Written Answers Nos. 1264-1283
1267. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science for an updated version of the table on page 26 of the National Student Accommodation Strategy (2017), that details the actual supply and demand figures for purpose-built student accommodation bedspaces, broken down by cities, in the years 2017, 2019 and 2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10210/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe information requested by the Deputy is not available in the Department. As of February 2024, a total of 14,599 purpose-built student bed spaces have been delivered since 2017, bringing the national stock to approx 49,000 beds. The National Student Accommodation Strategy (2026- 2035) will be published in the coming weeks
1268. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science for an updated version of the table on page 18 of the National Student Accommodation Strategy (2017), that details existing purpose-built student accommodation bedspaces, broken down by cities, for the academic year 2025-2026; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10211/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThere are over 49,200 purpose-built student accommodation beds nationally. About two-thirds in private ownership, while our higher education institutions provide more than 15,600 beds.
The table below illustrates the total inventory of student beds at the end of 2025.
|
Location |
Total |
|
Dublin |
22,329 |
|
Cork |
7,472 |
|
Galway |
4,969 |
|
Limerick |
6,975 |
|
Waterford |
2,365 |
|
Other locations |
5,588 |
|
Overall Est. Total |
49,698 |
1269. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh den Aire Forbartha Tuaithe agus Pobail, agus Gaeltachta sonraí a thabhairt maidir leis an €5.218 milliún a thug Údarás na Gaeltachta ar ais don Státchiste sa bhliain 2023 mar thoradh ar dhíolachán scaireanna; cén chuideachta lenar bhain na scaireanna seo; agus cé chomh fada is a bhí na scaireanna ag an Údarás sular dhíol sé iad. [9201/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThug Údarás na Gaeltachta le fios nach féidir an fhaisnéis maidir leis an díol scaireanna seo a nochtadh mar gur faisnéis íogair í ó thaobh tráchtála de. Agus an tÚdarás ag feidhmiú i dtimpeallacht tráchtála, ní rud neamhghnách é coinníollacha rúndachta a bheith san áireamh i gcásanna mar seo, a bhfuil baint ag an eagraíocht leo.
1270. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh den Aire Forbartha Tuaithe agus Pobail, agus Gaeltachta liosta a thabhairt i bhfoirm tábla de na cuideachtaí a bhfuil scaireanna ag an Údarás iontu agus cad é luach na scaireanna sin. [9202/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraLéiríonn an tábla thíos na cuideachtaí a bhfuil scaireanna ag Údarás na Gaeltachta iontu agus luach na scaireanna sin.
|
|
Costas Iomlán (€) |
Gnáth Scaireanna (€) |
Scaireanna Tosaíochta (€) |
|
Fochuideachtaí-100% úinéaracht Údarás na Gaeltachta |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Muintearas CTR |
3 |
3 |
- |
|
Ealaín na Gaeltachta Teo |
2,158,013 |
2,158,013 |
- |
|
MIDC Páirc na Mara CGA |
150,000 |
150,000 |
- |
|
Seirbhísí Forbartha Gnó CGA |
1,220,000 |
1,220,000 |
- |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Comhchuideachtaí ina bhfuil idir 20% agus 50% de na gnáthscaireanna ag an Údarás |
|
|
|
|
Aerphort Idirnáisiunta Dhún na nGall Teo |
622,172 |
622,172 |
- |
|
Bradán Beo Teo |
249,964 |
249,964 |
- |
|
Cillchiarán Eisc Teo |
25,395 |
25,395 |
- |
|
Eo Teo |
31,744 |
31,744 |
- |
|
Stiuideo Solas Teo |
600,000 |
200,000 |
400,000 |
|
Westire Technology Ltd |
375,000 |
250,000 |
125,000 |
|
Comhchuideachta ina bhfuil níos lú ná 20% de na gnáthscaireanna ag an Údarás |
|
|
|
|
AmaTech Group Ltd |
442,000 |
202,000 |
240,000 |
|
Forbairt Eolaíocht Teo |
97,500 |
37,500 |
60,000 |
|
Cóin agus Abhlanna Éireann Teo |
250,000 |
50,000 |
200,000 |
|
Cora Tine Teo |
563,486 |
263,486 |
300,000 |
|
Docdaingean Teo |
50,000 |
50,000 |
- |
|
Epitheal Ltd |
125,000 |
125,000 |
- |
|
Fiontar Bia Chonamara Teo |
225,000 |
50,000 |
175,000 |
|
Foghlaim SDL Limited |
50,000 |
50,000 |
- |
|
Galf Corca Dhuibhne CPT |
200,001 |
1 |
200,001 |
|
Kerry Airport PLC |
31,743 |
31,743 |
|
|
Mara Beo Teo |
63,487 |
63,487 |
- |
|
Mint Tek Ciorcaid Teo |
60,114 |
114 |
60,000 |
|
Novelplast Ireland Ltd |
300,000 |
125,000 |
175,000 |
|
Seirbhísí Cáblaí Teo |
150,000 |
75,000 |
75,000 |
|
Sláinte Eol Teo |
300,000 |
50,000 |
250,000 |
|
Scaireanna Tosaíochta amháin |
|
|
|
|
Infheistíochtaí scaireanna neamh-chothromais i gcuideachtaí eile |
10,453,019 |
- |
10,453,019 |
|
Iomlán |
18,793,641 |
6,080,622 |
12,713,019 |
1271. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh den Aire Forbartha Tuaithe agus Pobail, agus Gaeltachta an ndearna Údarás na Gaeltachta iarratas nó éileamh riamh go gcuirfeadh an Rialtas airgead arna thuilleamh ar dhíolacháin scaireanna a bhí déanta ag an Údarás a chur ar leataobh chun tacú leis an Údarás. [9203/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraTagann treoir maidir le díolachán scaireanna agus an próiseas chun fáltais dhíol scaireanna a bhainistiú ó Chiorclán 11/2015 agus Chiorclán 17/2016 de chuid na Roinne Caiteachais Phoiblí, Bonneagair, Athchóiriúcháin Seirbhíse Poiblí agus Digitiúcháin, a rialaíonn aistriú agus diúscairt sócmhainní stáit. Déantar aon chinntí maidir le fáltais ó dhíol scaireanna de réir na gciorclán seo.
Ó am go ham, déanann Údarás na Gaeltachta aighneachtaí chuig an Roinn ag lorg ceada chun fáltais ó dhíol scaireanna a choinneáil agus déantar iad a mheas i gcomhthéacs an dá Chiorcláin thuasluaite.
Níor mhiste a nótáil go socraítear allúntais caipitil agus reatha an Údaráis mar chuid de phróiseas na Meastachán Poiblí gach bliain agus go bhfuil méadú leanúnach tagtha ar an tacaíocht fhoriomlán a chuirtear ar fáil don eagraíocht ó 2019 i leith.
1272. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh den Aire Forbartha Tuaithe agus Pobail, agus Gaeltachta ar labhair sé nó a oifigigh le hÚdarás na Gaeltachta riamh chun míniú a lorg maidir leis an rúndacht faoina mbíonn cúrsaí gnó á riaradh acu; an bhfuil sé sásta leis an rúndacht seo, go háirithe i gcás díolachán Arramara; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh.; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [9204/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraIs gníomhaireacht reachtúil neamhspleách í Údarás na Gaeltachta, atá faoi rialú boird atá ceaptha ag an Aire Forbartha Tuaithe agus Pobail agus Gaeltachta. Seachas in imthosca áirithe ina mbíonn ar an Údarás cead an Aire a lorg, níl ról ag mo Roinn ná agamsa in oibríochtaí laethúla na heagraíochta. Agus an tÚdarás ag feidhmiú i dtimpeallacht tráchtála, ní rud neamhghnách é coinníollacha rúndachta a bheith san áireamh i gconartha tráchtála, a d'fhéadfadh a bheith íogair ó thaobh na tráchtála de, a bhfuil baint ag an eagraíocht leo.
1273. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht the number of staff directly responsible for cybersecurity, as distinct from IT, within his Department; if a threat analyst, vulnerability manager and a cyber infrastructure engineer are employed; if not in-house, if this work is outsourced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9437/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra1274. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht the extent to which his Department examines third party supply chain vulnerability when it comes to cybersecurity. [9455/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 1273 and 1274 together.
My Department's Managed Desktop services are provided by the Office of the Government Chief Information Officer (OGCIO). The OGCIO implements an extensive Information Security Management System (ISMS) comprising of security policies and controls aligned and certified to the industry security standard ISO 27001:2022 to address risks from cyber security attacks.
The ISO 27001: 2022 standards underpin a strategic approach to managing and mitigating cyber risks. Core capabilities such as threat analysis, vulnerability management, and cyber infrastructure support are delivered through an appropriate combination of resources and skillsets. In addition, the standard governs the assessment and treatment of supplier related risks. It requires a systematic approach to identifying, assessing, and mitigating risks associated with supply chain and vulnerability management. All third-party services are subject to appropriate due diligence, contractual and security requirements, and ongoing oversight to ensure that cybersecurity risks are effectively identified and managed.
For operational and security reasons, the National Cyber Security Centre has advised that details of systems, processes and staff resources, which could in any way compromise cyber security measures in place, should not be disclosed. I am satisfied that, working with the OCGIO, my Department has appropriate policies, systems, and measures in place to effectively manage the risk of cyber security threats.
1275. Deputy Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht an ndéanfaidh sé ráitéas maidir le dul chun cinn na n-iarratas ar líonraí Gaeilge atá istigh faoi láthair. [9651/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraTabharfar aitheantas faoi Acht na Gaeltachta, 2012 do Líonraí Gaeilge ach pleananna teanga a bheith aontaithe leis na pobail sna líonraí éagsúla i gcomhréir leis na critéir pleanála teanga fhorordaithe. Tá Foras na Gaeilge freagrach faoi Acht na Gaeltachta, 2012, as tacaíocht a thabhairt d’eagraíochtaí maidir le hullmhú agus cur i bhfeidhm pleananna teanga sna Líonraí Gaeilge.
Tá 3 Líonra Gaeilge ceadaithe go dáta faoin bpróiseas faoi réir Acht na Gaeltachta: Inis, Baile Locha Riach agus Cluain Dolcáin. Anuas air sin, tá dhá ceann sa Tuaisceart – Carn Tóchair agus Iarthar Bhéal Feirste – ceadaithe faoi phróiseas neamh-reachtúil atá á riar ag Foras na Gaeilge.
I 2020, rinne Foras na Gaeilge athbhreithniú ar Scéim Phobal Gaeilge de chuid na heagraíochta agus, mar chomharba uirthi sin, fógraíodh an Scéim Forbartha Líonraí Gaeilge. I measc aidhmeanna na scéime seo, tá béim faoi leith ag rannpháirtithe reatha na scéime oibriú i dtreo aitheantais mar Líonra Gaeilge a bhaint amach. Tríd an scéim seo, tá grúpaí á gcumasú le teacht chun cinn agus cur isteach ar an chéad bhabhta eile den phróiseas iarratais reachtúil. Trí Fhoras na Gaeilge, agus le faomhadh mo Roinne, tabharfar cuireadh d’eagraíochtaí le bheith ceaptha mar cheanneagraíochtaí Líonraí Gaeilge in am trátha.
Toisc an Scéim Forbartha Líonraí Gaeilge bheith ceangailte go dlúth le cuspóirí Acht na Gaeltachta, 2012, rinne Bord Fhoras na Gaeilge cinneadh síneadh ama a chur le rannpháirtithe reatha de chuid na Scéime go deireadh 2026.
Déanfar cinneadh in am trátha maidir leis an gcéad timthriall eile d’ullmhú pleananna teanga i leith Líonraí Gaeilge ag tabhairt san áireamh staid reatha an phróisis pleanála teanga, aiseolas ón bhForas, agus na hacmhainní airgid a bheidh ar fáil do mo Roinn sna blianta amach romhainn.
1276. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht to significantly increase the funding allocation to County Kerry for local improvement schemes in 2026 in order to allow Kerry County Council to address the huge priority list/waiting list; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9972/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Local Improvement Scheme (LIS) provides for the upgrade of non-public rural roads and laneways that are typically not maintained by local authorities. It was re-introduced by my Department in 2017. Since then, almost €184 million has been allocated to local authorities for LIS.
Since 2017, Kerry has been allocated a total of €11.56 million in LIS funding. This figure includes the allocation of €2.23 million for 2025. While the Department provides funding for the scheme, it is managed by local authorities, which are responsible for selecting and prioritising roads. This includes handling applications, prioritising eligible roads, scheduling works, and maintaining waiting lists.
The Programme for Government commits to providing additional funding for the LIS. €17 million in LIS funding was secured as part of Budget 2026. This marks an increase in the Scheme's base allocation compared to previous years.
My Department officials are in the process of reviewing the scheme. Details of the 2026 scheme, including county allocations and the scheme outline, will be circulated to local authorities and published on the Department's website as soon as these are finalised.
1277. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht to detail the supports available to a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10118/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn line with commitments in Our Rural Future, Town Centre First and Our Living Islands, my department supports a wide range of strategic capital schemes to address challenges like vacancy and dereliction throughout rural Ireland. Rather than being targeted as private business owners, these schemes are in the main by our local authorities who may work in partnership with community groups to bring forward projects in response to departmental ‘Calls for Proposals’. The Town and Village Renewal Scheme (TVRS) introduced in 2016, is one such measure designed to rejuvenate rural towns and villages throughout Ireland. This scheme places particular emphasis on projects that will bring derelict and vacant buildings and sites back into use as multi-purpose community spaces. Over €210 million has been allocated to over 1,900 projects since the launch of the scheme. My announcement on 22 December last, saw funding of over €26.2m confirmed for a total of 116 projects under the 2025 Town and Village Renewal Scheme. In 2022, in recognition of the urgent need to regenerate town centres a new Building Acquisition Measure was introduced within the scheme. This saw an amendment to the scheme’s criteria to allow the provision of support to local authorities to acquire derelict or vacant buildings with a view to the later development of these buildings for multi-purpose community use. Under the 2025 TVRS the scheme’s criteria was widened further to allow the purchase of land in town and village centres under the Building and Land Acquisition Measure, and 20 purchases were completed by year end with expenditure of €3.76 million of which €450,000 was for the purchase of a vacant and derelict property in Co Limerick following an application submitted by the Council. This measure has seen a focus on the purchase of vacant and derelict buildings which are of strategic and cultural importance within towns - with buildings such as old schools, post offices, banks, pubs and parish halls being included in applications. In collaboration with local authorities, communities are pursuing ambitions redevelopment plans to transform these buildings into vibrant, multi-purpose facilities. Proposed uses include youth spaces, education and enterprise hubs, men's and women's sheds, and space for arts and culture, among others. The 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. Future applicants should, in the first instance, engage with their relevant local authority to discuss the development of an application, and the funding streams that may be currently available.
1278. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht to provide details of all active interdepartmental, interagency, and department-agency working groups organised under his remit. [10161/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department is committed to working with stakeholders to ensure collaboration, evidence informed policy design, effective implementation structures and robust oversight of policy and programme delivery. As a result, there are a range of relevant working groups, as detailed in the table below.
|
Active interdepartmental, interagency, and department-agency working groups |
Objective of group |
|
An Coiste Comhairleach um an nGaeilge sa Réimse Digiteach |
To advise the Minister on state policy and actions regarding the development of the Irish language in the digital and technological sphere. |
|
An Coiste Idirghníomhaireachta um an Straitéis d’Ealaíona Teangabhunaithe na Gaeilge |
To advise the Minister on state policy and actions regarding the Irish language-based arts and related Strategy. |
|
An Coiste Comhairleach um Sheirbhísí Gaeilge |
The preparation and submission to the Minister for approval of a National Plan for the provision of public services through the medium of the Irish language. That National Plan was approved by the Government and published in October 2024. |
|
Grúpa Oibre Teicniúla faoin bPlean Náisiúnta um Sheirbhísí Poiblí Gaeilge |
To lead the development and execution of strategies relating to the implementation of the objectives outlined in Major Strategic Theme 3, and in Sections 9A and 9B of the Official Languages Act. |
|
Coiste Monatóireachta Ár nOileáin Bheo/ Our Living Islands Monitoring Committee |
Monitoring the implementation of Our Living Islands Policy and Action Plan |
|
An Coiste Logainmneacha |
To advise the Minister in regard to the Irish language placenames of Ireland as set out in article 31 of the An Coiste – Official Languages Act 2003. |
|
Fóram Pleanála Teanga na nÚdarás Áitiúil |
A forum between local authorities to focus on language planning policy |
|
Irish Language Advisory Committee |
A committee aimed at promoting Irish language initiatives and programming across all media platforms |
|
An Coiste Comhairleach/ Advisory Committee |
Oversee delivery of the Gaelbhratach scheme against agreed strategic objectives |
|
Interpreting Careers in the EU Institutions and the Houses of the Oireachtas Service in Ireland |
Explore opportunities, share insights, and consider collaborative approaches to promoting and supporting interpreting careers in the European context. |
|
Interdepartmental Group on the Dormant Account Funds |
To administer and manage the Dormant Accounts Fund across Government Departments, in line with the legislation. |
|
DRCDG Agency Oversight Group |
A biannual meeting between the Department’s Management Board and the Chairpersons and CEOs of its agencies to discuss governance and operational matters. There are ICT and Communications subgroups in place. Also individual line units have oversight and liaison responsibility for each of the Department’s agencies and these line units regularly engage with the agencies. |
|
Capital Delivery Teams (CDT) Advisory Group |
The CDT Advisory Group is comprised of members of the CCMA’s Rural Community Culture and Heritage Committee, as well as staff from the department and the LGMA. It meets quarterly to discuss issues of relevance to the CDT initiative. |
|
Cross Sectoral Group (CSG) on Local and Community Development |
To provide feedback, guidance and advice to the Department in relation to the implementation of the governments strategy for the Community and Voluntary Sector, advise and input into annual work plans, and provide insights into developments, opportunities and emerging trends in the community and voluntary sector in Ireland and internationally. |
|
LCDC National and Local Communications Campaign of Awareness |
A Working Group to develop a national and local awareness campaign in relation to the role and function of the Local Community Development Committees and raise their profile. |
|
Revision of the guidelines for the operation of Local Community Development Committees. |
The Group oversees and advises on the review and revision of the existing Guidelines (2016) and seeks to further underpin Section 128E of the Regulations, with a view to supporting local authorities and creating a common general approach to the operation of LCDCs. |
|
Interdepartmental group on Outdoor Recreation. |
Advisory group made up of reps from various Government Departments who are involved in outdoor recreation and who are supporting the implementation of the National Outdoor Recreation Strategy 2023-2027. |
|
SICAP Forum |
Chaired by Department, meetings with Pobal, SICAP Programme Implementer and LCDC representatives, providing feedback on programme operations, programme policy, any local operational challenges etc. and develop responses to address. |
|
Empowering Communities Programme (ECP) Working Group |
Quarterly meetings between Department, LDCN CEO, LCDCs and LDCs representatives to discuss ongoing work under the Empowering Communities Programme, upcoming work, programme management, expenditure etc. |
|
Trading for Impact, National So Enterprise Policy 2024-2027, Stakeholder Engagement Group |
To coordinate the delivery of the Trading for Impact Policy and support Social Enterprises |
|
SICAP Community Development Quality Standards Framework Working Group |
Engagement with key stakeholders from community sector, to develop a Quality Standards Framework to capture best practice approaches for future implementation under SICAP. |
|
SICAP Case Study Working Group |
Department and Pobal working group with SICAP Programme implementers and LCDC representation to develop and refine approach to highlighting case studies under the programme and provide guidance to the wider programme on case study reporting. |
|
National Philanthropy Policy Implementation and Monitoring Group (IMG) |
With representation from other government departments, public bodies and stakeholders of the philanthropy sector, the IMG ensure the successful implementation of this policy. |
|
PPN National Advisory Committee |
To provide strategic guidance, advice and support to PPNs and to DRCDG to ensure that PPNs may continue to enable community participation in local government policymaking. |
|
PPN Roadmap Implementation Working Group |
To support the implementation of the PPN Roadmap. |
|
National Volunteering Strategy Implementation Group |
To oversee and support delivery of the National Volunteering Strategy. DRCDG, government depts and agencies, civil society stakeholders. |
|
Consultative Panel on the Advancement of Human Rights as a Charitable Purpose |
A Statutory Consultative Panel to examine how the Regulator might deal with applications from organisations applying for charitable status and charities who wish to add the advancement of human rights to their existing charitable purpose(s). |
|
Our Rural Future 2021-2025 – Implementation and Advisory Group |
Advisory group made up of representatives from various Government Departments and agencies who are involved in supporting the implementation of Our Rural Future 2021-2025. |
|
Comhairle na Tuaithe (the Countryside Council) |
Non statutory advisory group to the Minister on outdoor recreation. It is made up of stakeholder representatives from farming organisations, recreational users of the countryside and state bodies (Government Depts and agencies) with a responsibility or interest in the countryside. |
|
Interdepartmental Group – IDG for Our Rural Future 2026-2031 |
Advisory group made up of representatives from various Government Departments who are involved in supporting the development of Our Rural Future 2026-2031. |
|
National Hub Network Interdepartmental Group |
Oversight of strategic development of Ireland’s National Hubs Network |
|
National Hub Network Interdepartmental Group – Strategy Working Group |
Subgroup of the National Hub Network Interdepartmental Group providing advice on new National Hub Strategy |
|
TCF National Oversight and Advisory Group |
To oversee the delivery and implementation process of the Town Centre First policy and to provide a shared forum for engaging across Government |
|
LEADER Forum |
Considers the implementation of the 2023 – 2027 LEADER Programme. |
|
2023-2027 LEADER Programme Operating Rules Working Group |
Continually review the operating rules to ensure compliance with all EU and national regulatory requirements. |
1279. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht if he will consider amending the Community Centres Investment Fund to assist communities to purchase buildings in their area (details supplied). [10177/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraSince becoming Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, I have prioritised investment in community infrastructure. As part of Budget 2026, I was delighted to announce increased funding for the programmes that are delivering on this priority. This includes an increase in the annual budget for the Community Centre Investment Fund (CCIF) by €3 million to €20 million.
The CCIF was introduced to provide high quality, accessible, community spaces that are available to all groups in all communities in both rural and urban areas. Some €110 million has been allocated since 2022 for the enhancement and refurbishment of existing community centres and the construction of new centres where such a need has been identified.
Currently CCIF does not fund the purchase of buildings. However, I am committed to delivering further iterations of the scheme in the coming years in line with the commitment in the Programme for Government for this to become a permanent rolling fund. My officials are currently finalising the details of the next call for applications under the fund, which will focus on refurbishment to existing community centres. It is intended to open this call for application in the coming months with a view to announcing successful projects before the end of the year.
In addition, my Department supports community facilities through a range of other funding streams including through the CLÁR programme, LEADER and the Town and Village Renewal Scheme.
The Building Acquisition Measure (BAM) was launched under the Town and Village Renewal Scheme in 2022 to allow local authorities to purchase vacant and derelict buildings for future development as community assets. Following the success of the measure in 2022 it was made available again in 2023 to purchase vacant and derelict buildings to bring them back into use as multi-purpose community spaces. In 2025 the measure was reviewed and broadened to permit additional types of acquisitions, becoming the Building or Land Acquisition Measure (BLAM).
I would encourage organisations to check my Department’s website for information on funding opportunities and announcements.
1280. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht when the new CLAR maps are due to be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10178/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department's CLÁR programme provides funding under a number of different measures for small-scale infrastructural projects in designated rural areas. 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 eligible areas to be introduced as a result of the review will be implemented as part of the next iteration of the scheme which I intend to launch in the coming weeks.
1281. Deputy Conor D. McGuinness asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht if he has written to the Minister for Transport, with regard to the official languages Acts, to discuss bilingual signage on speed signage in Gaeltacht areas that continue to display speed limits in English only; and if he will take steps to overturn the rules laid out by the Department of Transport on the matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10324/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Official Languages Act 2003 (Section 9) Regulations 2008 (SI 391/2008) places obligations on relevant public bodies around:
• recorded oral announcements;
• stationary;
• signage; and
• placenames orders.
Application of those regulations note that:
3.(3) These Regulations do not apply to
(b) traffic signs—
(i) to which Regulations under section 95(2) of the Act of 1961 apply, or
(ii) to which a direction under section 95(16) of that Act applies,
- with “Act of 1961” meaning the Road Traffic Act 1961 (No. 24 of 1961) in this incidence and “traffic sign” having the same meaning as it has in section 95 (amended by section 37(a)(ii) of the Road Traffic Act 1994 (No. 7 of 1994)) of the Act of 1961. Accordingly, I have no statutory powers as regards the speed signs referred to by the Deputy. Notwithstanding this, I confirm that I have written to the Minister for Transport to ask him to give due consideration to the matter raised by the Deputy.
1282. Deputy Louis O'Hara asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht the funding schemes available to cover staffing costs for community organisations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10368/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department provides financial support towards the staffing costs of community organisations under a number of different programmes and schemes. The Community Services Programme (CSP) currently supports 445 services nationally via 426 community organisations through a social enterprise model focusing 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 manager and/or full-time equivalent (FTE) position being supported. The CSP contribution is not aligned to the minimum wage and is not intended to meet the full salary cost of supported posts. Each organisation, as an employer, is required to generate income to fully meet wage costs and cover all other operating costs involved in running the organisation. This approach is central to operating on a social enterprise model and is a key feature of the CSP Programme. The CSP Programme currently provides funding towards 1,720 Full-Time Equivalents and 351 manager positions with a budget of €59.4 million for 2026. On 17 December last, Minister Buttimer and I announced our intention to hold an open call for new organisations to join the CSP Programme in early 2026, in line with a Programme for Government commitment. The design of this open call is underway and details, including eligible community services and organisations, will be announced in due course. The Scheme to Support National Organisations (SSNO) provides multi-annual funding towards core costs of national, community and voluntary organisations delivering services and supports with a focus on one or more of the following: addressing poverty, social exclusion and promoting equality. The SSNO provides part funding for salary costs of a core member(s) of staff in the national organisation and non-salary costs that are directly attributable to the SSNO-funded post. The current iteration of the SSNO commenced on 1 July 2022, initially for period of 3 years. This has been extended to conclude at the end of June 2026. Under the current iteration, approximately €28 million will be provided to 82 national, community and voluntary organisations over the period of the scheme. Following a recent call for applications for the period 2026-2029, I can advise that the closing date for applications was in December last, with appraisals ongoing. It is anticipated the new iteration of the scheme will commence on 1 July 2026. The ‘Clár Tacaíochtaí Pobail agus Teanga’ provides capital and current funding to support community organisations and committees throughout the Gaeltacht that work for the benefit of the Irish language and Gaeltacht communities. Specific current funding is provided under various long running schemes such as ‘Scéim na gCúntóirí Teanga’, ‘Scéim na gCampaí Samhraidh’ and ‘Clár na gCluichí Gaelacha’ to support the running costs of these schemes including staffing costs. Funding is also provided on a more general basis under this programme to assist Gaeltacht and Irish language organisations in implementing agreed work programmes with the department of which staffing costs may be a factor. This is not a specific scheme and is assessed on a case by case basis. Among the community based projects that have received funding are groups like Muintearas, Oidhreacht Chorca Dhuibhne, Acadamh na hOllscolaíochta Gaeilge, and the Connacht, Ulster and Munster GAA Councils. The “Scéimeanna Tacaíochta Gaeilge” scheme, partially funded by the National Lottery, is available to organisations and groups to nurture and promote the Irish language outside the Gaeltacht. Funding is provided for projects that are strategically important in supporting the 20 Year Strategy for the Irish Language, the Official Languages Act, the Digital Plan for the Irish Language, the Language-Based Arts Strategy, and in relation to the status of Irish as an official and working language in the European Union. Among the community-based projects that have received funding, funding is provided to groups like Gaillimh le Gaeilge, Gnó Mhaigh Eo, Cill Dara le Gaeilge and Fighting Words. The funding recognises the important work these groups undertake and is primarily used to cover staffing costs. Finally, my Department’s Islands Unit provides support for the community development structures on the non-Gaeltacht islands through Comhar na nOileáin, which includes support for employing development officers. Information on all schemes operated by my Department is available at www.gov.ie/drcdg
1283. Deputy Shane Moynihan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht the parameters for the Community Centre Investment Fund; and the organisations that may apply. [10403/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraSince becoming Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, I have prioritised investment in community infrastructure. As part of Budget 2026, I was delighted to announce increased funding for the programmes that are delivering on this priority. This includes an increase in the annual budget for the Community Centre Investment Fund (CCIF) by €3 million to €20 million. The CCIF was introduced to provide high quality, accessible, community spaces that are available to all groups in all communities in both rural and urban areas. Through the CCIF, some €110 million has been allocated since 2022 for the enhancement and refurbishment of existing community centres and the construction of new centres where such a need has been identified. I am committed to delivering further iterations of the CCIF in the coming years in line with the commitment in the Programme for Government for this to become a permanent rolling fund. My officials are currently finalising the details of the next call for applications under the fund, which will focus on refurbishment to existing community centres. I expect to open this new round of funding to applicants in the coming months with a view to announcing successful projects before the end of the year. Applications can be from community organisations, for the purposes of improving community centres/spaces which are open to the wider community to a good extent for eligible activities.My Department also supports community facilities with enhancement works through a range of other funding streams including through the CLÁR programme, LEADER and the Town and Village Renewal Scheme. I would encourage organisations to check my Department’s website for information on funding opportunities and announcements.
