Written Answers Nos. 914-931
914. Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht the amount that has been spent by his Department to conduct tendering processes for public infrastructure projects in 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56698/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department does not, in general, directly build or commission infrastructure projects. Rather, the Department’s capital allocations support a range of schemes that focus on the delivery of community based projects, with the relevant projects delivered by local authorities or other bodies. It is the responsibility of the delivery body to manage the contract for an infrastructure project, including conducting any such tendering processes. It is a requirement of our funding schemes that public procurement guidelines are followed. Any procurement of capital projects undertaken directly by my Department has been completed by staff within the Department with no additional costs incurred.
915. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht for an update on the work being done by his Department, and agencies under its remit, to facilitate, in line with the commitment under the Programme for Government, the easier return to Ireland for emigrants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56794/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Programme for Government contains three actions on facilitating an easier return to Ireland for emigrants. These are to:
Establish talent networks to connect highly-skilled individuals abroad with opportunities in Ireland, creating a pipeline for skilled Irish emigrants to return and for foreign talent to engage with our economy;
Develop a new Diaspora Strategy to ensure that the new generation and profile of emigrants are aware of and can access support overseas and develop our international diaspora networks using online and data-based initiatives and
Work to facilitate the easier return to Ireland for emigrants, including reciprocal driving licence arrangements with the USA, Australia and Canada and the creation of a one-stop-support service to assist with obtaining PPS numbers and other administrative issues
These actions fall outside the remit of my Department.
The work of my Department in promoting the economic and social development of our rural towns, villages and areas, along with our focus on community development, are helping to ensure our rural areas and communities are attractive places to live, work and raise a family.
Our investment in projects under the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund is driving economic activity across the country, and schemes such as Town and Village Renewal are supporting the sustainable development of our towns and villages. The Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme is ensure we have high quality local amenities in our communities. Investment in the Connected Hubs network is supporting remote working and local enterprise development, delivering both economic and social benefits for our communities.
While my Department has not role in making the return of emigrants easier, the investment by my Department is driving economic activity and ensuring our communities are attractive places to live, including those returning to Ireland.
916. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht if he is aware that, in the 13 years since the enactment of the Gaeltacht Act 2012, only three Irish Language Networks have been formally recognised under the Act in 2021; that no new call for applications has been issued since then; if he will outline when the next statutory round of applications for Irish Language Networks will be announced, in line with the objectives of the 20-year strategy for the Irish Language; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56874/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAll 3 of the Irish Language Networks designated under the Gaeltacht Act 2012 in Loughrea, Clondalkin and Ennis had their language plans approved in January of 2020 and are currently implementing same. Annual funding of up to €100,000 over a 7 year period is being made available to each of those Irish Language Networks to implement their plans.
The Deputy should be aware that, in tandem with the statutory language planning process administered by my Department in the south, Foras na Gaeilge administers a similar non-statutory process north of the border. To date, two networks have been approved under this initiative, in West Belfast and Carn Tóchair.
In 2020, Foras na Gaeilge reviewed its Scéim Phobal Gaeilge and, as a successor to this, the organisation launched its Scéim Forbartha Líonraí Gaeilge. This scheme is intended to enable organisations currently participating in the scheme to come forward and apply for the next round of the statutory application process to gain recognition as Irish Language Networks.
I understand that the Board of Foras na Gaeilge has approved an extension of time for current grantees under Scéim Forbartha Líonraí Gaeilge until the end of 2026.
I will make a decision regarding the timing of the next cycle of preparation of language plans for Irish Language Networks in due course, taking into account feedback from Foras na Gaeilge on the matter and the level of financial resources available in the coming years.
917. Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht the number of rural recreation officers in place in Cork county; their base location within the county; the respective areas covered; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56903/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy department currently provides funding for 23 Rural Recreation Officers (RROs) in 22 Local Development Companies (LDCs) countrywide. The RRO assists with the delivery of my department’s Walks Scheme and supports other rural recreation initiatives at local level.
Under the Walks Scheme landholders are contracted to undertake maintenance work on National Waymarked Ways and other priority trails that traverse their lands. The Scheme is currently operating on 116 trails, supported by approximately 2,691 landowners.
There are currently 4 RO’s supporting the Walks Scheme in Co Cork, as per the table below. This is the most of any county.
3 of these RROs are based in Cork, with the 4th having responsibility for the Walks Scheme trails on all the offshore islands, not just those in Cork. There are 2 RROs in West Cork given the volume of landholders on the Walks Scheme there.
|
Local Development Company |
Base location |
Number of RRO's |
Area Covered |
|
West Cork Development Partnership |
Bantry, Co Cork |
2 |
West County Cork |
|
IRD Duhallow |
Newmarket, Co Cork |
1 |
North, South and East County Cork |
|
Comhar na nOilean |
Inis Oir, Co Galway |
1 |
Islands off the coast of Ireland |
Contact details for all the RROs can be found on my Department's page on gov.ie: www.gov.ie/en/department-of-rural-and-community-development-and-the-gaeltacht/policy-information/the-walks-scheme-and-rural-recreation-officers/#rural-recreation-officers
918. Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht the current status of the Cork County Outdoor Recreational Plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56904/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra919. Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht his plans to provide funding for a county outdoor recreation officer within Cork County Council; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56905/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 918 and 919 together.
A key action of Embracing Ireland’s Outdoors, the National Outdoor Recreation Strategy 2023- 2027, is the development of a County Outdoor Recreation Plan to reflect the priorities of the national strategy in each county and to ensure the development of outdoor recreation in a county in a planned manner. This will create a more strategic approach and ensure that available funding and resources are better aligned with national and county priorities.
These plans will guide the development of outdoor recreation in each county over the next 5 years. It is anticipated that in time the funding decisions of applications submitted under the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS) and potentially other funding sources will be linked to the plan.
My department is providing funding to support the development of the plans and, so far, 22 counties have commenced work on their plans.
Cork County Council submitted an Expression of Interest form to my Department for funding for the development of a County Outdoor Recreation Plan for Cork on 11th September 2025. My officials are currently engaging with them on this and expect to approve funding in the coming weeks.
My department has also committed funding of €1.28 million over three years to support a pilot programme in partnership with Sport Ireland to introduce County Outdoor Recreation Officers in six Local Sport Partnerships – Clare, Longford, Sligo, Waterford, Mayo, and Meath.
These positions were introduced to support a more coordinated and strategic approach to the development of outdoor recreation infrastructure at national and county levels and to develop and implement the county outdoor recreation plans in these areas.
The pilot has been in operation for over a year and as part of the pilot process an evaluation on the role and effectiveness of the positions will take place in the coming months. The evaluation will inform the decision as regards the establishment of such positions in any other locations.
920. Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht his Departments view of the roll out of eco toilets at large recreational sites, which are being broadly welcomed by users; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56906/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra921. Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht if his Department supports the use of 'Counters' at large recreational sites in order to capture the number of attendees at these sites; if his Department will work with stakeholders to fund these counters; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56907/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 920 and 921 together.
My Department recognises the value of electronic trail counters in capturing visitor numbers and informing future investment in outdoor recreation. Currently, 46 counters are funded by my department alongside the delivery of the Walks Scheme. A number of counters have also been funded as elements of projects supported under the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS). ORIS funds outdoor recreation infrastructure such as trails, walkways, cycleways, blueways and bridleways in rural areas.
In addition, I am aware that there are counters in place on trails and at recreational sites which are operated by other bodies including local authorities, local development companies, community groups and Coillte.
We will continue to assess the need for additional counters, taking account of the benefits of reliable visitor data to support the effective management and development of recreational sites. My officials are also exploring ways to better collate and make available the data gathered by all of the different organisations.
As regards eco toilets, these can be funded as part of projects submitted under ORIS. In addition, I understand that such toilets have also been funded through my Department's strategic partnership with Coillte.
922. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht if he is aware that funding to purchase a dedicated, fully accessible vehicle that would allow an organisation (details supplied) to safely transport disabled persons to educational programmes, recreational activities, social events, and other enriching opportunities, was recently refused, due to the failure to extend the areas designated under CLÁR in Donegal; and his plans in this regard. [57044/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department's CLÁR programme provides funding under a number of different measures for small-scale infrastructural projects in designated rural areas. I understand the application referred to by the Deputy was, unfortunately, unsuccessful in the 2024 iteration of the CLÁR programme as it was not in a designated CLÁR area.
The Programme for Government makes a commitment to carry out a comprehensive review of the eligible CLÁR areas. The statistical analysis for this review has now been completed and I am currently considering the content of the resulting report. It is intended that any changes to be introduced as a result of the review will be implemented before the next iteration of the scheme is launched next year.
923. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht if he will consider introducing a pilot scheme for community development volunteers similar to the basic income for the arts pilot scheme. [57046/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government's five-year strategy to support the community and voluntary sector, Sustainable, Inclusive and Empowered Communities, was published in 2019. It is a whole of government strategy, led by my Department and it has been implemented collaboratively over the last five years in partnership with the sector. The Strategy has played an important role in strengthening the community development, local development and community and voluntary sectors generally over the past five years.
During the summer, my department commenced the public consultation process to prepare for the development of a successor strategy, which I expect will reaffirm the Government’s commitment to supporting the community development sector.
I am very aware of the important role community workers and volunteers play in the delivery of programmes that are funded through my department, many of which are based in very disadvantaged areas and provide vital services to communities.
The Programme for Government 2025 Securing Ireland’s Future commits the Government to develop a new National Volunteering Strategy and to promote volunteerism, however there are currently no plans under consideration by my department to introduce a pilot basic income scheme for the community and voluntary sector.
My officials are engaging with the community development sector throughout the consultation process for the new strategy and will consider all feedback received when finalising the successor to this incredibly important strategy. I want to reaffirm the Government’s commitment to supporting the sector, whilst also recognising the reality of finite resources and the need to ensure that available resources are focused on providing effective services.
Finally, I would encourage any community groups or individual volunteers to engage with their Local Community Development Committees (LCDCs), Local Development Companies and Public Participation Networks (PPN) to ensure they are aware of any funding opportunities as they become available.
I would also encourage all groups and individuals to visit my department’s website www.gov.ie/drcd to ensure they are aware of funding opportunities as they become available.
924. Deputy Peter 'Chap' Cleere asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht for an update in relation to the ORIS schemes currently with his Department in counties Carlow and Kilkenny; when funding will be announced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57047/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS) is funded by my Department under Our Rural Future. ORIS provides funding under a number of measures for the development of new outdoor recreational infrastructure and for the necessary repair, enhancement or promotion of existing outdoor recreation infrastructure in countryside areas across Ireland. Such infrastructure includes for example trails, walkways, cycleways, blueways and bridleways in rural areas.
I was delighted to announce successful projects under measure 1 and the Project Development Measure (PDM) of the ORIS 2024/2025 programme in August of this year. My announcement for measure 1, which provides support for small scale infrastructure, included 2 projects in Carlow worth €75,753 and 9 projects in Kilkenny valued at €353,400. Included in the successful PDM announcement was 1 Carlow project valued at €49,500 and 2 projects from Kilkenny worth €99,500.
My officials are at an advanced stage of evaluating ORIS applications under measures 2 and 3 of the 2024/2025 scheme, which support larger scale infrastructure. This includes 1 project application from Carlow valued at €177,741 and 3 project applications from Kilkenny valued at over €839,425. I hope to be in a position to announce all successful projects in the coming weeks.
925. Deputy Peter 'Chap' Cleere asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht for an update in relation to the town and village schemes currently with his Department in counties Carlow and Kilkenny; when funding will be announced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57048/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 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. The scheme, which sees local authorities work with communities throughout the country, primarily targets funding at rural towns and villages with populations of less than 10,000 people.
Since the launch of the scheme almost €184 million has been allocated to over 1,800 projects nationally. Of this, Carlow has been allocated funding of over €7.3 million for 68 projects with over €6.5 million allocated to 65 projects in Kilkenny. Details of all TVRS projects funded by the Department can be found on the Department's website.
The 2025 Scheme was launched in March 2025 and places particular emphasis on projects that have a renewed focus on town centre economic and social recovery and regeneration. The scheme included three funding streams under which project applications could be made, the Building or Land Acquisition Measure (BLAM), the Main Scheme and the Project Development Measure (PDM).
The BLAM closed for applications on 2 May 2025, and local authorities have been informed of successful applications. For reasons of commercial sensitivity, details of individual projects receiving support will released only after the conveyancing of the properties or lands in question has been completed.
The 2025 Main Scheme and PDM’s closed for applications at the end of July. I can confirm that applications were received from both Carlow and Kilkenny local authorities. The assessment of applications, which is undertaken on a competitive basis, is currently underway and I expect to be in a position to announce the successful projects later this year.
926. Deputy Peter 'Chap' Cleere asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht for a breakdown of CLÁR funding applications currently with the Department in counties Carlow and Kilkenny; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57049/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department's CLÁR programme provides funding under a number of different measures for small-scale infrastructural projects in designated rural areas. It includes funding for community facilities and amenities (measure 1) and also vehicles for community groups such as first responders, meals on wheels and those assisting people with reduced mobility or to accessing cancer care services (measure 2). There is also a specific measure for island communities. .
I was delighted to announce successful projects under measure 2 of the CLÁR 2025 programme in September of this year. Unfortunately, no applications were received from Counties Carlow or Kilkenny under measure 2 of the 2025 CLÁR programme.
My officials are at an advanced stage of evaluating CLÁR applications under measures 1 and 3 of the 2025 programme, including some 6 projects from Carlow valued at over €173,000 and 6 projects from Kilkenny valued at almost €365,000. I hope to be in a position to announce all successful projects in the before the end of the year.
927. Deputy Eoin Hayes asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht the details of the vacant buildings owned by his Department or by agencies under the remit of his Department in Dublin 2, 4, 6, and 6W, including, the address and size in square meters; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57117/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can confirm that my Department does not own any vacant buildings in the areas listed by the Deputy.
There are eight agencies under the remit of my Department; Pobal, Western Development Commission, Charities Regulatory Authority, Water Safety Ireland, Oifig an Choimisinéara Teanga, Údarás na Gaeltachta, Foras na Gaeilge and the Ulster-Scots Agency.
I can also confirm that none of these agencies own any vacant buildings in the areas listed by the Deputy.
928. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht to urgently address and allow for the necessary funding for remedial works at the Boardwalk in Glanteenassie Forest, known as the Lough Caum Boardwalk Loop, as sections are in very bad repair; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57245/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department has a 5 year strategic partnership with Coillte to enhance recreational facilities on Coillte-owned land for use by the general public and to support increased tourism and economic activity in rural areas.
Under this partnership €15m is to be provided to Coillte over the 5 year period 2022 to 2026. This funding includes support for maintenance works on trails across Coillte’s recreational forests, including Glanteenassie Forest. The boardwalk/bog bridge referred to by the deputy is maintained by Coillte as part of this partnership with my department. I have asked my officials to contact the Deputy's office directly to ascertain further details in relation to the issue at hand.
929. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht the reason for the delay in releasing the balance of funds for a project (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57246/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Town and Village Renewal Scheme (TVRS) was introduced in 2016 and has to date allocated almost €184 million to over 1,800 projects nationally. It is one of a number of measures designed to rejuvenate rural towns and villages throughout Ireland. The scheme is administered through local authorities who work closely with communities throughout the country, and primarily targets funding at rural towns and villages with populations of less than 10,000 people.
I can confirm that in 2022 Kerry County Council was allocated funding of €250,000 under the Town and Village Renewal Scheme Main Scheme for the project referred to by the Deputy.
In line with the conditions of the underlying Town and Village funding agreement which is put in place between the Department and County Councils for each grant funded project, any final payment for projects receiving support can be only made following receipt of a final claim and on confirmation of completion of the approved works. My officials have been advised by Kerry County Council that it is engaged in the process of preparing the required material with a view to submitting a claim to my department.
930. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht the details of all reports, including consultancy reports commissioned by his Department from 1 January 2024 to date in 2025, that could be categorised as not for external publication or marked for internal use only; the cost of each report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57297/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe table below details reports commissioned by the Department, from 1 January 2024 to date in 2025, that were not commissioned with a view to publication. The reports relate to either internal management of the Department (e.g. health and safety, process reviews), or to matters intended to inform policy development or policy decisions.
My Department publishes information on all consultancies on an annual basis, including the nature of the work undertaken and the costs. The information can be found at the following link:
www.gov.ie/en/department-of-rural-and-community-development-and-the-gaeltacht/organisation-information/financial-information/#consultancies
|
Company |
Description |
Cost |
|
AP EnvEcon Limited |
Local Well-being Indicators Project |
€49,200 |
|
Inspiring change |
Consultant support with a Review of DRCD's Values and Behaviours |
€24,603 |
|
Forvis Mazars |
QA of Internal Audit Function as required under IIA standards |
€18,450 |
|
Quadra Consulting |
Health and safety Risk Assessment |
€7,985 |
|
TASC – Think-Thank for Action on Social Change |
Review of the Pilot Community Volunteers Programme |
€24,695 |
|
Crowe Ireland |
PPN Implementation Roadmap consultation on priorities |
€11,985 |
|
Social Change Consultancy |
Mapping of Irish and International Models of Public-Private Engagement |
€17,400 |
|
DHR Communications |
Delivery of the Philanthropy Policy Communications strategy |
€19,803 |
|
Martin Keating |
Outline for a Sustainable Upland Recreation Scheme and the design of a pilot Upland Recreation Scheme for the MacGillycuddy Reeks |
€15,424 |
2025
|
Company |
Description |
Cost |
|
Governance Ireland |
Review of the PPN National Advisory Group Terms of Reference |
€18,081 |
|
Risk & resilience Ltd |
External Review of Risk management in Department |
€10,320 |
|
NUI Maynooth |
Review of CLÁR eligibility |
€16,083 |
931. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht when the allocations under the 2025 town and village renewal scheme will be announced; if he will consider awarding funding to a community group (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57405/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Town and Village Renewal Scheme (TVRS) was introduced in 2016 and has to date allocated almost €184 million to over 1,800 projects nationally. Delivered in partnership with local authorities, it primarily targets funding at areas with populations of less than 10,000 people.
The 2025 Scheme was launched in March 2025 and places particular emphasis on projects that have a renewed focus on town centre economic and social recovery and regeneration. The closing date for receipt of applications into my Department for the 2025 Main Scheme was Friday 25 July 2025.
I can confirm that an application referenced by the Deputy has been received in my department. The Scheme is heavily subscribed, and funding will be allocated based on a project's suitability against scheme criteria, the geographical spread of projects, the quality of the proposed projects, and the available budget. The competitive assessment process in relation to this year's applications is currently ongoing, and I expect to be in a position to announce the successful projects later this year.
