Written Answers Nos. 87-116
94. Deputy John Clendennen asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht the progress made on implementing the Our Rural Future policy in County Offaly, specifically regarding initiatives aimed at supporting local businesses and enhancing rural infrastructure; if he will provide details on any upcoming plans for the constituency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38303/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraOur Rural Future 2021-2025 set out the Government's ambition and vision for rural Ireland. It has provided a whole-of-government framework for the delivery of vital investments and initiatives aimed at supporting local businesses and enhancing rural infrastructure, strengthening local economies and improving the quality of life for people across rural Ireland.
Significant achievements over the lifetime of the policy include improvements in digital connectivity , the establishment of the Connected Hubs Network, and improvements to key public services such as rural transport, healthcare and education.
To deliver on our ambition for rural Ireland, policy implementation has been underpinned by unprecedented levels of Government investment in our rural towns, villages and communities through my Department’s Rural Development Investment Programme.
In relation to the impact of such investment in Offaly in particular, I am happy to confirm that a wide range of projects have been allocated funding across the county.
For example, over €8.5 million has been allocated to Offaly under my department's Town and Village Renewal Scheme since it was established.
Similarly, under the Rural Regeneration Development Fund, Offaly has been allocated over €16 million for 6 projects since 2020.
These two schemes have a particular focus on the regeneration of our rural towns and villages, but it is important to note that the Government's continued investment in rural development also has a wider focus.
For example, we have clearly recognised the potential that the development of the outdoor recreation sector holds for rural areas and Offaly has benefited from the allocation of €2.8m in funding under the Outdoor Recreation and Infrastructure Scheme since 2020.
This Government has also prioritised investment in community facilities that are so important for our rural areas, and I am happy to confirm that in this regard total combined funding of almost €5.4m has been allocated to projects in Offaly in recent years under CLÁR and the Community Centre Investment Fund.
Finally, the LEADER programme continues to support high quality projects across the country, including supports for local enterprises, and there is an allocation of €6.2m for the implementation of this vital scheme in Offaly for the current programming period.
I am committed to ensuring that sustained investment in all our rural communities will continue to be a priority for this Government. The next iteration of Our Rural Future for the period 2026-2031 is currently being finalised and will continue to ensure that we can deliver on our ambition for rural Ireland.
95. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Barry Heneghan den Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht cé go n-aithnítear an maoiniú mór sa bhreis a bhain an tAire Forbartha Tuaithe agus Pobail agus Gaeltachta amach do Roinn na Gaeltachta i mBuiséad 2026, aithnítear go bhfuil an bonnleibhéal maoinithe don Roinn céanna ró-íseal i gcónaí agus gur gá buiséad na roinne a mhéadú go suntasach fós. An bhfeicfidh an tAire chuige go lorgóidh a Roinn ar a laghad €50 milliún sa bhreis do Roinn na Gaeltachta i mBuiséad 2027, go háirithe mar go bhfuil costais sa bhreis ar an Roinn le hAcht na dTeangacha Oifigiúla a fheidhmiú, le maoiniú Fhoras na Gaeilge a mhéadú go cothrom leis an méid a méadaíodh i mbuiséad na Comhairle Ealaíon le 20 bliain anuas, leis an méadú ar an bpleanáil teanga a mhaoiniú i gceart, agus a lán eile. [38373/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraÓ ceapadh mé mar Aire Forbartha Tuaithe agus Pobail agus Gaeltachta ag tús na bliana seo caite – an chéad Aire sinsearach don Ghaeilge agus don Ghaeltacht le tamall de bhlianta anuas – tá obair shuntasach déanta agam féin agus ag mo Roinn chun an Ghaeilge a chur chun cinn agus pobal na Gaeltachta a neartú agus a fhorbairt.
Tá spriocanna uaillmhianacha leagtha amach agam don chéad chúpla bliain eile agus táim cinnte dearfach go ndéanfaidh an obair seo an-difríocht do phobal labhartha na Gaeilge. Ní féidir na spriocanna seo a bhaint amach gan rannpháirtíocht ó réimse leathan daoine, grúpaí agus eagraíochtaí: pobal na pleanála teanga, na Ranna Stáit, Foras na Gaeilge, Údarás na Gaeltachta, na ceanneagraíochtaí, na húdaráis áitiúla agus na heagraíochtaí stáit trí chéile.
Tá €160m á infheistiú ag mo Roinn san earnáil i mbliana, tar éis dom an t-ardú is mó riamh a fháil don Ghaeltacht agus do na hOileáin i gCáinaisnéis 2026 – is é sin méadú 30% ar an allúntas €123 milliún in 2025. Idir an infheistíocht seo, tionchar an Phlean Gníomhaíochta um Sheirbhísí Poiblí Gaeilge a foilsíodh roinnt míonna ó shin agus tionchar na gCaighdeán Teanga atá le tabhairt isteach i mbliana, táim an-mhuiníneach go gcuirfear borradh láidir faoi úsáid na teanga sa tréimhse atá amach romhainn – sna ceantair Ghaeltachta féin, thart timpeall na tíre, agus go hidirnáisiúnta.
Mar is gnách, beidh allúntas mo Roinne trí chéile agus allúntas na Gaeilge, na Gaeltachta agus na nOileán don bhliain 2027 le cíoradh sna míonna seo romhainn faoi phróiseas na Meastachán. Tá rún daingean agam féin agus ag an Rialtas tógáil ar an méid atá bainte amach againn le déanaí.
99. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht if he will expedite regeneration schemes in towns and villages across County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38143/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra117. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht for an update on the regeneration schemes his Department is funding in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38144/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 99 and 117 together.
My Department manages a range of capital schemes which focus on the regeneration of our towns and villages and recent years have seen significant growth in the level of funding available to rural communities from my department in this regard.
For example, the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund (the 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. The focus of the fund is on rural towns and villages with a population of less than 10,000 people.
To date, the RRDF has allocated over €612 million to 272 projects across Ireland, of which over €19 million has been allocated to 15 projects in Co Kerry.
Most recently, this includes RRDF funding of €933,000 for the regeneration of the Phoenix Cinema in Dingle which I announced last year.
I also had the pleasure to recently visit a number of projects in Co. Kerry which are funded by my department including opening the new state-of-the-art g-Teic Hub in Uíbh Ráthach. I was also pleased to turn the sod on the Carnegie Community Building, part of the Cahersiveen Town Centre Regeneration Project. Both of these ambitious projects are supported by funding from the RRDF.
In February, I opened a Category 1 ‘Call for Proposals’ under the RRDF, which will close on 28 July 2026. This Call will focus on strategically important, large-scale projects that have full planning and other consents in place and are ready to commence. I look forward to receiving applications from eligible bodies in respect of potential projects in County Kerry.
The Town and Village Renewal Scheme, or TVRS, is also administered by my department. This scheme supports rural revitalisation by focusing on stimulating town centre economic and social regeneration. While it 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.
Since the launch of the scheme in 2016, €210 million has been allocated to over 1,900 projects across Ireland. This includes almost €9 million awarded to Kerry County Council for 76 projects in the county.
TVRS is administered through local authorities, who work closely with local communities and businesses to develop proposals that can make a lasting impact on rural towns and villages. For example, this includes two projects I had the pleasure of opening on my visit to Kerry - the enhanced Riverwalk in Castleisland, and the new Moyvane village hub.
The Moyvane Hub is a particularly interesting example of how the funding made available by my department can be utilised in an integrated and strategic manner. Situated in a former Garda station, the building was originally purchased using my department's Building Acquisition Measure. The subsequent refurbishment of the building for community use was then funded under a later call for applications under the TVRS.
Similar projects are being funded in Kerry and across the country via the range of schemes in my department's Rural Development Investment Programme. Further details of projects funded in Kerry under schemes such as LEADER, the Community Centre Investment Fund, CLÁR and the Outdoor Recreation Investment Scheme are available on my department's website.
I am committed to ensuring that my department will 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.
102. Deputy Louis O'Hara asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht to provide an update on the progress of the town centre first initiative in Galway East; his plans to support regeneration in towns and villages across County Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36518/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra103. Deputy Louis O'Hara asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht to outline his Department's efforts to tackle dereliction in rural towns and villages; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36517/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra123. Deputy Albert Dolan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht the steps he is taking to address vacancy and dereliction in towns and villages across Galway East, including the expansion of the town and village renewal scheme and support for community-led regeneration projects; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38279/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 102, 103 and 123 together.
Launched in 2022, the Town Centre First Policy is a major cross-government policy, which aims to tackle vacancy, combat dereliction and breathe new life into our town centres.
The policy complements other national policies including Our Rural Future, the national housing strategy ‘Delivering Homes, Building Communities', as well as the National Planning Framework, which also aim to tackle vacancy and dereliction, achieve balanced regional development and support local communities.
Significant progress has been made since the launch of the Town Centre First policy towards achieving its objectives. Town Regeneration Officers (TROs) are now in place across 26 local authorities including in Galway County Council, and are funded by my Department. They provide a key link between the local authority, towns and villages and their communities. More broadly, they also work closely across multi-disciplinary teams in local authorities which include Capital Delivery Teams, Vacant Homes Officers, Night Time Economy Officers and Broadband Officers who are collectively charged with responsibility of town regeneration including combatting vacancy and dereliction.
Dedicated funding of over €7 million has also been provided for a range of TCF related supports. This includes funding to support the development of 52 TCF Town Plans nationally, including in Gort and Athenry. This funding has also supported the development of Town Teams nationwide, including in Headford, An Cheathrú Rua, and Oranmore in Galway. These initiatives aim to support local communities in identifying and addressing the key issues in their own towns and communities.
Rather than being a funding stream in its own right, the significance of Town Centre First is that it provides an integrated policy approach for the development of Irish towns and is then underpinned by a range of capital funding schemes across Government.
For example, the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund or 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. The focus of the fund is on rural towns and villages with a population of less than 10,000 people.
To date, the RRDF has allocated over €612 million to 272 projects across Ireland, of which over €30 million has been allocated to 19 projects in Co Galway. Projects supported by the RRDF have had a strong focus on regeneration and will deliver vibrant towns and ensure that communities can prosper in the years ahead. The RRDF call for proposals is currently open and will close on 28 July and I look forward to receiving applications in respect of potential projects in County Galway.
Similarly the Town and Village Renewal Scheme supports the revitalisation of rural Ireland by focusing on stimulating town centre economic and social regeneration. While it 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.
Since the launch of the scheme in 2016, over €210 million has been allocated to over 1,900 projects across Ireland, with over €8.5 million allocated to 81 projects in County Galway.
The Building and Land Acquisition Measure supports the purchase of derelict buildings and land in towns and villages for redevelopment into multi-purpose community spaces. This measure is currently open to applications with a closing date of 29 May.
The Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, who holds joint responsibility for the Town Centre First policy, also implements a suite of schemes including the new Towns and Cities Regeneration Investment Fund which builds on the success of the Urban Regeneration and Development Fund.
I would also refer to the publication ‘Bringing Back Homes’ which details over 20 incentives, funded measures and grants to support a reversal of vacancy and dereliction. This includes the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant, the Repair and Leasing Scheme, the Buy and Renew Scheme, and the Living City Initiative.
I am committed to ensuring that my Department will 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.
104. Deputy Conor D. McGuinness asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht if he intends to seek increased funding for rural development programmes in Budget 2027, in light of concerns expressed by rural communities and organisations regarding reductions in rural development funding in recent budgets. [38388/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department manages funding allocations across three programme areas, Rural Development, Community Development, and the Gaeltacht and the Islands Programmes.
For 2026 my Department's overall budget allocation is €613 million, with €273 million in capital funding and €340 million in current funding. This represents a 7% increase on the 2025 allocation and builds on strong investment over the last number of years.
Funding provision for the Rural Development Programme has increased significantly in recent years. In 2017, when the Department was established, the allocation for rural development was €80 million whereas for 2026 it is almost €193 million. This increased level of investment is having a positive impact right across the country.
The 2026 allocation for rural development of €193 million reflects the fact that the current LEADER programme is at an early stage. Therefore, the provision for the LEADER programme is reduced from €42 million in 2025 to €32 million in 2026. This allocation is based on the level of claims expected from Local Action Groups over the year. It is important to note that the full €250 million allocation for the LEADER 2021 to 2027 programme will be provided over the programme period, with funding ramped up as demand increases.
As noted at the outset, the Department’s allocation has increased by 7% for 2026. Funding increases were provided for a number of rural schemes, and funding increases for community schemes such as the Community Centre Investment Fund and the Community Services Programme, will benefit both rural and urban communities.
Finally, my officials will shortly commence engagement with Department of Public Expenditure officials as part of the annual estimates process, and I will be detailing my priorities in bilateral engagements as that process develops.
105. Deputy Naoise Ó Muirí asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht if he will outline payment changes to Gaeltacht families providing accommodation for students; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38337/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department supports the Irish summer colleges sector to foster language acquisition and enrichment opportunities in the Gaeltacht for learners of the language. The Department provides a subsidy under Scéim na bhFoghlaimeoirí Gaeilge/the Irish Language Learners Scheme (SFG) payable to qualifying Gaeltacht households providing accommodation for those attending an Irish course in any one of the c. 40 Irish-language colleges operating under the scheme.
On Thursday, 14th May 2026, I announced an increase in the subsidy payable to recognised households providing accommodation for students under the Irish Language Learners Scheme.
Under this initiative, which will come into effect from 30th May 2026, the subsidy for recognised households will increase by €1.50 from €14.50 to €16 per student per night. An increase €1.50 from €10.50 to €12 per student per night, will also be paid to hostels and residential colleges providing accommodation under the scheme. Over 530 households from across the Gaeltacht who are registered with the Department will benefit from this increase.
This is the fifth increase since the beginning of 2022 resulting in a 60% increase paid to households (from €10 to €16) and a 140% increase for hostels and residential colleges (€5 to €12).
The subsidy benefits over 29,000 learners per year and represents a State investment of over €8m annually in support of the Irish summer colleges sector.
Evidence indicates an upward trend in the number of learners attending Gaeltacht colleges. Departmental figures show that over 29,000 learners participated in courses at Gaeltacht colleges in 2025. This represents an increase on the figure for 2024 and also on the pre-pandemic figure in 2019 which both stood at around 27,000.
I have also approved an increase in the subsidy paid under the other schemes that fall under the auspices of the Irish Language Learners Scheme. Under this initiative, payments under Scéim Árainn Gaeltachta will increase from €23.50 to €25 while those under ERASMUS Gaeltachta will increase from €35.50 to €37.
The overall objective of this increase is to support the Irish language and the Gaeltacht in line with the objectives of the 20-Year Strategy for the Irish Language 2010-2030 and the commitment in the Programme for Government to continue to support the sector where possible.
106. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Aindrias Moynihan den Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht cén dul chun cinn atá déanta i dtaca le hIntleacht Shaorga (IS) na Gaeilge i bhfianaise na tuarascála nua ón Údarás, cad iad na háiseanna a bheidh riachtanach don Údarás chun na spriocanna a bhaint amach; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [38267/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraTá dul chun cinn suntasach déanta maidir le cumas Intleacht Shaorga na Gaeilge a fhorbairt, agus fáiltíonn mo Roinn roimh an anailís ar bhearnaí atá coimisiúnaithe ag Údarás na Gaeltachta, IS na Gaeilge: Tuarascáil ar Anailís Bearnaí agus ar Léargas ó Pháirtithe Leasmhara, mar chúnamh úsáideach sa réimse seo.
Aithnítear sa tuarascáil trí chás úsáide tosaíochta:
• botaí comhrá seirbhíse poiblí guthbhunaithe;
• cúntóir comhrá IS-chuidithe do chainteoirí Gaeilge ar gach leibhéal cumais; agus,
• uirlisí oideachais teanga freagartha gutha
Tá na cásanna seo ag teacht go dlúth le hobair atá á maoiniú cheana féin ag mo Roinn faoin bPlean Digiteach don Ghaeilge: Teicneolaíochtaí Urlabhra agus Teanga 2023-2027.
Mar shampla den obair seo, tugann ABAIR, togra de chuid Choláiste na Tríonóide, Baile Átha Cliath, an príomhardán sintéise agus aitheantais cainte na Gaeilge, aghaidh ar ghné an ghutha agus na cainte. Tacaíonn an togra eStór de chuid Ionad Taighde ADAPT, Ollscoil Chathair Bhaile Átha Cliath le bailiú agus comhroinnt sonraí Gaeilge le haghaidh meaisín-aistriúcháin agus áiseanna teicneolaíochta teanga eile.
Chomh maith leis sin, cinntíonn ballraíocht agus rannpháirtíocht ghníomhach mo Roinne thar ceann na hÉireann in ALT-EDIC go gcuirtear an Ghaeilge san áireamh ar leibhéal Eorpach agus bonneagar sonraí coiteanna á chruthú do theicneolaíochtaí teanga.
Anuas air sin, tá teagmháil fhiúntach ar bun ag mo Roinn leis an Roinn Caiteachas Poiblí, Bonneagair, Athchóirithe Seirbhíse Poiblí agus Digitiúcháin tríd an gCoiste Comhairleach um an nGaeilge sa Réimse Digiteach, ar a bhfuil an tÚdarás ina bhall freisin, maidir le ceist na Gaeilge i ndigitiú na seirbhísí poiblí.
Tá tús curtha ag Údarás na Gaeltachta lena chuid oibre bunúsaí féin freisin, lena n-áirítear corpais urlabhra agus téacs a theastaíonn le haghaidh aistriúcháin, aithint urlabhra agus feidhmchláir IS giniúnaí. Aithnítear sa tuarascáil go bhfuil gá le maoiniú leanúnach, tacair sonraí leathnaithe, saineolas teicniúil agus comhpháirtíochtaí fadtéarmacha le hollscoileanna agus leis an earnáil. Tá na tosaíochtaí seo ag teacht leis an bPlean Digiteach, agus leanfaidh mo Roinn ag obair trasna na ranna rialtais chun tuilleadh dul chun cinn a dhéanamh ar an ábhar seo.
107. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht if he plans to increase funding for community projects such as community centres, parks and sports pitches; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38228/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department has invested substantial levels of funding in community infrastructure in recent years and this investment is set to continue.
For example, under the Community Centre Investment Fund, over €112 million has already been allocated to community centres through this fund since 2022. The online portal for applications under a new round of the fund focused on refurbishment works will open next week.
Funding for the CLÁR programme and the Town and Village Renewal Scheme has also increased by €1 million each this year.
My Department’s CLÁR programme provides funding under a number of different measures for small-scale infrastructural projects including renovations to community centres, improved accessibility at sports pitches and the provision of community gardens, sensory spaces and multi-use games areas in parks.
The Town and Village Renewal Scheme is designed to rejuvenate rural towns and villages throughout Ireland and this can include projects that support the development of parks and outdoor amenities
My Department’s Community Recognition Fund, which has provided €100 million to communities welcoming new arrivals to Ireland, has also invested in a range of sports clubs, community centres and parks throughout the country.
The current LEADER programme has funding of €180 million over the period from 2023 to 2027. It has for many years supported community projects such as community centres, parks, and sports pitches.
Full details of all funding programmes administered by my Department are available on my Department’s website. Of course, funding for sports pitches is primarily the responsibility of my colleague, Mr. Patrick O'Donovan, TD, Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport. I understand that his Department will be opening a call for further sports funding in the coming months.
108. Deputy Cathy Bennett asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht if he will report on his engagements regarding the LEADER programme under the next EU budgetary cycle. [38369/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe LEADER programme has been at the heart of rural development in Ireland for 35 years and is a key element of the Department’s Rural Development Investment Programme.
It is funded as an intervention under the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) and, therefore, the development of the EU regulations relating to the post 2027 CAP and the new National and Regional Partnership Plan is a matter of significant importance to my Department.
Within the draft regulations, the continuation of the LEADER programme as a CAP intervention is welcomed. As part of the on-going negotiation process my Department continues to input into the draft regulations, to emphasise the importance of a ringfenced allocation for the LEADER Programme and to ensure that the post-2027 programme can continue its vital role in supporting rural communities all across the country.
In addition, to facilitate the current negotiation process in relation to the national position for the post-2027 period, the Department of Agriculture Food and the Marine has established a CAP Consultative Committee, and representatives from my Department and other rural stakeholders actively participate on that committee.
I also continue to engage with colleagues at home and in Europe in relation to LEADER funding and the next Multiannual Financial Framework to ensure that we continue advocate for a well funded CAP that supports farm resilience, environmental ambition, and rural development through LEADER. Indeed, only this week I met with a German parliamentary group from the Saxon State Parliament where we discussed our views on the need for strong LEADER funding in the coming years.
There are many details that remain to be finalised as part of the ongoing negotiation process to put the regulations in place, and a lengthy period of detailed discussion is likely. These negotiations are expected to continue through Ireland’s term holding Presidency of the Council of the European Union in the second half of 2026.
It is a key priority of my Department to ensure that a well-funded LEADER programme is in place from 2028 onwards and I will continue to work with MEPs and my Government colleagues to ensure that the LEADER programme is well funded into the future.
109. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht the projects funded in County Louth by his Department in 2025; the corresponding funding allocation given to each project in County Louth in 2025, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38262/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department is committed to supporting thriving communities across the country through a range of funding initiatives. With regard to County Louth, my Department allocated over €13 million in 2025 alone through various schemes and programmes.
My Department's capital schemes are of particular importance in this regard. Some examples of relevant capital funding approvals in Louth include:
• The upgrade and development of community centres in Louth under the Community Centre Investment Fund, some great examples include;
- over €260,000 for extension and alteration works at the Coach House in Dundalk;
- €100,000 for renovations at St. Kevin's GAA in Dunleer, and;
- over €160,000 for upgrades at the Dermot Kierans Centre in Drogheda.
• The Community Recognition Fund supported projects in Louth with an allocation of over €1.3 million, in 2025. Some of the projects supported include over €55,000 for the M.A.D Youth Theatre in Dundalk and €100,000 for the Muirhevnamor District Park development.
• Also in 2025 funding of roughly €240,000 was provided for 124 projects across the county under the Local Enhancement Programme, which provides small grants to improve community facilities.
With regard to current funding supports, the Community Services Programme provides funding for community-based organisations to deliver vital services, with over €2 million allocated for Louth last year. The Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme provided nearly €2 million to Louth in 2025, with a focus on tackling social exclusion and supporting employment readiness.
Details of the thousands of funding allocations my Department has provided each year, across the country, including County Louth, are available on my Department’s website, in tabular form.
110. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht for an update on the Ballyvolane Community Centre. [38216/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Community Centre Investment Fund, or CCIF, is my Department’s primary funding vehicle for new and existing community centres. It was first introduced in 2022 in recognition of the need for a dedicated funding stream to support investment in the hundreds of community facilities that are at the heart of both rural and urban communities.
My Department has delivered two rounds of funding for the refurbishment of community centres under CCIF in 2022 and 2024. In Cork alone, my department has provided more than €10.8 million for the enhancement, refurbishment and construction of 190 community centres.
In early 2024, funding of €30 million was approved under CCIF for the construction of 12 new facilities including Rylane Community Centre in Cork.
I was delighted to launch the latest round of funding under CCIF 2026 on the 26th March for enhancement and refurbishment of existing community facilities. The fund will be delivered across two 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.
The Deputy has raised the need for a new community centre in Ballyvolane previously. I expect to announce a new iteration of CCIF for new build community centres next year. I would encourage the Deputy, the local authority and the local community in Ballyvolane to work together to explore what is required with a view to developing an application under that scheme.
111. Deputy Ryan O'Meara asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht the funding available for community cafés to ensure financial viability of essential social enterprises; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38364/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraCommunity cafés are social enterprises that are a vital part of many communities. They provide enormous benefits to their customers, staff and volunteers, offering training and employment opportunities and an important ‘hub’ for members of a community, and I recognise that many operate in areas that make them financially unsustainable and are in need of support.
I would encourage any social enterprise seeking advice and assistance, including community cafés, to 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 and agencies that may be open for applications and able to provide support.
My Department supports social enterprises under a number of programmes, and in line with the various scheme requirements, opening and closing dates for applications are unique to each scheme. Programmes include:
• Community Services Programme (CSP): www.gov.ie/en/service/f8f93d-apply-for-community-service-programme/
• LEADER: www.gov.ie/en/service/87e09-leader-programme-for-rural-development/
• Social Inclusion and Activation Programme (SICAP): www.pobal.ie/programmes/social-inclusion-and-community-activation-programme-sicap-2024-2028/
In April, I launched the €4m Dormant Accounts Funded Sustaining Social Enterprise Scheme that was designed to assist social enterprises become more financially sustainable which will in turn help them to provide valuable services in their communities and to aid the delivery of their social, environmental or economic objectives. While this scheme is now closed, many community cafés were eligible to apply for this funding.
Additionally, the following organisations may be able to provide advice, funding and training for community cafés:
• Rethink Ireland: rethinkireland.ie
• Social Entrepreneurs Ireland: www.socialentrepreneurs.ie/
• New Solutions Social Innovation Hub: www.new-solutions.ie/
There are also a range of business supports available to social enterprises, such as community cafes, through the Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs) where they operate on a commercial basis and meet the eligibility criteria of the scheme for which they wish to apply. More information on LEOs can be found at: www.localenterprise.ie
Another resource available to social enterprises is the National Enterprise Hub (NEH), which provides a centralised signposting service for over 250 Government or agency supports from 29 different Departments and State Agencies. The NEH website is www.neh.gov.ie. This free service makes it easier to access and avail of business supports such as grants, funding, loans and expert advice across a range of sectors and aims to engage with small businesses who have yet to avail of government support.
Finally, my Department maintains a Social Enterprise Supports Table that provides a list of supports available to social enterprises in Ireland. This includes information on the various sources of advice, networking, training, funding and financial supports social enterprises may avail of. This table can be found at: www.gov.ie/en/collection/89e63-social-enterprise-supports-tables/
112. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht the assessment his Department has made of the impact of rising costs, including energy, insurance and materials, on rural community and voluntary organisations; whether funding allocations under schemes such as the community recognition fund and LEADER are keeping pace with these pressures; his plans to increase supports to ensure the viability of community services in rural areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38411/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department’s schemes and supports are underpinned by two cornerstone policies - Our Rural Future and Sustainable, Inclusive and Empowered Communities - which recognise the important role community and voluntary organisations, and community facilities, play in supporting social inclusion, community participation, and rural regeneration. Work is ongoing on the development of successors to both strategies and has been informed by significant public and stakeholder consultations.
Over recent years there has been strong funding increases for the schemes supporting these policies. Schemes such as the Community Centres Investment Fund provide significant funding for upgrades to community centres. Other funding opportunities exist through the Town and Village Renewal Scheme, CLÁR and the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund. In addition, the Local Enhancement Programme provides small-scale grants to community and voluntary groups to assist with facility improvements and equipment purchases, which can help groups to maintain and improve their facilities. Such investment can help reduce costs, for example by improving energy efficiency of buildings or providing new more energy efficient equipment. Furthermore, ongoing operational supports are provided for some groups through the Community Services Programme, which supports community organisations and social enterprises delivering essential local services and managing community facilities.
While my Department has not carried out a specific assessment of the cost pressures, it regularly engages with local authorities, Local Community Development Committees (LCDCs), Local Action Groups and community organisations, and is fully aware of these pressures. As the Deputy is aware, the Government announced a package of fuel supports in April in response to the impact of energy cost increases. We continuously review our schemes to ensure our available funding is put to best use in terms of supporting our communities throughout the country.
113. Deputy Edward Timmins asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht the success that has been achieved in reaching the over 150 commitments in the Our Rural Future document; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38410/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraSince its launch in 2021, Our Rural Future has delivered vital investment and supports to rural areas, strengthening local economies and improving the quality of life for people across rural Ireland.
The policy included 179 measures for delivery through a series of actions delivered across Government.
Significant achievements across the lifetime of the policy included improvements in digital connectivity through delivery of the National Broadband Plan, the development of a national network of over 400 remote working hubs and improvements in essential services such as the delivery of 180 new or enhanced public transport services through the Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan.
Other achievements include a significant focus on the regeneration and revitalisation of town and village centres and the enhancement of community facilities and public amenities, such as community centres, walking trails, libraries, playgrounds, and public realm works.
Policy implementation has been underpinned by unprecedented levels of Government investment in our rural towns, villages and communities through the Rural Development Investment Programme and other programmes and schemes delivered by my department.
A series of Progress Reports outlining delivery to date has been published on my department's website.
The Programme for Government includes a commitment to publish and implement a new Our Rural Future policy, and development of the successor policy and accompanying action plan is well advanced.
The new policy will be brought to Government ahead of the summer and will run until 2031. It will build on the progress and investment delivered to date, setting out a renewed vision for the years ahead, and providing the framework for the Government's ongoing commitment to rural Ireland, supported by ambitious, clear and practical actions.
114. Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht for an update on the number of working hubs operating in Cork as part of Connected Hubs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37548/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraOur Rural Future, the Government's Rural Development Policy, recognises the importance of remote working and committed to establishing a comprehensive and integrated national network of 400 remote working hubs by the end of 2025. I am happy to say that we reached this target last November.
At the centre of the commitment to deliver the network of 400 hubs is the connectedhubs.ie online platform which provides hub owners and customers with a central, easy to use portal that offers and enables the booking and payment for a range of services, particularly professional remote working spaces and meeting rooms. The platform is funded by my Department and managed by the Western Development Commission.
There are currently 44 hubs on the Connected Hubs Platform in County Cork which includes 12 hubs in Cork city and 32 in the rest of the county. I was delighted to be joined by An Taoiseach recently to officially open a new facility at Campas Íosagáin Digital Hub i mBaile Bhuirne, Contae Chorcaí, which included investment of over €3.4 million from my Department's Rural Regeneration and Development Fund.
I am fully committed to ensuring that we continue to build upon the benefits that hybrid and remote working offer to communities all across Ireland.
115. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Naoise Ó Cearúil den Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht cad é méid iomlán an mhaoinithe a chuirfear ar fáil do Scéim na bhFoghlaimeoirí Gaeilge i 2026; conas atá an maoiniú sin ag teacht le cuspóirí Straitéis 20 Bliain don Ghaeilge; agus an bhfuil tuilleadh infheistíochta beartaithe aige don earnáil i mBuiséad 2027. [38370/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraTá Scéim na bhFoghlaimeoirí Gaeilge á riar ag mo Roinn ar mhaithe le tacú le deiseanna sealbhaithe agus saibhrithe teanga sna réigiúin Ghaeltachta d'fhoghlaimeoirí idir scoláirí dara leibhéal, mic léinn tríú leibhéal agus daoine fásta ó áiteanna ar fud na tíre. Tagann an scéim le cuspóirí an Rialtais i leith na Gaeilge mar atá leagtha amach sa Straitéis 20 Bliain don Ghaeilge 2010-2030 agus is í an príomhbhealach ina dtacaíonn an Roinn le hearnáil na gColáistí Gaeilge. Tá tionchair fhairsinge ag earnáil na gcoláistí Gaeilge i dtéarmaí deiseanna foghlama teanga a sholáthar d'fhoghlaimeoirí na teanga agus don gheilleagar agus méadú ar líon na ndaoine a thagann chuig ceantair Ghaeltachta.
Cuireann mo Roinn cúnamh suntasach ar fáil ar bhonn leanúnach faoi Scéim na bhFoghlaimeoirí Gaeilge agus tá an tacaíocht seo curtha ar fáil le tamall de bhlianta anuas chun tacú tuilleadh le hearnáil na gcoláistí Gaeilge.
Cheadaigh mé an cúigiú ardú ó 2022 an tseachtain seo ar fhóirdheontas a íoctar le teaghlaigh Ghaeltachta – ó €14.50 go €16 agus le coláistí cónaithe ó €10.50 go €12 a chuireann lóistín ar fáil dóibh siúd atá ag freastal ar choláistí Gaeilge
Mar aon leis sin, tá ardú ar an bhfóirdheontas a íoctar faoi na beartais Scéim ERASMUS Gaeltachta agus Scéim Oileánda (ÁRAINN) Gaeltachta a thugann deis do scoláirí scoilbhliain iomlán a chaitheamh ar ceann de na trí oileán Árainn agus do mhic léinn tríú leibhéil seimeastar a chaitheamh sa Ghaeltacht faoi seach.
De thoradh seo ar fad, tá measta go mbeidh infheistíocht shuntasach ar fiú os cionn €8m ag baint le 2026 ar leas na hearnála. Baineann breis agus 29,000 scoláire agus breis agus 530 teach lóistín Gaeltachta leas as an infheistíocht seo, gan trácht ar na coláistí féin.
Tá deontas tosaithe aonuaire ar luach suas le €6,000 a chur ar fáil do theaghlaigh nua a chláraíonn faoin scéim chomh maith. Clúdaíonn an deontas seo costais a bhaineann le measúnú sábháilteacht dóiteáin, mar aon le costais a bhaineann le hábhair ar leith bainteach le lóistín a chur ar fáil. Tugadh an deontas méadaithe sin isteach ar mhaithe le tuilleadh rannpháirtíocht sa scéim a spreagadh tar éis na paindéime.
Ar ábhar gaolmhar, anuraidh d’fhógair mé deontas uasghrádaithe gearrthéarmach do theaghlaigh seanbhunaithe a bhí aitheanta faoi Scéim na bhFoghlaimeoirí Gaeilge roimh 2019 chun tacú tuilleadh leis an gcostas chun troscán nua (buincleapacha, leapacha singil agus tochtanna singil) a cheannach. Is deontas de suas le €2,000 nó 80% den chostais cibé acu is lú a bhí ar fáil do theaghlaigh cháilithe Ghaeltachta faoin scéim seo.
Leis na beartais seo ar fad, táim sásta go bhfuil cúnamh nach beag á chur ar fáil chun cabhrú leis an earnáil agus, mar atá leagtha amach sa Chlár Rialtais, leanfaidh mé de bheith ag tacú leis an earnáil seo le linn téarma an Rialtais ag brath ar chistíocht a bheith ar fáil chuige.
116. Deputy Paula Butterly asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht if he will expand the My Open Library programme; if he will support the development of libraries as inclusive third spaces; if he will provide funding to enhance sensory-friendly facilities in public libraries in Louth; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37314/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe provision of library services, including the My Open Library service, is primarily the responsibility of local authorities in their capacity as library authorities under the Local Government Act 2001.
Notwithstanding this, my Department remains fully committed to the continued expansion of the My Open Library (MOL) programme and to supporting the development of public libraries as inclusive third spaces at the heart of our communities.
The MOL service is a key part of the National Public Library Strategy: The Library is the Place 2023-2027, which aims to improve access and inclusion. Since its introduction as a pilot in 2014, over €6 million has been invested in the MOL service, which is now available in 58 branches nationwide with further projects nearing completion and expected to open in the coming months.
My Department is currently processing applications from local authorities for a targeted small-scale capital investment fund for public libraries. This funding will support our libraries through four key measures: sensory equipment and facilities; accessibility upgrades; ICT and broadband speed enhancements; and upgrading of furniture and equipment. All local authorities, including Louth County Council, have submitted proposals under this call. Announcements of successful projects will issue in due course. I also intend to issue a call for further My Open Library facilities later this year, following the completion of a review by the Local Government Management Agency (LGMA) of the current My Open Libraries.
My Department is committed to strengthening the role of libraries as third spaces. This is reflected in the recently issued Standards and Benchmarks for public libraries, which was prepared in conjunction with the LGMA and library authorities, and includes a focus on creating spaces that encourage social engagement, lifelong learning, and a sense of belonging.
