceantar na nOileán (2) Gaeltacht Retrofit Co-Op. Establishment of Ireland's first Gaeltacht Retrofit Co-OP. To establish a skills exchange and mentoring programme. |
€50,000 |
|
€462,368 |
|||||
|
2022 |
LA |
1 |
Comhairle Ceantar na nOileán Teo |
Development of a community cinema and drop in youth hub facility at the Hall Pobail Tir an Fhia to include library, coffee dock & game area. |
€41,827 |
|
2022 |
LA |
1 |
Mountbellew Moylough GAA Club |
Construction of 1.1km walking/running track around site perimeter. Enhancements also to parking and lighting on site. |
€50,000 |
|
2022 |
LA |
1 |
Cleggan - Claddaghduff Community Council |
Enhancement to surface and surrounds of ballcourt at Cleggan Community Centre |
€36,492 |
|
2022 |
LA |
1 |
Kilchreest National School BOM |
Development of a car parking facility to allow access to community walking track and pitch area. |
€50,000 |
|
2022 |
LA |
1 |
Clonberne Community Centre Co Ltd |
Enhancement to access roadway allowing for increased & accessible use of existing community facilities. Associated landscaping works & development of a pollinator area. |
€50,000 |
|
2022 |
LA |
1 |
Gort GAA Club |
Development of an 850m accessible perimeter walkway around the 20acre site for community use. |
€45,000 |
|
2022 |
LA |
1 |
Ahascragh Fohenagh GAA Club |
Level existing car park, improvements to site accessibility, drainage, surfacing and lined finish. |
€49,500 |
|
2022 |
LA |
1 |
Ballinasloe Rugby Club |
Develop a walking track around the perimeter of their site encompassing two pitches. |
€32,400 |
|
2022 |
LA |
1 |
Clontuskert Community Development Group |
Resurfacing and lining of parking area, upgrade to lighting, painting of building facade, heating system upgrade, seating & garden area |
€30,267 |
|
2022 |
LA |
1 |
Ionad Oideachas Pobail Glinnsce & Caiseal |
Development of safe accessible parking facilities at the education centre. |
€27,000 |
|
2022 |
LA |
1 |
Galway County Council |
Enhancements to the community playground in Portumna |
€36,473 |
|
2022 |
LA |
1 |
Skehana Community Development (SCD) |
Upgrade of the current car parking at the Skehana Community Facility which is home to 5 rural sports clubs. Significant biodiversity element to project. |
€50,000 |
|
2022 |
LA |
1 |
Killyan Community Field |
Upgrades to include works on walkway and lighting around perimeter of pitches. Plans also include improvements to site drainage and installation of seating area |
€45,000 |
|
2022 |
LA |
1 |
Collins Park Playground Committee |
To enhance facilities at the community playground. Fit accessible play equipment to enhance inclusivity. Provision for playground maintenance also included in plans. |
€18,904 |
|
2022 |
LA |
1 |
Donaghpatrick National School |
Development of a community walkway and small playground on the school grounds which will be accessible to the wider community. |
€50,000 |
|
2022 |
Group |
2 |
Galway Hospice |
Purchase of a Vehicle |
€36,384 |
|
2022 |
Group |
2 |
Galway Mountain Rescue Team |
Purchase and conversion of a Van |
€70,501 |
|
2022 |
Group |
2 |
Irish Wheelchair Association Tuam |
Purchase of fully wheelchair accessible bus |
€54,427 |
|
2022 |
Group |
2 |
Forum Connemara |
Vehicle |
€45,348 |
|
2022 |
Group |
2 |
Irish Red Cross - (Lough Mask Lake Rescue) |
Purchase of Rescue boat |
€30,000 |
|
2022 |
Group |
3 |
Coiste Chomhlacht Forbartha Inis Meáin |
Purchase of a plug-in hybrid minibus, PV panels, and a plug-in charging point |
€114,147 |
|
2022 |
Group |
3 |
Inis Oírr Comhar Caomhán Teo |
Enhancement of existing public toilets facilities and associated Litter/recycling infrastructure |
€56,815 |
|
2022 |
Group |
3 |
Comharchumann Forbartha Árann |
Purchase raised beds, signage, equipment, bins, picnic table, seating and CCTV |
€43,098 |
|
€1,063,583 |
|||||
|
2023 |
Group |
2 |
Coiste Spreagadh na nAosach Carna |
Wheelchair accessible bus |
€80,159 |
|
2023 |
Group |
2 |
Brothers of Charity |
Passenger Vehicle |
€29,600 |
|
2023 |
Group |
2 |
Irish Red Cross |
One panel van based ambulance |
€50,000 |
|
2023 |
Group |
2 |
Irish Red Cross |
Purchase van to convert to wheelchair enabled patient transport minibus |
€45,000 |
|
2023 |
LA |
1 |
East Galway United Community Development Group |
Develop car parking facilities to include disabled access & toilet facilities |
€50,000 |
|
2023 |
LA |
1 |
Portumna GAA Club |
Construction of Spectator Stand |
€50,000 |
|
2023 |
LA |
1 |
Beagh GAA |
Upgrades at community centre |
€50,000 |
|
2023 |
LA |
1 |
Killimor GAA |
Spectator stand upgrade |
€45,000 |
|
2023 |
LA |
1 |
Tommy Larkins (Woodford) |
Upgrade of lighting |
€43,184 |
|
2023 |
LA |
1 |
St Brendans GAA, Ballygar |
Lighting of walking way around community pitches |
€50,000 |
|
2023 |
LA |
1 |
Tynagh Abbey Duniry Hurling Club |
Provision of external and Internal Public Toilets in Tynagh Abbey Duniry Community Centre |
€50,000 |
|
2023 |
LA |
1 |
Ballinakill, Leitir Mealláin- Amenity Viewing Area |
Improves access to area of natural beauty. Upgrading an existing pull-in area |
€21,942 |
|
2023 |
LA |
1 |
Dunmore NS |
Development of walking track and sensory garden |
€50,000 |
|
2023 |
LA |
1 |
Ballinakill National School, Loughrea |
Upgrading Tennis Court to Astro turf and upgrade of lighting. |
€50,000 |
|
2023 |
LA |
1 |
Milltown Community Council Ltd |
Construction of a walk/cycle way on riverbank between the village and the local sportsground |
€50,000 |
|
2023 |
LA |
1 |
Ballinasloe Social Services |
Upgrade kitchen facilities in community centre |
€50,000 |
|
2023 |
LA |
1 |
Comhar Chuigéal Teoranta Comhar Chuigéal (Leitir Mealláin) Teoranta, |
Forbairt Halla Pobail Leitir Mealláin & Oibreacht sláinte agus Sabháilteachta ar an bPáirc Spraoi. |
€41,027 |
|
2023 |
LA |
1 |
Caltra National School |
Upgrading Tennis Court to Astro turf and upgrade of lighting |
€42,278 |
|
2023 |
Group |
3 |
Cleas CTR |
Vehicle |
€51,467 |
|
2023 |
Group |
3 |
Comharcumann Frobartha Arann |
Seating area at beach with blue flag |
€45,000 |
|
2023 |
Group |
3 |
Comharcumann Frobartha Arann |
Reference Library |
€28,467 |
|
€973,124 |
|||||
|
2024 |
Group |
2 |
Ballinasloe Social Services |
Social Services Centre, Brackernagh, Ballinasloe |
€23,440 |
|
2024 |
Group |
2 |
Ability West |
Blackrock House, Salthill, Galway Portumna |
€35,424 |
|
2024 |
LA |
1 |
Scoil Mhuire Gan Smal - Ballygar National School |
Deliver a MUGA within existing boundaries |
€50,000 |
|
2024 |
LA |
1 |
Kilchreest National School Board of Management |
Complete additonal 450m of walking track |
€50,000 |
|
2024 |
LA |
1 |
Roundstone Community Development Council Ltd (Playground Committee) |
Enhance village centre playgourd |
€50,000 |
|
2024 |
LA |
1 |
Williamstown Development Company CLG, Supported by Williamstown GAA Club & National School |
Walkway enhancements with lighting, sensory garden and landscaping. |
€50,000 |
|
2024 |
LA |
1 |
Clonberne Community Centre Co Ltd & SNO Club (Special Needs +Others) |
Playground enhancements |
€50,000 |
|
2024 |
LA |
1 |
Moylough Parish Sports Field |
Upgrade to Moylough Playground |
€50,000 |
|
2024 |
LA |
1 |
Leenane Development Association CLG |
Install Sensory play equipment around the internal accessible paths of the Leenane Community Park |
€45,000 |
|
2024 |
LA |
1 |
Dunmore Tidy Towns & Galway County Council |
Upgrade and enhance Dunmore River Walk |
€50,000 |
|
2024 |
LA |
1 |
Clontuskert Community Development Group |
Upgrade and refurbishment of community rooms and changing facilities at local community pitch |
€45,000 |
|
2024 |
LA |
1 |
Killimordaly Community Centre CLG |
Small Scale Renovation and Roof Repairs to existing Community Centre |
€50,000 |
|
2024 |
LA |
1 |
Killererin Community Council |
Small Scale Community Centre renovation |
€49,456 |
|
2024 |
LA |
1 |
Woodford Parish Development |
Village centre community playground and additional seating |
€50,000 |
|
2024 |
LA |
1 |
Esker Committee Centre |
Small scale renovations (lighting and internal thermal upgrades) |
€48,262 |
|
2024 |
LA |
1 |
Kilconly Community Recreational Group |
Add 1 x Tennis Court and 1 x Basketball |
€44,730 |
|
2024 |
LA |
1 |
Gort Community Playground |
Install a net climbing frame |
€42,307 |
|
€783,619 |
222. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the projects in east Galway that have been approved for funding under the community centre investment fund, for the years 2022, 2023 and the year to date; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43444/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the 2022 Community Centre Investment Fund, almost €46 million was committed for the improvement and refurbishment of existing community centres across Ireland. There was a huge uptake of this funding and over 860 different projects are being delivered in centres the length and breadth of the country. I am happy to confirm that 61 projects totalling over €4.2 million were approved in Galway. These are outlined in the table at the link below.
In 2023, the focus of the Community Centres Investment Fund moved to new builds. Earlier this year, funding of €30 million was approved for the construction of 12 new community centres covering nine counties. County Galway had two successful projects under this fund. Áras Lae, Maigh Cuilinn has been approved €6 million in grant aid and Newcastle Community Centre in Galway City was approved for over €4.3 million. Again, these are outlined in the table at the link.
The Community Centre Investment Fund 2024 will provide funding towards capital costs for the refurbishment of existing community centres. The window for applying for the scheme closed in early September. These applications are currently being assessed and I expect to begin announcing successful projects before the end of the year.
223. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the projects in east Galway that have been approved for funding under LEADER; the amount funding, for the years 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, and the year to date, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43445/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe LEADER Programme is a key intervention of Our Rural Future, the Government’s Policy for rural development, which aims to deliver a range of actions to rural communities over the lifetime of the policy. It supports a broad range of activities that aim to respond to the diversity of the local needs of our rural areas.
From 2020 to 31st December 2023, 151 projects with a value of over €4.5 million were approved for funding by Galway Rural Development, the Local Action Group (LAG) under the 2014-2022 LEADER programme in east Galway. This programme closed for approvals at the end of 2023.
The 2023-2027 LEADER programme has now commenced in east county Galway. The LAG is in the early stages of implementation, which involves engaging with the communities and working with them to develop their project proposals. As such, there have been no projects approved to date in 2024 under the new programme but I look forward to seeing progress in this area over the coming months.
Details of all projects approved under the 2014-2022 LEADER programme by the LAG operating in east Galway and the funding allocated to them is available on my Department’s website at: www.gov.ie/en/publication/b849be-local-action-groups-approved-projects-2014-2020/
224. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the considerations made since on the measures to consider whether exemptions can be made to the leashing and muzzling requirements for dogs that have been provided with appropriate levels of accredited training, as referred to in the April 2022 report on the control of dogs; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43484/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Control of Dogs Acts set out a range of requirements for all dog owners or any other person in charge of a dog. S.I. No. 442/1998, the Control of Dogs Regulations 1998, sets out further requirements that owners of specific breeds of dogs, including strains or crosses of those breeds, have to follow. Such dogs must be muzzled and led, on a sufficiently strong leash or chain not exceeding 2 metres in length, by a competent person over 16 years of age, when in a public place.
In 2019, my Department conducted a public consultation on measures relating to the control of dogs in Ireland. Approximately 1,000 submissions were received during the public consultation stage and they touched on a wide ranging and complex number of issues which required analysis, further consultation with stakeholders and an exploration of approaches in other jurisdictions.
Based on this public consultation, the report referred to "A review of measures relating to the control of dogs in Ireland" was published in April 2022 and a selection of the submissions received were also published alongside the report. While my Department indicated in the report that consideration would be given to whether exemptions could be made to the muzzling and leashing requirements for restricted breeds, it stated that its immediate priority was to continue to promote a culture of responsible dog ownership. Accordingly, to date, no decision has been made to make any exemption to the legal requirement to leash or muzzle a dog on the "restricted breeds" list.
In March 2024, I announced the establishment of a high level stakeholder group to consider 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 on Dog Control will include consideration of further legislative measures regarding restricted breeds and will inform any necessary future actions with regard to dog control.
