Written Answers Nos. 1167-1186
1167. Deputy Jen Cummins asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science when unsuccessful applicants to the 2025 Research Ireland COALESCE grant will receive the reviewer feedback from the international panel; if he is aware of the significant delays facing applicants during this process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62851/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe COALESCE Scheme (Collaborative Alliances for Societal Challenges) funds excellent research addressing national, European, and global challenges by bringing together researchers, policy makers, enterprise, and civil society. The scheme incorporates thematic strands funded by strategic partners including Government Departments and agencies, reflecting specific policy priorities. The scheme also includes strands funded solely by Research Ireland specifically targeting interdisciplinary research addressing national or global societal challenges.
The COALESCE 2025 funding call opened in October 2024 and closed on 12 December 2024. The call received a 48% increase in applications from the previous year’s call, with 114 applicants received from across 14 Research Bodies.
16 proposals were awarded funding following the completion of the assessment process, including 14 Research Ireland funded awards and two awards funded by the strategic funding partner Cuan, the Domestic, Sexual and Gender-Based Violence agency.
All applicants were notified of the outcome of the call in mid-July 2025. The successful applicant awards commenced in October. While a September timeline for applicant feedback was indicatively planned, the doubling of application numbers has resulted in a delay in processing the feedback for all 114 applicants. Research Offices are being notified that the feedback for COALESCE will issue to all applicants by the end of 2025.
Research Ireland endeavours to ensure that communication is issued to applicants and research offices in as timely a fashion as possible. This timeline for feedback on the COALESCE Programme is in line with the previous year's funding call, when feedback was issued at the end of November 2024.
1168. Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if his Department is currently on schedule to meet its obligations under the first Programme Plan of Action of the National Human Rights Strategy for Disabled People; and to outline any risks to delivery that have already been identified. [62896/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department is fully committed to advancing the objectives of the National Human Rights Strategy for Disabled People and to meeting its obligations under the associated Programme Plan of Action.
As the Deputy will be aware, the Department of Children, Disability and Equality (DCDE) is the lead Department for the coordination of the Strategy and the associated action planning process. Work is ongoing between officials in my Department and the DCDE to finalise the Department’s specific actions and timelines under the first Programme Plan of Action.
Although this plan is not yet finalised, we are engaging closely with DCDE to make sure our commitments fit well with existing work to improve access and inclusion for learners and staff with disabilities across the Tertiary Sector.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
1169. Deputy Jen Cummins asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science his plans to establish a research and science forum of industry and research experts similar to the Responsible Business Forum. [62943/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder Impact 2030: Ireland’s Research and Innovation Strategy, my Department is progressing the establishment of a new Research and Innovation Policy Advisory Forum. As Minister, I will be chairing this new Research and Innovation Advisory Forum. The Forum will provide a formal structure for engagement between members of the research and innovation community and policy makers. Membership will comprise individuals with appropriate and relevant expertise in research and innovation, from both systems and industry perspectives. The Forum will be tasked with examining and advising on key policy considerations to support our drive for a cohesive, responsive and impactful public research system, a world-class innovation ecosystem, and our ambitions for international innovation leadership. It is intended that the first meeting of the new formation will take place in early 2026.
In addition to the Research and Innovation Policy Advisory Forum, my Department is also in the process of establishing a National Science Advice Forum which will assist the Government Science Advisor. A call for expressions of interest closed in late October. It is intended that the forum will consist of up to twelve experts drawn from those with internationally recognised scientific expertise in a range of key disciplines. Its membership will include experts that have credibility in translating science for the purpose of policy.? Membership will be for a period of three years. The Government Science Advisor wishes to have access to all types of good quality science that can contribute to the issues at hand, this includes natural sciences, engineering, medicine, social sciences and humanities. Expressions of interest were invited from both academics and practitioners.
1170. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will provide an update on funding allocations for student accommodation developments at regional universities and technological universities. [62969/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the Short-Term Activation Programme (STAP), the Government allocated €100 million in capital funding to deliver urgently needed purpose-built student accommodation and to support stalled university projects.
The first STAP project, providing 116 new beds at Maynooth University, opened to students on 8 September 2025. A further 493-bed project at University College Dublin received ministerial approval on 5 September 2025, with construction due to commence shortly. Thirty percent of all new beds delivered under STAP will be made available below market rates.
In 2022, €1m was approved to assist the Technological Sector to develop a student accommodation programme. The Technological Sector Student Accommodation Programme (TSSAP) is progressing following completion of feasibility studies in 2024–2025. Managed by the Higher Education Authority (HEA) on behalf of the Department, the programme will move to the Preliminary Business Case (PBC) stage for successful projects during 2026. This process will inform a framework for delivery models and funding options, including advancing a borrowing mechanism to unlock additional purpose-built student accommodation for the technological university sector.
In addition, Budget 2025 saw an investment of €7.5 million annual and recurrent funding for student accommodation initiatives.
The forthcoming National Student Accommodation Strategy 2025-2035 will set out the long-term framework for increasing the supply of student housing and supporting affordability measures for students across publicly funded higher education institutions.
1171. Deputy George Lawlor asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the number of vacancies which arose at principal officer level for the years 2022, 2023, 2024 and to date in 2025 in his Department and agencies under the aegis of his Department; the number of these vacancies filled between internal and external methods; the number of vacancies each year at principal officer level filled by mobility; the number of internal competitions for principal officer grade run by his Department since 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63026/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraPlease note that our department does not hold complete records of staff vacancies for the period 2022–2023, as the HR function was shared with the Department of Education during that time.
The information in respect of state bodies, within the scope of the Deputy’s question, is not held by my department. Contact details for these bodies are set out in the attached document should the Deputy wish to contact them directly with this query.
|
- |
|
Recruitment Pathway |
Recruitment Pathway |
|
Year |
Total Vacancies |
Mobility |
Secondment |
|
2024 |
7 |
1 |
1 |
|
2025 |
10* |
3 |
1
|
- 5 PO Vacancies for 2024 were carried into 2025
- Following the completion of the Department’s first Internal Promotion to Principal Officer Competition in November 2025, 5 staff members will be appointed to PO by end of November 2025.
1172. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if his Department will consider extending the SUSI grant to graduate medicine students in appreciation of the vital role these graduates will play in the healthcare system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63138/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department provides support for broadening access to Graduate Entry Medicine programmes through the part-subsidy of fees for EU students. This subsidy is paid to the higher education institutions via the Higher Education Authority, with the balance being paid by the student.
Graduate Entry Medicine (GEM) is an accelerated four-year programme designed for individuals who already hold a degree and wish to pursue a medical career. As GEM is considered a second degree, students are not eligible for support under the Free Fees Initiative or the Student Grant Scheme due to progression criteria.
In terms of student supports, my Department has taken steps to improve access and affordability for GEM students. Under the National Access Plan, socio-economically disadvantaged students who receive bursaries will now be allowed to retain them if they choose to enter GEM programmes. This is a positive development that supports diversity in the medical profession.
Additionally, GEM students may apply to the Student Assistance Fund (SAF), which provides financial support for students experiencing hardship. This can include help with rent, childcare, transport, and academic materials. Applications are made through the Access Office of the student’s institution.
Tax relief at the standard rate may also be available for tuition fees paid for approved courses, and a rent tax credit may apply. Further details are available at www.revenue.ie.
Higher Education Institutions (HEIs), which are autonomous bodies, determine their own fee structures for GEM programmes. However, the subsidy provided by my Department assists students in accessing GEM courses at lower fee rates than would otherwise be required by an institution to deliver the programme.
The Student Grant Scheme is reviewed annually, however, the Deputy will appreciate that the funding allocation for student supports is determined in the context of the overall estimates and budgetary process undertaken by all Government Departments having regard to overall resource constraints and other competing demands.
1173. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will consider implementing a maintenance allowance grant to graduate medicine students who are on GP or hospital placements outside of their home area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63139/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe principal support available to students is the statutory Student Grant Scheme, administered by Student Universal Support Ireland (SUSI). Under this scheme, maintenance and fee grants are awarded to students attending approved courses in approved institutions who meet the prescribed conditions, including those relating to nationality, residency, previous academic attainment, and means.
Graduate Entry Medicine (GEM) is an accelerated four-year programme designed for individuals who already hold a degree and wish to pursue a medical career. As GEM is considered a second degree, students are not eligible for support under the Free Fees Initiative or the Student Grant Scheme due to progression criteria.
In addition to the Student Grant Scheme, my Department funds the Student Assistance Fund (SAF), which provides discretionary financial support to students experiencing severe financial difficulty. This fund is administered by higher education institutions and details are available from their Access Offices and on [www.studentfinance.ie].
My Department does not provide a separate maintenance allowance for students undertaking placements. Issues relating to payment for placement are a matter for the relevant placement provider.
It is worth noting that my Department supports access to Graduate Entry Medicine (GEM) programmes through a part-subsidy of fees for EU students. This subsidy is provided via the Higher Education Authority to higher education institutions to offset the cost of provision for EU student places.
1174. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science to urgently intervene and provide a resolution to a matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63264/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Memorandum of Understanding referenced by the TUI Kerry Branch is an agreement between staff and local management. My Department was not a party to this agreement, and has no role in its implementation or interpretation. It is however the case that any local arrangements must comply with the provisions of the Technological Universities Act 2018 and any other relevant legislation, as well as with national pay policy. My officials meet regularly with the TUI and can provide any clarification necessary in this regard.
In relation to the other issues raised, I understand that the Integration Agreement referenced by the TUI Kerry Branch is now captured in MTU’s Strategic Plan, Our Shared Vision, 2022-2027, which captures the Agreement’s vision of “acting as one.” As such, I was happy to be able to recently welcome the appointment of the full senior Executive team at MTU. This new team is the first MTU-specific Executive structure and represents another important step in the development of the institution. All members of the new Executive work across MTU’s six campuses in Kerry and Cork and all have university-wide responsibilities.
MTU is progressing to become a competitive global university that offers a unique learning environment that will generate social and economic benefits for the southwest region. This vision will only be realised through the University Executive, Faculties and wider staff body working together to ensure a university-wide approach to teaching, research and engagement across MTU’s six campuses.
1175. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the total legal costs in defending judicial reviews of planning decisions involving his Department and/or agencies within the aegis of his Department for each of the years 2020 to 2024 and to date in 2025; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63622/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department have no legal costs in defending judicial reviews of planning decisions.
Agencies under the remit of my Department can be contacted directly in relation to any legal costs they may have incurred.
Attached are contact details for bodies under the aegis of my Department, should the Deputy wish to contact them directly.
1176. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he will review the case of a person (details supplied) regarding a SUSI grant application; if he will provide an update on the person’s appeal application; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63723/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe decision on eligibility for a student grant is a matter, in the first instance, for the centralised student grant awarding authority SUSI (Student Universal Support Ireland) to determine.
Article 22 of the Student Grant Scheme 2025 sets out for the awarding authority the determination of reckonable income. Reckonable income shall be determined by the awarding authority on the basis of information supplied in the application form and other relevant information and documentary evidence supplied. In calculating reckonable income, the awarding authority shall consider income from all sources.
In this case, an official from my Department has advised that the student referred to by the Deputy was refused grant assistance because their income was over the threshold for postgraduate study. This was advised to the student on the 25th July 2025.
The applicant appealed on 12 August 2025, but the appeal was refused as their income remained above the threshold. A second appeal was lodged by the applicant on 25 September, 2025 and this was also refused for the same reason. The applicant was notified of this decision.
Separately, SUSI requested evidence that a sibling was attending Higher Education for the 2025/26 academic year. Confirmation was received on 10 October 2025, and following this, the applicant was awarded a Postgraduate Fee Contribution on 23 October 2025 after applying the €4,950 increment.
If the applicant is unsatisfied with their grant award, they can submit an appeal to the Student Grant Appeals Board. The timeline for making this further appeal is within 30 days of the date of the decision on your original appeal. If they have had a change in circumstances or additional information that may support their application and wish to submit this documentation, this can be done by e-mailing support@susi.ie stating in the subject box "Internal Review".
1177. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science further to Parliamentary Question No. 1161 of 12 November 2025, if he will provide his Department’s agreed procedures/guidelines provided to the Higher Education Authority relating to the student assistance fund for the academic years 2023-2024 to 2025-2026 inclusive. [63740/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraPlease see attached agreed procedures/guidelines between the Department and the Higher Education Authority relating to the student assistance fund for the academic years 2023-2024 to 2025-2026.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
Student Assistance Fund Guidelines 2023
1178. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science further to Parliamentary Question No. 1161 of 12 November 2025, the reason for the fall in the student assistance fund provided by his Department from €8,823,432 for the academic year 2023-2024 to €3,812,601 for 2025-2026 to the five technological universities; if he intends to provide additional student assistance funding to the Higher Education Authority for the remainder of the current academic year; and if so, if he can he provide the additional allocations for each of the five technological universities, in tabular form. [63741/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraSignificant investment has been provided to the Student Assistance Fund (SAF) over the last number of years to help support students who required assistance due to Covid-19 and under the cost of living packages which were provided to assist with rising cost of living.?This has lead to a considerable increase in the amount of SAF allocated to the Technological Universities in 2023/24.
The 2025/2026 core funding allocation of €9.1 million for this vital Fund is the same as previous years, and we continue to monitor the fund, with respect to demand as the academic year progresses.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
1179. Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht if his Department is currently on schedule to meet its obligations under the first Programme Plan of Action of the National Human Rights Strategy for Disabled People; and to outline any risks to delivery that have already been identified. [62898/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department's mission is to promote rural and community development and to support vibrant, inclusive and sustainable communities throughout Ireland. In delivering on our remit my department liaises with stakeholders in communities around the country on an ongoing basis, including through the Local Authorities, Local Community Development Committees, Public Participation Networks and the Local Development Companies, to ensure that supports provided are timely and appropriate to the needs of communities.
There are a number of items in the first Programme Plan of Action of the National Human Rights Strategy for Disabled People that my Department will specifically action. In particular, those items relate to having regard to Universal Design and accessibility principles for capital schemes across wider rural development investment programmes, delivering inclusivity and capacity building supports and activities for disabled people through the Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme (SICAP), and assisting Public Participation Networks (PPNs) to ensure that they are as representative as possible.
At present my Department is on track to meet its obligations under the first Programme Plan of Action and no known risks to delivery of obligations have been identified to date.
All project applications under the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme are required to demonstrate how their application will enhance access for disabled people and that all larger project applications over €50,000 (measures 2 &3) will be required to demonstrate alignment with Universal Design Principles. This was applied for ORIS 2024/25 and it is my Department’s intention to continue with this requirement for future iterations of the fund.
The ‘Barriers to Involvement in Public Participation Networks’ research report was published last month and is, together with an accessible, easy-read version, available on the gov.ie website. The research outputs have been circulated to the 31 Public Participation Networks (PPNs) across the country, and a webinar to present the research findings and recommendations to the PPN community and sector stakeholders was held on 12 November 2025.
The Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme (SICAP), our country’s primary social inclusion initiative, also commits to a number of deliverables under the programme plan. Actions include increasing the proportion of programme actions targeting people with disabilities, increasing the proportion of disabled people receiving supports on the SICAP caseload, increased supports for community organisations focused on disability equality and inclusion and increasing the number of community activities targeted at disability inclusion and equality. All actions are scheduled for reporting in Q4 2026 and at present it is not anticipated there will be any barriers to achieving the programme’s commitments under the strategy.
1180. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht if he intends to introduce legislation for increased regulation and oversight of crematoria. [62939/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department has responsibility for policy and legislation in relation to local authority burial grounds while the actual operation of burial grounds is the responsibility of the local authority concerned.
Under the Local Government (Sanitary Services) Acts, 1878 to 2001, local authorities are deemed to be burial boards for their respective functional areas. Acting in their capacity as burial boards, local authorities are responsible for the management, regulation and control of burial grounds in their functional areas.
Regulations are currently in place regarding burials and burial grounds, namely Part III of the Public Health (Ireland) Act, 1878, as amended in Part VI of the Local Government (Sanitary Services) Act, 1948 and more recently, the Local Government Acts, 1994 and 2001, and also in the Rules and Regulations for the Regulation of Burial Grounds 1888 and amendments thereto. Local authorities also have powers to make bye-laws in relation to burial grounds.
In relation to the Deputy's specific query, there are currently no plans to introduce new regulations in this area.
In the context of Funeral Directors and Crematoria, I understand there are professional bodies for these activities with their own codes and standards, but my Department has no role in this regard.
In general, with regard to Crematoria, the establishment and operation of any such activity is subject, where applicable, to the provisions of legislation dealing with planning and development, environmental protection and air pollution.
1181. Deputy George Lawlor asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht the number of vacancies which arose at principal officer level for the years 2022, 2023, 2024 and to date in 2025 in his Department and agencies under the aegis of his Department; the number of these vacancies filled between internal and external methods; the number of vacancies each year at principal officer level filled by mobility; the number of internal competitions for principal officer grade run by his Department since 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63031/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe information sought by the Deputy is set out in the tables below. There are eight agencies under the aegis of my Department: Pobal, Western Development Commission, Charities Regulator, Water Safety Ireland, Údarás na Gaeltachta, Foras na Gaeilge, Oifig an Choimisinéara Teanga and the Ulster-Scots Agency.
The number of internal competitions since 2010 is details in the first row of the final column for each entities, with the other fields in those rows marked N/A. The number for the Department is from 2017 as that is the year the Department was established.
|
Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht |
Total Vacancies at PO Level |
Number filled Internally |
Number filled Externally - Open Competition |
Number filled by Mobility |
Number of Internal PO Competitions run since 2017 |
|
2022 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
4 |
|
2023 |
3 |
1 |
0 |
2 |
N/A |
|
2024 |
3 |
2 |
1 |
0 |
N/A |
|
2025 |
2 |
0 |
1 |
1 |
N/A |
|
Foras na Gaeilge |
Total Vacancies at PO Level |
Number filled Internally |
Number filled Externally - Open Competition |
Number filled by Mobility |
Number of Internal PO Competitions run since 2010 |
|
2022 |
1 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
|
2023 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
N/A |
|
2024 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
N/A |
|
2025 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
N/A |
|
Údarás na Gaeltachta |
Total Vacancies at PO Level |
Number filled Internally |
Number filled Externally - Open Competition |
Number filled by Mobility |
Number of Internal PO Competitions run since 2010 |
|
2022 |
2 |
0 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
|
2023 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
N/A |
|
2024 |
1 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
N/A |
|
2025 |
2 |
0 |
2 |
0 |
N/A |
|
Oifig an Choimisinéara Teanga |
Total Vacancies at PO Level |
Number filled Internally |
Number filled Externally - Open Competition |
Number filled by Mobility |
Number of Internal PO Competitions run since 2010 |
|
2022 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
2023 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
N/A |
|
2024 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
N/A |
|
2025 |
1 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
N/A |
|
Water Safety Ireland |
Total Vacancies at PO Level |
Number filled Internally |
Number filled Externally - Open Competition |
Number filled by Mobility |
Number of Internal PO Competitions run since 2010 |
|
2022 |
1 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
|
2023 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
N/A |
|
2024 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
N/A |
|
2025 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
N/A |
|
Western Development Commission |
Total Vacancies at PO Level |
Number filled Internally |
Number filled Externally -Open Competition |
Number filled by Mobility |
Number of Internal PO Competitions run since 2010 |
|
2022 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
3 |
|
2023 |
1 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
N/A |
|
2024 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
N/A |
|
2025 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
N/A |
|
Pobal |
Total Vacancies at PO Level |
Number filled Internally |
Number filled Externally -Open Competition |
Number filled by Mobility |
Number of Internal PO Competitions run since 2010 |
|
2022 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
8 |
|
2023 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
N/A |
|
2024 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
N/A |
|
2025 |
1 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
N/A |
|
The Ulster Scots Agency |
Total Vacancies at PO Level |
Number filled Internally |
Number filled Externally -Open Competition |
Number filled by Mobility |
Number of Internal PO Competitions run since 2010 |
|
2022 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
2023 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
N/A |
|
2024 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
N/A |
|
2025 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
N/A |
|
The Charities Regulator |
Total Vacancies at PO Level |
Number filled Internally |
Number filled Externally - Open Competition |
Number filled by Mobility |
Number of Internal PO Competitions run since 2010 |
|
2022 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
2023 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
N/A |
|
2024 |
1 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
N/A |
|
2025 |
1 (still vacant) |
0 |
0 |
0 |
N/A |
1182. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht to provide an update on the local improvement scheme; the steps he is taking to address the fact that some roads will not be fixed for decades based on the rate at which progress is being achieved; if he will commit to increasing resources available to local councils; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63065/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Local Improvement Scheme or LIS is a key support to rural communities in improving non-public rural roads and laneways that are not typically maintained by local authorities. Since 2017, almost €184 million has been provided to local authorities under the Scheme.
While my Department provides funding for the scheme, it is fully administered by local authorities. Local authorities are responsible for the selection and prioritisation of roads as well as the management of applications and waiting lists.
Given the ongoing strong demand for funding under the Scheme, I was pleased to announce an additional €14 million in LIS funding nationally in 2025, bringing the total LIS allocation this year to €30 million which is a record investment in the Scheme.
This saw an additional €1.2 million allocated to Kerry County Council above its previous allocation of €1.02m which more than doubled its 2025 funding to over €2.22 million. The Programme for Government commits to the provision of additional funding for the LIS. €17 million in LIS funding was recently announced as part of Budget 2026. This represents an increase in base funding announced in previous years.
The 2026 Local Improvement Scheme is expected to be launched early next year. This will allow local authorities to plan and manage their resources in an effective manner. Details of the 2026 LIS, including county allocations and the scheme outline, will be circulated to local authorities and published on the department's website.
1183. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht the location of the planned 93 generators that are scheduled to be provided to address potential extreme weather events; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63612/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department is prioritising supports aimed of enhancing the resilience of rural communities, including in relation to their ability to respond effectively to extreme weather conditions. For example, schemes such as CLÁR, LEADER, the Town and Village Renewal Scheme, and the Community Centres Investment Fund continue to provide significant levels of financial support for the development and maintenance of key pieces of community infrastructure.
The Community Centre Investment Fund alone has allocated €110 million in less than 3 years. These community facilities are central to the emergency response with the potential to provide access to basic welfare needs such as food, mobile phone charging, shower and hygiene facilities, and a connection to Wi-Fi/internet.
To further support these community centres, my Department is working with the National Directorate for Fire & Emergency Management and local authorities to ensure that there is a sufficient bank of mobile emergency generators in each local authority area that can be deployed as needed. The details are currently being finalised. However, it is intended that these would be mobile generators capable of being deployed for use across multiple locations and local authority areas, depending on need at any given time.
1184. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht the total legal costs in defending judicial reviews of planning decisions involving his Department and/or agencies within the aegis of his Department for each of the years 2020 to 2024 and to date in 2025; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63627/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can confirm that neither my Department, nor any agencies under the aegis of my Department, have incurred legal costs in defending judicial reviews of planning decisions from 2020 to date.
1185. Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht if additional or unspent LEADER funding can be allocated to the Kerry LAG given programme budgets are depleted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63690/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department is responsible for the LEADER programme, which is part of Ireland’s CAP Strategic Plan covering 2023 to 2027, and which is co-funded by the EU and the Exchequer.
The LEADER programme is administered by Local Action Groups, or LAGs, on behalf of the Department and has been at the heart of rural development in Ireland for over 30 years. It plays an important role in supporting local projects which bring renewed life, jobs and services to our rural communities, including those in County Kerry.
LEADER funding is allocated to LAGs at the beginning of each LEADER programme to provide them with greater flexibility in selecting and approving projects which will have a meaningful impact in their areas.
As you will be aware, €180 million of funding has been committed to the 2023 - 2027 LEADER programme. The LAG with responsibility for the delivery of LEADER in Kerry has received an allocation of almost €8.2 million. The budget comprises of over €6.1 million to support community and business projects, with the remainder covering their animation and administration costs associated with delivering the programme.
To date, the Kerry LAG has approved over 100 projects for funding under their 2023-2027 allocation with a value of over €4.7 million. Although 11% of projects have been completed to date, over 90 projects worth some €4.2 million remain to be completed. I look forward to seeing the outcomes of the current programme emerge over the coming months and years, as these projects are delivered.
Whilst there are no plans to increase the budget allocations under the current programme, funding for the LEADER programme should be considered in the context of the expanding capital allocations made available in recent years under my Department's Rural Development Investment Programme. Under these measures communities in Kerry have benefited from funding in areas such as town regeneration, the development of community facilities, and the enhancement of outdoor recreation facilities.
1186. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht when he expects the Community Services Programme to next open for funding, or when a decision on this might be announced; if there will be an annual call for funding going forward given the Programme for Government’s commitment to open the Community Services Programme for new applications annually in order that more organisations can join the initiative; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63836/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department's Community Services Programme (CSP) supports 446 services nationally via 427 community organisations to provide local social, economic, and environmental services through a social enterprise model. It focuses on urban and rural communities where public and private sector services are lacking, either through geographical or social isolation or because of demand deficits.
The CSP 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. The CSP contribution is not aligned with the minimum wage and is not intended to meet the full salary cost of supported posts. The contribution must be co-funded by other sources, for example, from income received from the public use of their facilities and services.
The CSP Programme currently provides funding towards 1,725 FTEs and 352 manager positions.
An allocation of €55.4m was made in Budget 2025 to support the CSP Programme for 2025, an increase of €3m from 2024. The additional funding announced for the Programme, as part of Budget 2025, was fully allocated to meet the increased employment costs of the existing CSP-funded organisations in 2025. A further increase of €4m has been announced for 2026, bringing the total programme allocation to €59.4m for 2026.
Under the Programme for Government, a commitment was made to open the Community Services Programme for new applications. My Department is currently examining the scope to hold an open call for the CSP Programme, in the context of the 2026 Budget announcement, having regard to both the funding needs of existing CSP-supported organisations and of organisations who wish to join the programme. The outcome of this process is anticipated in the coming weeks.
As is standard practice, all future considerations in relation to the CSP Programme will be framed in the context of available budgets.
In the interim, any organisation that wishes to be contacted in the event that the Programme will open for new applicants, can provide contact details of a nominated point of contact to the email address csp@drcdg.gov.ie.
