Tuesday, 12 May 2026

Written Answers Nos. 1285-1294

• Díospóireachtaí
• Aimsigh díospóireacht
  • Díospóireachtaí na Dála
  • Díospóireachtaí an tSeanaid
  • Díospóireachtaí Coiste
• Aimsigh vótáil
  • Vótálacha na Dála
  • Vótálacha an tSeanaid
  • Vótálacha Coiste
• Ceisteanna Parlaiminte
  • Ceisteanna scríofa
  • Ceisteanna ó bhéal
• Leideanna cuardaigh
• Nuair a bhíonn tionchar tromchúiseach ag aithrisí

Departmental Schemes

Ceisteanna (1285)

Malcolm Byrne

Ceist:

1285. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the number of students in receipt of the SUSI grant for 2025/2026 and each level thereof, such as partial fees, full fees, fees plus maintenance and so on; the percentage that this represents of the overall full time undergraduate student population; the additional numbers who benefitted from changes made for this academic year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35313/26]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science

[Attachment omitted]

Departmental Data

Ceisteanna (1286)

Joe Neville

Ceist:

1286. Deputy Joe Neville asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht if he will provide a list of all capital projects - including those delivered under LEADER, the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund, CLÁR, the Town and Village Renewal Scheme, the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme and Údarás na Gaeltachta programmes which have been completed on time and within budget in Kildare in each of the past five years, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35017/26]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht

My Department implements a wide range of schemes that have supported thousands of individual capital projects throughout the country in recent years.

Details in relation to supported projects are available on my department’s website.

Across these schemes, projects are delivered by a range of lead bodies who have responsibility for the day-to-day management and delivery of projects.  My department is in ongoing engagement with lead bodies to support efficient and effective delivery of projects.  These lead bodies include local authorities, local development companies, and LEADER Groups.

For CLÁR, the Town & Village Renewal Scheme, and the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme, the scheme terms and conditions generally set out indicative completion dates of around 18-24 months. However, the Department works with lead bodies, to monitor delivery and shows flexibility where it is needed to ensure projects are delivered for communities.

For these schemes, funding approvals are generally granted in the form of maximum agreed grant amounts, with any cost overruns beyond the final agreed amount either met by the applicant or through agreed changes to the project that reduce costs to remain within the agreed amount without significantly impacting the project.

Under the LEADER programme, Local Action Groups (LAGs) receive a multi-annual funding allocation to support projects in their own LEADER area. Grant contributions towards individual projects are approved and monitored by LAGs in each area, and no additional funding is provided by the Department above the approved project allocations.

The Rural Regeneration and Development Fund (RRDF) supports large scale and ambitious capital projects. It is typically expected that approved projects would have a lifecycle of up to 5 years from funding application, through the design and planning process and to construction completion.

The details requested by the Deputy in relation to the schemes referenced are listed in the attached tables.  The tables cover the years 2021-2025 and any project completions submitted to my department to date in 2026.

Please note, there were no projects delivered by Údarás na Gaeltachta in Kildare.

Kildare>.

Departmental Data

Ceisteanna (1287)

Brian Brennan

Ceist:

1287. Deputy Brian Brennan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht if he will provide a list of all capital projects, including those delivered under LEADER, the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund, CLÁR, the Town and Village Renewal Scheme, the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme and Údarás na Gaeltachta programmes which have been completed on time and within budget in the Wicklow Wexford constituency in each of the past five years, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33966/26]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht

My Department implements a wide range of schemes that have supported thousands of individual capital projects throughout the country in recent years.

Details in relation to supported projects are available on my department’s website.

Across these schemes, projects are delivered by a range of lead bodies who have responsibility for the day-to-day management and delivery of projects.  My department is in ongoing engagement with lead bodies to support efficient and effective delivery of projects.  These lead bodies include local authorities, local development companies, and LEADER Groups.

For CLÁR, the Town & Village Renewal Scheme, and the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme, the scheme terms and conditions generally set out indicative completion dates of around 18-24 months. However, the Department works with lead bodies, to monitor delivery and shows flexibility where it is needed to ensure projects are delivered for communities.

For these schemes, funding approvals are generally granted in the form of maximum agreed grant amounts, with any cost overruns beyond the final agreed amount either met by the applicant or through agreed changes to the project that reduce costs to remain within the agreed amount without significantly impacting the project.

Under the LEADER programme, Local Action Groups (LAGs) receive a multi-annual funding allocation to support projects in their own LEADER area. Grant contributions towards individual projects are approved and monitored by LAGs in each area, and no additional funding is provided by the Department above the approved project allocations.

The Rural Regeneration and Development Fund (RRDF) supports large scale and ambitious capital projects. It is typically expected that approved projects would have a lifecycle of up to 5 years from funding application, through the design and planning process and to construction completion.

The details requested by the Deputy in relation to the schemes referenced are listed in the attached tables.  The tables cover the years 2021-2025 and any project completions submitted to my department to date in 2026.

Please note, there were no projects delivered by Údarás na Gaeltachta in Wexford or Wicklow.

Wexford Wicklow.

Road Network

Ceisteanna (1288)

Michael Cahill

Ceist:

1288. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht to introduce a budget that will allow a local improvement scheme roads (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34023/26]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht

The 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 and since then, over €201 million has been allocated to local authorities for LIS.  

In February, I was pleased to launch the 2026 scheme with funding of €17.55 million. Kerry County Council has been allocated €1.13 million, an increase on the initial funding allocated in 2025.  This funding announcement brings the total allocated to Kerry County Council since 2017 to almost €12.7 million.  

While the Department provides funding for the scheme, it is managed by local authorities, who are responsible for selecting and prioritising roads. This includes handling applications, prioritising eligible roads, scheduling works, and maintaining waiting lists. 

Within this context, it is open to local authorities to decide on the level and nature of works to be undertaken and this includes repair works to roads.  Given the existence of LIS, there are currently no plans to introduce a separate pothole repair scheme. 

My officials have engaged with local authorities who have submitted their priority lists of roads and received approval for inclusion in the 2026 scheme. The scheme will be closely monitored to ensure funding is fully utilised and that as many road improvements as possible are completed under the scheme.

Departmental Data

Ceisteanna (1289)

Grace Boland

Ceist:

1289. Deputy Grace Boland asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht if he will provide a list of all capital projects including those delivered under LEADER, the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund, CLÁR, the town and village renewal scheme, the outdoor recreation infrastructure scheme and Údarás na Gaeltachta programmes which have been completed on time and within budget in Fingal in each of the past five years, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34056/26]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht

My Department implements a wide range of schemes that have supported thousands of individual capital projects throughout the country in recent years.

Details in relation to supported projects are available on my department’s website.

Across these schemes, projects are delivered by a range of lead bodies who have responsibility for the day-to-day management and delivery of projects.  My department is in ongoing engagement with lead bodies to support efficient and effective delivery of projects.  These lead bodies include local authorities, local development companies, and LEADER Groups.

For CLÁR, the Town & Village Renewal Scheme, and the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme, the scheme terms and conditions generally set out indicative completion dates of around 18-24 months. However, the Department works with lead bodies, to monitor delivery and shows flexibility where it is needed to ensure projects are delivered for communities.

For these schemes, funding approvals are generally granted in the form of maximum agreed grant amounts, with any cost overruns beyond the final agreed amount either met by the applicant or through agreed changes to the project that reduce costs to remain within the agreed amount without significantly impacting the project.

Under the LEADER programme, Local Action Groups (LAGs) receive a multi-annual funding allocation to support projects in their own LEADER area. Grant contributions towards individual projects are approved and monitored by LAGs in each area, and no additional funding is provided by the Department above the approved project allocations.

The Rural Regeneration and Development Fund (RRDF) supports large scale and ambitious capital projects.it is typically expected that approved projects would have a lifecycle of up to 5 years from funding application, through the design and planning process and to construction completion.

The details requested by the Deputy in relation to the schemes referenced are listed in the attached tables.  The tables cover the years 2021-2025 and any project completions submitted to my department to date in 2026.

Please note, there were no projects delivered by Údarás na Gaeltachta in Fingal.Fingal

Departmental Data

Ceisteanna (1290)

Micheál Carrigy

Ceist:

1290. Deputy Micheál Carrigy asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht if he will provide a list of all capital projects including those delivered under LEADER, the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund, CLÁR, the Town and village renewal scheme, the outdoor recreation infrastructure scheme and Údarás na Gaeltachta programmes which have been completed on time and within budget in Longford in each of the past five years, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34086/26]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht

My Department implements a wide range of schemes that have supported thousands of individual capital projects throughout the country in recent years.

Details in relation to supported projects are available on my department’s website.

Across these schemes, projects are delivered by a range of lead bodies who have responsibility for the day-to-day management and delivery of projects.  My department is in ongoing engagement with lead bodies to support efficient and effective delivery of projects.  These lead bodies include local authorities, local development companies, and LEADER Groups.

For CLÁR, the Town & Village Renewal Scheme, and the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme, the scheme terms and conditions generally set out indicative completion dates of around 18-24 months. However, the Department works with lead bodies, to monitor delivery and shows flexibility where it is needed to ensure projects are delivered for communities.

For these schemes, funding approvals are generally granted in the form of maximum agreed grant amounts, with any cost overruns beyond the final agreed amount either met by the applicant or through agreed changes to the project that reduce costs to remain within the agreed amount without significantly impacting the project.

Under the LEADER programme, Local Action Groups (LAGs) receive a multi-annual funding allocation to support projects in their own LEADER area. Grant contributions towards individual projects are approved and monitored by LAGs in each area, and no additional funding is provided by the Department above the approved project allocations.

The Rural Regeneration and Development Fund (RRDF) supports large scale and ambitious capital projects.  It is typically expected that approved projects would have a lifecycle of up to 5 years from funding application, through the design and planning process and to construction completion.

The details requested by the Deputy in relation to the schemes referenced are listed in the attached tables.  The tables cover the years 2021-2025 and any project completions submitted to my department to date in 2026.

Please note, there were no projects delivered by Údarás na Gaeltachta in Longford.Longford

Civil Service

Ceisteanna (1291)

Barry Ward

Ceist:

1291. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht the position regarding any mechanism in place within his Department that allows for civil servants to transfer on secondment to an equivalent role within the European Union, without negatively impacting their pension and other employment rights; his views on the merits of such a scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34429/26]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht

My Department is supportive of staff wishing to work within European Union institutions as part of their career development. Over recent years employees have been seconded to EU institutions through the National Experts in Professional Training (NEPT) scheme and the Secondment of National Experts (SNE) scheme. These secondments provide valuable skills, knowledge and networks for individuals to bring to my Department on their return. 

My Department has also facilitated Irish speaking interns being provided with placements in EU institutions in co-operation with the European Commission, the European Parliament, the European Council, the Committee of the Regions and the Publications Office. This ongoing scheme is focused on the provision of opportunities for graduates to acquire work placements in the specialist field of translation and proof-reading.

Seconded employees either remain employed by my Department or are seconded to the Department of Foreign Affairs, enabling them to retain their Civil Service pension and other employment rights.

Any permanent move to European Union institutions would be via the relevant competition processes run by those institutions, and relevant staff would then be covered by the pension and other employment rights associated with the specific role.  The guidelines for transfers to EU pension schemes are provided by the Pension Policy Unit in the Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation, and are a matter for that Department. Under these guidelines civil servants are not able to transfer pensionable service into an EU pension scheme although a transfer value may be paid in respect of pension rights to certain EU institutions.  The transfer value is in the form of a single lump sum payment representing the actuarial value of an individual's accrued preserved benefits from their civil service pension scheme.

Departmental Data

Ceisteanna (1292)

John Paul O'Shea

Ceist:

1292. Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht if he will provide a list of all capital projects including those delivered under LEADER, the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund, CLÁR, the town and village renewal scheme, the outdoor recreation infrastructure scheme and Údarás na Gaeltachta programmes which have been completed on time and within budget in Cork North-West in each of the past five years, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34731/26]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht

My Department implements a wide range of schemes that have supported thousands of individual capital projects throughout the country in recent years.

Details in relation to supported projects are available on my department’s website.

Across these schemes, projects are delivered by a range of lead bodies who have responsibility for the day-to-day management and delivery of projects.  My department is in ongoing engagement with lead bodies to support efficient and effective delivery of projects.  These lead bodies include local authorities, local development companies, and LEADER Groups.

For CLÁR, the Town & Village Renewal Scheme, and the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme, the scheme terms and conditions generally set out indicative completion dates of around 18-24 months. However, the Department works with lead bodies, to monitor delivery and shows flexibility where it is needed to ensure projects are delivered for communities.

For these schemes, funding approvals are generally granted in the form of maximum agreed grant amounts, with any cost overruns beyond the final agreed amount either met by the applicant or through agreed changes to the project that reduce costs to remain within the agreed amount without significantly impacting the project.

Under the LEADER programme, Local Action Groups (LAGs) receive a multi-annual funding allocation to support projects in their own LEADER area. Grant contributions towards individual projects are approved and monitored by LAGs in each area, and no additional funding is provided by the Department above the approved project allocations. This rural development programme is available in rural areas of Cork, outside of Cork city.

The Rural Regeneration and Development Fund (RRDF) supports large scale and ambitious capital projects. It is typically expected that approved projects would have a lifecycle of up to 5 years from funding application, through the design and planning process and to construction completion.

Údarás na Gaeltachta manages an extensive capital programme across its building portfolio to foster enterprise and sustainable employment within Gaeltacht regions. Additionally, the authority secures strategic investment through schemes like the RRDF and REDF to deliver large-scale infrastructure projects, such as the Campas Íosagáin development in Baile Bhuirne.

The details requested by the Deputy in relation to the schemes referenced are listed in the attached tables.  The tables cover the years 2021-2025 and any project completions submitted to my department to date in 2026 Cork North West.

Departmental Expenditure

Ceisteanna (1293)

Eoghan Kenny

Ceist:

1293. Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht the basis on which the current levy arising from public expenditure overruns is being calculated and applied to his Department’s Vote; whether any categories of expenditure, including pay, pensions or staffing-related costs, are exempt from the levy within his Department; and if he will provide a breakdown of the areas against which the levy is being applied. [35087/26]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht

The Secretary General of the Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation wrote to my Department on the 23rd of April with regard to a proposed levy on current expenditure for 2027. The basis on which it was calculated was not set out in the letter, however, it notes that the distribution of the levy has been designed to protect certain areas of expenditure. It also states that it is a matter for each Department to determine how the levy will be applied across their Vote Group. 

The letter also notes that this issue will form a key element of the Estimates engagement for Budget 2027, and I have asked my officials to engage on this matter in the context of those negotiations. Managing any levy will, therefore, depend on the outcome of Budget 2027 negotiations.

Departmental Funding

Ceisteanna (1294)

John Clendennen

Ceist:

1294. Deputy John Clendennen asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht the plans to provide funding to ensure that rural communities have access to venues for local social and cultural events; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35277/26]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht

My Department administers a number of capital programmes that provide funding to rural communities to ensure access to community facilities that are used for local social and cultural events. 

The CLÁR programme provides funding under a number of different measures for small-scale infrastructural projects in designated rural areas.  I was pleased to launch the 2026 CLAR programme on 10th March this year with a record budget of €12 million. Measure 1 of the 2026 programme will continue to support the development of community facilities and amenities and is currently open for applications via local authorities.

The current LEADER programme covers the period from 2023 to 2027. It provides support to rural communities under a broad range of themes, including Rural Infrastructure and Social Inclusion, and has for many years supported community spaces that provide for local social and cultural events, such as community centres and local theatres. Prospective applicants should, in the first instance, contact their Local Action Group, through its Implementing Partner to discuss the eligibility of the proposed project and the funding that may be available.

The Town and Village Renewal Scheme is designed to rejuvenate rural towns and villages throughout Ireland. This scheme places particular emphasis on projects which support sustainable employment creation, town centre resilience and regeneration, enhancing our streetscapes, and bringing derelict and vacant buildings and sites back into use as multi-purpose community spaces. This may include projects which provide multi-purpose venues for social and cultural events. 

A call for proposals for application under the Building or Land Acquisition Measure strand of the scheme is currently open, with a closing date of 29 May 2026.  It is my intention to open the ‘Main Scheme’ and ‘Project Development Measure’ strands of the scheme in the second half of the year. 

The Community Centre Investment Fund (CCIF) was introduced to provide high quality, accessible, community spaces that are available to communities in both rural and urban areas. The scheme supports  enhancement and refurbishment works on existing facilities and the construction of new centres where such a need has been identified.

I was delighted to launch the latest round of funding under CCIF 2026 on the 26th March for enhancement and refurbishment of existing community centres - facilities which will no doubt support social and cultural events. The fund will be delivered across 2 categories with maximum funding levels of €25,000 and €100,000 respectively. The fund will open to online applications on 29th May and I will announce the successful projects before the end of the year.

Details of these programmes can be found on my Departments website.

• Written Answers Nos. 1264-1284