Written Answers Nos. 137-155
138. Deputy James O'Connor asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht if applications have been received from east Cork for the newly opened building and land acquisition measure under the town and village renewal scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38380/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Town and Village Renewal Scheme (TVRS) was introduced in 2016 and is one of a number of measures designed to rejuvenate rural towns and villages throughout Ireland. Since the launch of the scheme over €210 million has been allocated to over 1,900 projects nationally.
Delivered in partnership with local authorities, TVRS primarily targets funding at areas with populations of less than 10,000 people. Applications for towns with populations of up to 15,000 people are also accepted where the project is of a high quality, displays good value for money and has the potential to significantly benefit the town.
In 2022, in recognition of the need to transform and regenerate town centres a ‘Building Acquisition Measure’ was introduced under the TVRS to allow local authorities purchase vacant and derelict buildings for redevelopment into multi-purpose community spaces. In 2025, the scheme’s criteria was widened to allow the purchase of land in town and village centres under the ‘Building and Land Acquisition Measure’.
On the 29th April last I was delighted to announce a new Call for Proposals under the 2026 Building and Land Acquisition Measure. The approach will see our local authorities engaging at a community level to identify and prioritise potential applications that would meet the needs of their communities.
The closing date for the submission of applications to the Department by local authorities is the 29th May 2026. I look forward to receiving high quality applications from Cork and across the country, and to announcing the successful acquisitions in the months ahead.
139. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht his views on the merits of providing multi-annual funding for men’s and women’s sheds to allow them to plan longer-term projects; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37225/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI believe that the emergence of Men’s Sheds and Women's Sheds has been a very positive development for communities across Ireland and I am fully committed to supporting Men's Sheds and Women's Sheds in the valuable work they do.
While I understand the desire for multi-annual funding, it would not be possible for my Department to provide multi-annual funding to individual Men's Sheds and Women's Sheds on an ongoing basis for a variety of reasons, including budgetary rules and accountability requirements. My Department is working within the resources it has to provide the best supports possible at this time.
My Department provides funding to Men's Sheds and Women’s Sheds under various funding supports, including:
• The €7 million Local Enhancement Programme (LEP) 2026, the results of which I will be announcing in the coming weeks;
• The Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme (SICAP) 2024 - 2028; and
• The LEADER programme.
Men’s Sheds and Women's Sheds can apply individually for all of these schemes.
In addition to these schemes, earlier this month, I announced details of the Men’s Sheds who have benefitted from funding my Department provided directly to the Irish Men’s Shed Association (IMSA).
Both my Department and the Department of Health jointly funded the provision of a facilitator to assist representatives of Women’s Sheds form a national body (Women’s Sheds of Ireland – WSOI). This work was completed recently.
My colleague Minister Murnane O Connor secured €150,000 for women's sheds in her departments Health and Wellbeing Budget 2026. The funding was assigned to the HSE and recently officials from my Department and the Department of Health facilitated an introduction of the WSOI to officials in the HSE regarding the utilisation of this funding. My Department will continue to offer any support it can while this process continues.
I would encourage all Men’s Sheds and Women’s Sheds to check my Department’s website, and to engage with their Local Community Development Committees (LCDCs), Local Development Companies and Public Participation Networks (PPN), to ensure they are aware of funding opportunities as they become available.
140. Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht if he will provide funding to communities to support the use of the Irish language in Omeath in County Louth, which was the last Gaeltacht on the east coast; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38001/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department provides funding to Foras na Gaeilge, one of the agencies of the North South Language Body, to fund and deliver various programmes on an all-island basis. Foras na Gaeilge in turn administers over 23 different support schemes each year aimed at developing and promoting the language.
I am not aware of any specific initiatives currently underway in relation to the Irish language in the Omeath area. However, I understand that both Gaeláras Mhic Ardghail in Newry and Craobh Pheadair Uí Dhubhda in Dundalk currently receive funding under Foras na Gaeilge's Scéim Forbartha Líonraí Gaeilge (Irish Language Networks Development Scheme).
This scheme aims to promote, protect and engrain the Irish language in particular areas, with an emphasis on the development and implementation of comprehensive language plans. In accordance with government policy on the Irish language, the focus of this scheme is on longer term and more strategic planning following the principles of language planning.
Separately, other initiatives and supports are available to support the use of the Irish language in the community. Glór na nGael, the lead organisation selected by Foras na Gaeilge in the area of community development, offers many practical supports in enabling and empowering local committees and community groups to encourage the use of the Irish language.
If the Deputy has a specific project in Omeath in mind, I would recommend that its promoters should, in the first instance, contact Foras na Gaeilge to discuss the various supports available both from the agency itself and from its lead organisations.
141. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht his plans to ensure that every community has appropriate amenities to support community development and living standards; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38227/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department operates a range of schemes aimed a supporting the provision of amenities to support community development. It does so in partnership with Local Authorities, Local Community Development Committees (LCDCs), and community and voluntary organisations, with these amenities providing key community, social, recreational and cultural hubs across the country.
Of particular importance for communities is the Community Centre Investment Fund (CCIF), which was established in 2022, provides capital funding for the upgrade and refurbishment of existing community centres and the construction of new centres in both urban and rural communities. The 2026 CCIF will focus on the improvement and refurbishment of existing community centres, and the online application portal will open on May 29th.
In addition, the Local Enhancement Programme (LEP), which is administered at local level, provides small scale support for community infrastructure, in particular for disadvantaged communities.
In rural areas the range of rural development programmes such as the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund, Town and Village Renewal and LEADER all provide opportunities for communities to develop or improve amenities in their areas. In addition the CLÁR Programme provides funding for projects such as playgrounds, transport for meals on wheels groups, and small infrastructural amenities in specific rural areas.
The Community Services Programme (CSP) supports a range of community organisations and social enterprises that deliver essential local services and manage community facilities. Ongoing support is also provided through the Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme (SICAP), which assists disadvantaged communities through capacity building, social inclusion initiatives and community engagement.
I am confident these schemes, delivered in co-operation with local authorities, LCDCs and community groups, help to ensure appropriate amenities for communities across the country.
142. Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht for an update on the sustaining social enterprise scheme 2026-2027; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38002/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 'Sustaining Social Enterprise Scheme 2026/2027', funded under the Dormant Accounts Fund, is an innovative funding scheme that was launched by my Department in April 2026.
The purpose of the 'Sustaining Social Enterprise Scheme 2026/2027' is to help established social enterprises become more financially sustainable, to help them provide services and deliver their social, environmental or economic objective from a stronger economic base.
Under the scheme, which has an allocation of €4m for 2026 and 2027, it is planned to support a number of social enterprises or consortia of social enterprises to deliver projects that will increase their traded income and therefore their financial sustainability over a 23-month period. A webinar was held on 17 April to guide interested social enterprises on how to assess possible areas of growth in their businesses as part of the scheme.
Successful projects may include the employment of a key staff member to increase traded income (e.g. a business development manager) or be part of a shared services model to free up existing staff to focus on income generation (e.g. administration or HR services) and each new role generated will be self-sustaining by the end of the funding period. Applicants must fit the definition of a social enterprise, as defined in the Trading for Impact policy, and be at the sustaining stage. The maximum grant amount (over two years) is €150k and match funding of 10% is required.
The portal for applications, via the Pobal website, closed at 2pm last Friday, 15 May 2026. My officials have been informed that 140 completed applications were received by that time. Completed applications will be subject to a two-stage application process. Applicants deemed not to fit the criteria will be ruled out at an early stage and social enterprises confirmed to be eligible will be invited to complete a more in-depth application for further assessment.
Funding decisions are due to be communicated to all applicants in September. Successful social enterprises will be issued Grant Agreements for a period of 23 months. It is expected that in the region of 30 Grantees will receive funding under DAF Sustaining Social Enterprises. This scheme is delivered under de minimis State Aid rules.
143. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht the steps being taken to address ongoing population decline and housing shortages in Gaeltacht areas; the number of housing units funded or delivered in Gaeltacht regions in the past two years; the way in which the Government is ensuring that young people can remain and work in Gaeltacht communities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38412/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraIt should be noted by the Deputy that housing policy is a matter for the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage.
That said, the provision of housing for those living and working in Gaeltacht areas is an extremely important issue to me as Minister as it is essential to developing the language, services, employment, entrepreneurship and other opportunities in the Gaeltacht. Minister Browne and I have been working closely on this with officials since my appointment as Minister.
The recently published Government Housing Plan contains a commitment by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage to publish a National Planning Statement for the Gaeltacht in the first half of 2027, while also stating that the feasibility of Údarás na Gaeltachta working with Uisce Éireann and local authorities to support housing construction for Irish speaking communities will be examined.
I have recently facilitated a meeting between Údarás na Gaeltachta and Uisce Éireann with a view to ensuring that progress is made on this matter without delay. It is worth noting however, that Údarás na Gaeltachta has a secondary role in this space as the primary responsibility lies with the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage and the local authorities.
On a related matter, I met with the LGMA and relevant local authorities earlier this year to discuss the matter of Gaeltacht housing. At that meeting I recommended that relevant local authorities integrate the specific needs of the Gaeltacht into County Development Plans, and consult with Údarás na Gaeltachta to ensure that any housing policy to be implemented is appropriate to address the housing shortage in the Gaeltacht.
Údarás na Gaeltachta has statutory responsibility for the economic, linguistic, social and cultural development within the 26 Gaeltacht Language Planning Areas prescribed under the Gaeltacht Act 2012. The organisation supports over 9,000 jobs in its client companies and has, over a number of years, developed a level of expertise in providing wastewater facilities serving its network of business parks and industrial estates across all Gaeltacht Language Planning Areas. As I have already outlined, in this context, it is proposed to examine the feasibility of Údarás na Gaeltachta working with Uisce Éireann and local authorities to support building housing for Irish speaking communities.
Furthermore, I understand that the Housing Activation Office (HAO) has been established in the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, comprising experts seconded from Uisce Éireann, ESB Networks, the National Transport Authority, Transport Infrastructure Ireland and the local government sector. The Office, as I understand, will address barriers in areas such as roads, water, electricity, drainage and community infrastructure, to get housing developments moving across the country. A new €1 billion fund has also been created to support the Housing Activation Office, with €205m allocated in 2026. The Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage is also working with Uisce Éireann and local authorities to address water and wastewater infrastructure needs through the Rural Water Programme, which includes Gaeltacht communities and helps support the delivery of housing in these areas.
In addition, the Town Centre First policy, a joint initiative of my Department and the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, has put in place a suite of measures to support the regeneration, repopulation and development of rural towns and villages. This includes the Ready to Build Scheme funded under the Croí Cónaithe Towns Fund, which supports local authorities to make vacant serviced sites in towns and villages available for sale to potential individual purchasers at a discount on the market value of the site, to build a home. The level of discount to the individual will depend on the level of servicing cost incurred by the local authority before the sale of the site but will not exceed €30,000.
The Planning and Development Act 2024 includes specific provisions relating to Gaeltacht areas, including that where there is a Gaeltacht within the functional area of a planning authority, the corresponding development plan for that area must include provisions and settlement-specific objectives for the protection of the linguistic and cultural heritage of the Gaeltacht including the protection of Irish as the Gaeltacht’s community language. Where a development plan sets out settlement-specific objectives in respect of any Gaeltacht, a ‘Priority Area Plan’ will subsequently be introduced for that Gaeltacht area to guide its development, renewal or regeneration and to specify how the relevant settlement-specific objectives in the development plan are to be implemented.
As set out in Delivering Homes, Building Communities, the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage intend to publish a National Planning Statement for the Gaeltacht in the first half of 2027. Having regard to the need to consider the complex matters involved and further to engagement with my Department, a finalised draft National Planning Statement will be assessed for the purposes of Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) and Appropriate Assessment (AA).
144. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht if he will report on the local improvement scheme; the measures this supported in Meath; the funding allocated to LIS in budget 2025; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37331/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Local Improvement Scheme (LIS) provides for the upgrading of non-public rural roads and laneways that are typically not maintained by local authorities. It was reintroduced by my Department in 2017, and since then, over €201 million has been allocated to local authorities for the LIS.
In February this year, I was pleased to announce the launch of the 2026 scheme. This confirmed a Budget 2026 budget allocation of €17.55 million which represents an increase on the initial 2025 allocation. Meath County Council has been allocated a base allocation of €573,970 for works in 2026.
In 2025, Meath received an initial allocation of €548,771 and a subsequent mid year allocation of €286,016. This brought the full annual allocation to €834,787 and saw the completion of 13 roads under the scheme.
Since 2017, over €6.4 million has been allocated to Meath in LIS funding, resulting in the completion of 128 roads up to December 2025. This investment demonstrates my commitment to ensuring the scheme remains well funded nationally. As I have signalled previously, I will keep my Department’s spending under review with a view to reallocating any underutilised funds to schemes such as the LIS later in the year.
While the Department allocates funding, local authorities administer the scheme, and are responsible for the selection and prioritisation of eligible roads. 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 in 2026.
145. Deputy Catherine Callaghan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht his plans to safeguard and expand upon the funding that is available to community development initiatives such as the Carlow County Development Partnership, amidst current economic uncertainties; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38298/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department is committed to supporting community development initiatives across the country through a range of funding schemes and measures. Local Development Companies are key to the delivery of some schemes, in particular LEADER and the Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme (SICAP).
The LEADER programme, which is co-funded by the EU, supports rural communities in areas such as economic development and job creation, rural infrastructure, social inclusion, and environmental sustainability. In Carlow, the LEADER Local Action Group is Carlow Local Community Development Committee, with Carlow County Development Partnership acting as their implementing partner. Under the 2023-2027 programme this Local Action Group have an overall budget allocation of almost €5 million to complete work in line with their Local Development Strategy. The budget comprises of over €3.7 million to provide grant support to community and business projects, with the remainder covering their animation and administration costs associated with delivering the programme. This allocation over the programme period provides significant funding certainty for Carlow County Development Partnership.
In addition, Carlow County Development Partnership delivers SICAP across all of County Carlow on behalf of my Department. SICAP is Ireland’s primary social inclusion intervention. Funding of approximately €744,000 has been allocated to Carlow County Development Partnership for the delivery of SICAP in 2026, with an additional €125,000 allocated for delivery of programme supports to New Arrivals in the community. Funding for SICAP and related interventions has grown in recent years, helping ensure sustained progress in relation to social inclusion. We continuously review funding to such schemes to ensure our available funding is put to best use in terms of supporting communities throughout the country.
146. Deputy Edward Timmins asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht if an assessment has been done on the success of the RRDF program; the measures that can be taken to improve the outcomes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38278/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Rural Regeneration and Development Fund (RRDF) is a major capital investment programme which seeks to support large-scale, ambitious projects that can achieve sustainable economic and social development in rural areas. RRDF provides funding for the development and construction of capital projects in towns and villages in rural areas across Ireland.
Funding is allocated to local authorities and other State-funded bodies, who take the lead role in individual projects. Since the first RRDF projects were approved in 2019, funding of over €612 million has been approved for 272 projects nationwide.
A focused policy assessment of the RRDF was undertaken in co-operation with the Irish Government Economic and Evaluation Service (IGEES) and was published in December 2022. The findings and recommendations arising from this review, which is available on my Department’s website, were then used to develop the RRDF scheme parameters and the provision of wider supports from that point. This included for example the Department's subsequent provision of funding to allow the establishment of Capital Delivery Teams in our local authorities as well as networking and best practice sharing events for those in the sector delivering RRDF projects.
More broadly, the selection of individual projects for funding under the RRDF is by way of a competitive application basis and is a placed-based and demand-led Fund. This is reflected in the assessment criteria applied to each Call for Proposals. In consultation with those organisations delivering RRDF projects including our local authorities, these criteria are reviewed prior to each Call. This is to ensure that funding is targeted effectively to ensure RRDF projects will deliver vibrant and liveable town centres and ensure that rural towns, villages and communities can prosper in the years ahead. Examples of previous criteria under which applications have been assessed include the proposed projects’ social and economic impact, regenerative potential, financial sustainability, and policy coherence.
Once approved, ongoing monitoring and evaluation of the RRDF project outputs and outcomes takes place in the context of assessing the impact of the intervention. Each Lead Body is required to submit appropriate data to facilitate this process on an on-going basis and make this data available to my department.
I am committed to ensuring that the RRDF can continue to support high quality and transformational projects across rural Ireland in line with the objectives of Our Rural Future and the Town Centre First policy.
147. Deputy Peter 'Chap' Cleere asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht for an update on the funding he is providing to men's sheds [38146/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe emergence of Men’s Sheds has been a very positive development for communities across Ireland. They provide a safe, comfortable and inclusive environment where people of all ages can share skills, work on meaningful projects and connect with their communities.
My Department provides funding to Men's Sheds under various funding supports, including:
• The €7 million Local Enhancement Programme (LEP) 2026, the results of which I will be announcing in the coming weeks;
• The Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme (SICAP) 2024 - 2028; and
• The LEADER programme.
Men’s Sheds can apply individually for all of these schemes.
In addition to these schemes, earlier this month, I announced details of the Men’s Sheds who have benefitted from funding my Department provided directly to the Irish Men’s Shed Association (IMSA). These details can be found at: www.gov.ie/drcdg
Multi-annual funding is also provided to the IMSA through the Scheme to Support National Organisations (SSNO). The IMSA has been allocated total funding of €283,684 over the three-and-a-half year period of the current scheme.
I would encourage all Men’s Sheds to check my Department’s website, and to engage with their Local Community Development Committees (LCDCs), Local Development Companies and Public Participation Networks (PPN), to ensure they are aware of funding opportunities as they become available.
I recognise the important work carried out by Men’s Sheds and remain committed to supporting their valuable work in communities across the country.
148. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Barry Heneghan den Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht chuige go mbeidh maoiniú d’Údarás na Gaeltachta le Rannóg Tithíochta a chur ar bun san Údarás, le comhordú a dhéanamh ar straitéis le dul i ngleic leis an éigeandáil tithíochta Gaeltachta, in iarratas na Roinne Forbartha Tuaithe agus Pobail agus Gaeltachta do Bhuiséad 2027. [38372/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraNíor mhiste a nótáil go mbaineann saincheisteanna tithíochta leis an Roinn Tithíochta, Rialtais Áitiúil agus Oidhreachta. Is ról tánaisteach a bheidh ag an Údarás maidir le cúrsaí tithíochta dá bharr.
Tá obair thábhachtach ar bun ag Údarás na Gaeltachta ar mhaithe le fostaíocht a chur ar fáil do phobal na Gaeltachta agus ní bheadh sé cuí aon rud a dhéanamh a laghdódh an bhéim atá ag an eagraíocht ar chomhlíonadh an róil sin.
É sin ráite, is saincheist an-tábhachtach domsa mar Aire í tithíocht sa Ghaeltacht agus bhí roinnt chruinnithe agam leis an Aire Tithíochta, Rialtais Áitiúil agus Oidhreachta, James Browne TD, chun é seo a phlé.
I bPlean Tithíochta an Rialtais, tá a bhfuil geallta don Ghaeltacht soiléir; tá sé geallta go bhfoilseofar Ráiteas Náisiúnta Pleanála don Ghaeltacht sa chéad leath de 2027 agus go n-oibreoidh Údarás na Gaeltachta i gcomhar le hUisce Éireann agus na húdaráis áitiúla chun na féidearthachtaí a bhaineann le suíomhanna seirbhísithe a bheadh feiliúnach do thithíocht a fhiosrú. Anuas air sin, beidh na scéimeanna tacaíochta náisiúnta tithíochta atá ar fáil don phobal i gcoitinne ar fáil do phobal na Gaeltachta chomh maith.
Anuas air sin, beidh an Bille um Údarás na Gaeltachta (Leasú) 2024 le tógáil ag Céim na Tuarascála ar an 27ú Bealtaine. Cé gurb é athbhunú toghcháin chuig bord an Údaráis príomhchuspóir an Bhille seo, ar mhaithe le tacú le soláthar títhíochta sa Ghaeltacht ann, déanfar leasú sa Bhille ar Alt 8 den Acht um Údarás na Gaeltachta, 1979, chun cead a thabhairt don Údarás talamh a dhíol le comhlacht tithíochta ceadaithe nó le húdarás tithíochta nó a dhiúscairt ar shlí eile chuig an gcéanna, chun tithíocht a sholáthar sa Ghaeltacht.
Mar is eol don Teachta, fógrófar toradh na hidirbheartaíochta maidir le hallúntas airgid Údarás na Gaeltachta mar chuid de Bhuiséad 2027 níos déanaí i mbliana.
149. Deputy Cathy Bennett asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht if he will report on the implementation of rural proofing. [38367/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraRural proofing refers to the processes adopted by policymakers to ensure that new programmes and initiatives understand, and take account of, specific needs and capacities of rural communities.
Our Rural Future 2021-2025 committed to strengthening our approach to rural proofing and in May 2025 my department published a Guide to Rural Proofing for Policy makers to build on and strengthen existing approaches, and to serve as a practical tool to assist policy makers in the rural proofing process.
Including a simplified Rural Proofing Assessment template and key resources, the Guide provides a clear outline of what rural proofing is and seeks to make rural proofing easier to understand and implement. The principal purpose is to aid and support policymakers to ‘think rural’ when developing policies. The Guide, available online, has been circulated to all Government Departments to be added to the suite of tools used by policymakers.
My department applies rural proofing across all policy areas and there is evidence of early engagement by other Departments in the development of key strategies, which can help ensure the principles of effective rural proofing are built into the design of those strategies.
My officials are also continuing to bring awareness to the importance of rural proofing through the many interdepartmental groups they participate in, and in ongoing engagements with other Government Departments regarding the development of the new Our Rural Future policy. This will ensure that actions developed across Government to support the implementation of the new policy will more effectively consider the impacts for rural areas and help result in better outcomes for rural communities.
I am confident the Guide will continue to serve as a practical and user-friendly tool for Government Departments and help ensure that rural issues are fully taken account of in the development of major policy initiatives across Government.
150. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht to provide an update on the Local Enhancement Programme (LEP) 2026; when it is likely that allocations under the programme will be announced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38282/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Local Enhancement Programme (LEP) (formerly the Community Enhancement Programme, CEP) is targeted towards supporting communities that are impacted by disadvantage, as identified in the Local Economic and Community Plan (LECP) of the relevant local authority. It provides small capital grants to community and voluntary groups for the improvement/refurbishment of their facilities and/or the purchase of equipment. In general, support under the LEP is available to a wide variety of not-for-profit organisations.
The Local Enhancement Programme for 2026 was announced on 5 December 2025 and provides €7 million in capital supports to many small community groups and organisations, particularly those who serve disadvantaged communities in rural and urban areas. The closing date for community groups to submit applications for LEP 2026 was 27 February 2026. The fund is administered locally on behalf of the Department by Local Community Development Committees (LCDCs) across the country, with support from their local authority.
Each LCDC is responsible for deciding the projects that are funded under LEP 2026 and they were required to submit the list of successful projects to my Department by 22 April 2026. These are currently being reviewed by my Department and I expect to announce the full list of successful projects in the coming weeks. The full list of successful applicants will also be published at: www.gov.ie/drcdg
151. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh den Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht an bhfuil sé ar an eolas faoin bhfeachtas chun an tseanscoil ar an Trá Bháin i gCeantar na nOileán a choimeád mar áis don phobal, an bhfuil a Roinn tar éis dul i mbun teagmhála leis an bhfeachtas sin, agus an bhfuil aon phlean ag a Roinn chun a chinntiú go gcoimeádfar an spás ríthábhachtach sin don phobal Gaeltachta, agus ráiteas a thabhairt ina leith sin. [38273/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraTá mo Roinn ar an eolas go bhfuil imní léirithe ag pobal na Trá Báine maidir le todhchaí na seanscoile ar an mbaile sin. Níl aon teagmháil déanta ag an bpobal leis an Roinn faoin ábhar seo, áfach.
Tá deontais ceadaithe ag mo Roinn roimhe seo do Choiste Forbartha Seanscoil na Trá Báine le hathchóiriú a dhéanamh ar an tseanscoil. Ceadaíodh deontas de £29,000 sa bhliain 1998 do Choiste Seanscoil na Trá Báine mar chabhair chun an tseanscoil a athchóiriú le húsáid mar ionad pobail agus mar áis do na Coláistí Samhraidh ag an am. Sa bhliain 1999, ardaíodh an deontas sin ó £29,000 go dtí £38,000 chun spás oifige agus leithris a chur leis an bhfoirgneamh. Ceadaíodh deontas eile de €31,997 sa bhliain 2009 chun athchóiriú a dhéanamh ar an gcóras teasa sa tseanscoil agus stór a thógáil in aice léi.
Cuirtear cúnamh caipitil ar fáil faoin gClár Tacaíochtaí Pobail agus Teanga de chuid mo Roinne chun tacú le heagraíochtaí agus coistí pobail fud fad na Gaeltachta chun áiseanna pobail agus teanga a chur ar fáil nó a uasghrádú. Is féidir le coistí nó eagraíochtaí pobalbhunaithe, a fheidhmíonn trí Ghaeilge sa Ghaeltacht, iarratas a dhéanamh faoi Chlár Tacaíochtaí Pobail agus Teanga na Roinne. Tá critéir incháilithe agus coinníollacha bainteach leis an chlár agus tá eolas faoin gclár sin le fáil ar shuíomh mo Roinne. Tá an clár seo oscailted'iarratais don bhliain ar fad agus níl aon spriocdháta faoi leith ann chun iarratas a dhéanamh.
Ach iarratas a bheith faighte ó phobal na Trá Báine, déanfar é a mheas i gcomhthéacs an tsoláthair airgid atá ar fáil do mo Roinn agus na n-éileamh éagsúla ar an soláthar sin.
152. Deputy Liam Quaide asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht whether his Department has carried out an analysis of community infrastructure and amenity deficits in rapidly growing towns in County Cork, including Midleton and Carrigtwohill; the funding allocated to such towns under the Department's community and rural development schemes in each of the past five years; and if he is satisfied that current funding models adequately reflect population growth and unmet local need. [38127/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraProjects funded by my Department are generally delivered through a range of lead bodies, including local authorities and local development companies, who are responsible for the prioritisation of projects for submission to my department. This is based on their assessment of local need taking account of matters such as those raised by the Deputy including population change and levels of existing amenities. These bodies have on-the-ground knowledge and expertise in relation to local needs and priorities, and this approach thus works to ensure effective targeting of investment.
My Department continues to provide substantial investment to address the needs of towns and villages across Ireland, including in county Cork.
For example, since 2020 under the Town and Village Renewal Scheme, over €7.5 million in funding has been allocated to 60 projects in County Cork. This includes funding of €1.4 million for 8 projects announced under the most recent funding allocations in December 2025.
The Town Centre First (TCF) Policy is also providing local authorities and local communities the opportunity to address the challenges facing selected towns, including identifying amenities and infrastructure required. In support of this policy, my Department has allocated €259,000 funding to Cork across Town Centre First funding supports. This includes funding for the development of TCF Town Plans in Skibbereen and Kanturk. Funding has also been provided to support the development of Town Teams in Macroom, Bantry and Mitchelstown.
My Department implements a wide range of other schemes that have supported thousands of capital projects nationwide in recent years, including the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS), the Community Recognition Fund (CRF), LEADER, the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund (RRDF) and the Community Centre Investment Fund (CCIF).
Taking LEADER as an example, LEADER funding of €20.9 million has been allocated to rural areas in County Cork for the period from 2021 to 2027 for use within all rural communities including towns such as those mentioned by the Deputy.
Refurbishment projects under the Community Centre Investment Fund (CCIF) differ from other schemes in that applications are submitted directly by community groups to my department for assessment and approval. The assessment criteria for the scheme, which is set out in the scheme outline, includes a consideration of need, demand and impact. Over €10.8 million has been allocated to 190 projects in county Cork in the same period.
Details of these programmes can be found on my department's website.
For the Deputys's information, the following table details of projects supported in Midleton and Carrigtwohill in the last 5 years through LEADER, CRF, CCIF and ORIS.
|
Scheme |
Year |
Project Name |
Location |
Funding Amount Approved |
|
ORIS |
2024 |
Slatty Pond - direct pedestrian link from town centre to Slatty Pond. |
Carrigtwohill |
€30,000 |
|
CRF |
2023 |
Midleton FC - Facilities Upgrade |
Midleton |
€5,000.00 |
|
CRF |
2024 |
Walking Trail Park South Midleton |
Midleton |
€50,000.00 |
|
CRF |
2024 |
Walking Trail Park South Midleton |
Midleton |
€50,000.00 |
|
CCIF |
2022 |
Midleton My Place Community Centre - First Floor Extension |
Midleton |
€300,000.00 |
|
CCIF |
2024 |
Midleton Rugby Football Club - Club House & Hall Renovations |
Midleton |
€40,000.00 |
|
LEADER |
2024 |
Midleton My Place CLG |
Midleton |
€111,000.00 |
|
LEADER |
2022 |
Midleton Men’s Shed workshop |
Midleton |
€36,000.00 |
|
LEADER |
2024 |
Carrigtwohill Community Council CLG |
Carrigtwohill |
€182,000.00 |
153. Deputy James O'Connor asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht the number of applications received to date for the Community Centre Investment Fund; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38381/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Community Centre Investment Fund (CCIF) was introduced to provide high quality community facilities that are available to all groups in both urban and rural communities.
Through the CCIF, some €112 million has been allocated for the enhancement and refurbishment of existing community centres and the construction of new centres where such a need has been identified.
A total of over 2,100 applications were received under the various iterations of the Community Centre Investment Fund to date.
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. The fund will be delivered across 2 categories with maximum funding levels of €25,000 and €100,000 respectively. The online application process will open on 29th May and I will announce the successful projects before the end of the year. In the meantime, a range of supports have been put in place to support community groups in developing their applications for funding.
Full details on the scheme and available supports are available on my department's website.
154. Deputy Grace Boland asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht the polices in place to support local authorities and community groups to utilise community centres to their maximum potential; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37307/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department has a range of supports in place with regard to community centres. All of my Departments schemes and supports are underpinned by key Government policies including Our Rural Future and Sustainable, Inclusive and Empowered Communities. These policies recognise the important role community centres play in supporting social inclusion, community participation, recreation, and rural and urban regeneration. While the day-to-day operation and usage of such facilities is a matter for each local authority, or other relevant body responsible for each centre, my Department works in partnership with local authorities, Local Community Development Committees (LCDCs), and community organisations to support and develop this broad area.
My Department's Community Centres Investment Fund (CCIF) provides capital funding for the upgrade, refurbishment and development of community centres and facilities nationwide. The fund supports projects including accessibility works, energy efficiency measures, building enhancements and the development of multi-purpose community spaces. It is a central aspect of the scheme that the building in question must be open to and used by a broad range of individuals and groups within the local community for group activities such as social events, information/supports and recreation. The 2026 CCIF iteration of the scheme will focus on the improvement and refurbishment of existing community centres. The online application portal for this funding programme will open on May 29th. Further details are available on my Department's website: www.gov.ie/en/department-of-rural-and-community-development-and-the-gaeltacht/services/community-centres-investment-fund/
In addition, the Local Enhancement Programme (LEP) provides small-scale capital and current funding to community and voluntary groups to assist with facility improvements, equipment purchases and ongoing running costs associated with community facilities and activities. Community infrastructure is also supported through schemes including LEADER, the Town and Village Renewal Scheme, CLÁR and the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund. In some instances, operational and community development supports are provided through the Community Services Programme (CSP), which supports community organisations and social enterprises that deliver essential local services and manage community facilities. Finally, it should also be noted that the Community Employment Scheme, Rural Social Scheme, and Tús, which are operated by the Department of Social Protection, provide an important resource for many community centres and community facilities across the country.
155. Deputy Ryan O'Meara asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht if funding can be made available for community cafés to ensure financial viability of essential social enterprises; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38363/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraCommunity cafés are social enterprises that are a vital part of many communities. They offer training and employment opportunities, a place to volunteer and, in many cases, serve as a ‘hub’ in communities where it is not financially viable for a traditional business to provide this service.
Trading for Impact, the National Social Enterprise Policy 2024-2027, is committed to helping cultivate strong and impactful social enterprises, including community cafés. The policy contains 57 actions under 5 objectives, to provide a broad range of supports for social enterprises and the sector as a whole, including community cafés.
Action 12 of Trading for Impact commits to deliver loan and grant funding schemes for social enterprises through new and existing programmes including the Community Services Programme (CSP), the Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme (SICAP) and LEADER.
In addition to these supports, last month, I launched a €4m Dormant Accounts Funded Sustaining Social Enterprise Scheme 2026/27. This scheme was designed to help established social enterprises become more financially sustainable. While applications under the scheme closed on 15 May, this funding will help successful social enterprises, which may include a community café element, to grow and become more financially sustainable, so that they can continue to provide services in their communities and deliver their social, environmental or economic objectives from a strong base.
My Department's Community Services Programme (CSP) currently supports 453 services nationally via 434 community organisations to provide local social, economic, and environmental services through a social enterprise model with a budget of €59.4m in 2026.
I am advised by Pobal which administers the Community Services Programme on behalf of my department, that 48 of the funded services include a café or coffee shop as an ancillary part of their services. The primary service is each case is either a multi-use community or leisure centre, a community enterprise hub, heritage/visitor centre, youth facility, community arts/cultural centre, community garden or Day Care facility. The café complements the other services provided and generates some revenue towards the running costs of the overall facility. A recent call for new organisations to join the CSP programme closed on May 8th last and applications are currently under review.
My Department's Our Rural Future policy also recognises the importance of functional community spaces that support a range of activities that bring added vibrancy to rural areas, and influences funding across a range of schemes within my Department’s Rural Development Investment Programme, for example LEADER and the Town and Village Renewal Scheme which can support capital projects to develop community facilities.
Any social enterprise seeking advice and assistance, including community cafés, should contact their nearest Local Development Company (LDC). LDC staff are very familiar with social enterprises and well-informed on funding opportunities across a number of government departments.
