Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 1 April 2025
872. Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the supports his Department has provided towards the establishment of community hotels in Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15810/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department operates a variety of funding schemes aimed at the economic and social development of rural areas, and wider community development of both rural and urban areas. These schemes do not, however, contain a specific focus on support for the establishment of community hotels. Details of these schemes, together with the activities they support and any relevant eligibility criteria etc. are available on the Department’s website.
I would note that my Department has provided funding of €150,000 excluding VAT to Tipperary County Council to fund a feasibility study on the potential sustainable future use of a former hotel in Roscrea, and this work is ongoing.
My Department also provides funding via the Community Services Programme (CSP) to Knockatallon Development Company Ltd., which manages the Sliabh Beagh Community, Tourism & Accommodation Centre in County Monaghan. The CSP currently supports over 430 community-based organisations to provide local services through a social enterprise model. The Programme provides an annual co-funding contribution towards each full-time equivalent (FTE) position being supported and, where warranted, towards the cost of employing a manager.
