Written Answers Nos. 1-20
12. Deputy Marc Ó Cathasaigh asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the level of interest in the national walks scheme, currently open for expressions of interest; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20663/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra29. Deputy Marc Ó Cathasaigh asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if she is aware of the St. Declan's Way Strategic Plan 2024 - 2028 launched recently (details supplied); her views on same, in particular in relation to how best to grow the offering of the route; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20662/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra32. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development what funding is available for walks and trails from her Department; if she will be announcing further funding shortly; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20893/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra35. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development when she expects to announce successful ORIS applications; if her attention has been drawn to the Strand 3 application from Kerry County Council in respect of the Kilderry looped amenity walk; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20866/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra36. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development when the outdoor recreation infrastructure scheme will be launched; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20405/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 12, 29, 32, 35 and 36 together.
The outdoor recreation sector presents huge opportunities for us here in Ireland and I have put in place a range of initiatives to help us drive the sector forward.
I launched Ireland’s first ever National Outdoor Recreation Strategy, Embracing Ireland’s Outdoors, in November 2022. It provides a strategic, collaborative framework to facilitate the consolidation and sustainable growth of the outdoor recreation sector.
The strategy addresses the challenges facing the sector as well as putting structures in place to allow us enjoy the many economic, social and health benefits of outdoor recreation
Embracing Ireland’s Outdoors recognises the value of outdoor recreation amenities, not just for individual and community well-being, but also for the tourism impact that amenities such as walking trails can have on the local economy. Together with Comhairle na Tuaithe, my Department will deliver a national conference in June 2024 in support of the strategy roll out and to ensure stakeholders continue to inform its delivery.
Among the 95 actions in the strategy, there is a commitment to increase the number of trails covered by my Department’s Walks Scheme to 150.
My Department’s Walks Scheme contracts land-holders to undertake maintenance work on national waymarked ways and other priority trails that traverse their lands. Significant progress has been made towards achieving this increased target. In January last I provided approval in principle for the addition to the scheme of 62 new trails across 17 counties. This brings to 142 the number of trails that have approval in principal to join the scheme. This is a significant increase from the 40 trails that were on the scheme in 2019 and demonstrates the level of interest in the sector.
Once approved, there is a process involved in bringing individual landowners onto the scheme. To date, 73 trails are now fully on the scheme supporting 2,427 land-holders. Landowners on 4 more trails will be joining the scheme very shortly and work is ongoing to bring the remaining approved trails onto the scheme as soon as possible.
This expansion reflects the success of the Walks Scheme to date in delivering high quality walking trails. In recognition of the importance of the scheme to both walkers and landowners, I recently launched another call for new trails to join the scheme. An expression of interest process for new trails to join the scheme is now open and will close in October.
I would encourage potential applicants such as trail management committees to apply through their Local Development Company for trails that are eligible for inclusion in the scheme.
I’m pleased to note that St. Declan’s Way, as referred to by Deputy Ó Cathasaigh, is part of my Department’s Walks Scheme. There are 46 landowners across Waterford and Tipperary receiving modest payments to maintain this trail based on agreed individual work programmes.
My Department has, through the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme, supported St. Declan’s Way with funding of over €70,000 for 3 projects over the last five years. This is in addition to receiving over €139,000 under the Walks Scheme.
I was delighted to officially open St. Declan’s Way in September 2021 and I know that my colleague, Minister Mary Butler TD, launched the St. Declan’s Way strategic plan in recent weeks.
This strategic plan was financed by Waterford Leader Partnership and my Department through LEADER funding. The plan sets out steps to raise the profile of this historic pilgrim route to greater national and international prominence. It outlines a detailed roadmap for the trail’s development, including enhancing trail infrastructure, improving off-road paths and launching targeted marketing campaigns aimed at capturing the growing interest in walking tourism.
I am committed to continuing to support the development of this trail through the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme and the Walks Scheme. Furthermore, I know the local Rural Recreation Officers funded by my Department will also continue to support its development.
My Department also invests heavily in trails throughout the entire country under the Outdoor Recreation Scheme or ORIS as it is also referred to, and through a strategic partnership for the enhancement and maintenance of the trails on Coillte land.
ORIS provides funding for the development and enhancement of outdoor recreational infrastructure such as walking trails, cycleways, water-based recreation sites and mountain trails. Since the launch of the scheme in 2016, funding of over €113 million has supported more than 1,700 projects across the country.
At the end of March last, I was delighted to announce the approval of 151 successful projects to the value of over €4.1 million under measure 1 of the 2023 scheme. This was in addition to 50 projects with funding of €2.3 million approved last year through the Project Development Measure under ORIS 2023. Applications submitted under measures 2 and 3 of the 2023 scheme are currently being assessed. I expect to be in a position to make a further announcement very shortly on the successful projects under these measures.
I can assure Deputy Griffin that an application submitted by Kerry Local Authority in respect of the Milltown - Kilderry Looped Amenity Walk is one of the measure 3 ORIS projects under consideration. The applicants will know the outcome of their application in the coming weeks.
I can also confirm to Deputy O'Sullivan that I have again secured funding for another iteration of the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme. My officials will be reviewing the scheme criteria in the coming months in anticipation of the launch of a new round of funding later this year. It is my intention at this stage to launch the 2024 scheme in September.
To conclude, I want to commend all of the stakeholders involved in the sector, particularly the landowners and community groups who are at the heart of every trail. The amenities they have developed give us all an opportunity to enjoy the great outdoors and also attract huge visitors both national and international. The economic benefits alone mean that the investment in these trails is money well spent.
13. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development to detail the funding that remains to be allocated in 2024 under the various schemes managed by her Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20906/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra19. Deputy Ciarán Cannon asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development when the successful RRDF grants in County Galway will be announced. [20896/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra20. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development when an announcement will be made in relation to the approval of the current round of applications under the RRDF; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20815/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 13, 19 and 20 together.
The 2024 Revised Estimate provides my Department with total funding of €431 million for 2024, of which €221 million is current funding and €210 million is capital funding.
Given the nature of the funding programmes and schemes operated by my Department most funding approvals are made on a multiannual basis.
With regard to current funding programmes, such as the Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme, and the Community Services Programme, this multiannual funding approach ensures that the organisations and communities that benefit from the schemes have a stable funding environment, with funding certain over a number of years.
With regard to the capital funding schemes, including the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund, the Town and Village Renewal Scheme, LEADER and the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme, the multiannual funding approach ensures a strong pipeline of projects, and that our delivery partners can progress projects over more than one calendar year.
Given this multiannual funding approach, the funding made available to my Department in 2024 will be mainly be used to fund programmes and schemes for which funding approvals were made in previous years. Similarly, most projects being approved this year will complete and draw down funds in future years.
With regard to funding announcements made this year, significant approvals to date include over €20 million under the Town and Village Renewal Scheme, €30 million under the Community Centre Investment Fund, and €25 million for the new Libraries Capital Programme, all announced in April 2024.
Also in April, a record €40 million in funding for the Local Improvement Scheme was announced in respect of the 2024-2025 period.
In relation to the remainder of this year, there are a number of important announcements in relation to the allocation of funding which I expect to make in the coming months.
For example, the assessment of applications of Measures 2 and 3 of the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure scheme is nearing completion and I expect to be in a position to announce the successful projects in the coming weeks. This will build on the €4.1 million already announced under Measure 1 of the Scheme earlier this year.
The Deputies will also be aware that the second round of the Community Recognition Fund is currently open for applications. Local authorities have the opportunity to submit projects to my Department for approval in 3 tranches, 2 of which have deadlines this year. As these applications are received I will seek to allocate funding in a timely manner to ensure that projects can begin work at local level.
Similarly, the 2024 CLÁR Scheme is currently open for applications, and I would expect to be in a position to announce further funding allocations under that Scheme before the end of the year.
And finally, I will shortly be announcing funding for successful projects under the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund, which represents the largest single area of investment within my Department.
The Rural Regeneration and Development Fund provides vital funding for the development and construction of large scale capital projects in towns and villages and rural areas across Ireland.
Calls for applications to the Fund are sought under two categories – Category 1 and Category 2. Category 1 relates to large scale ambitious capital projects with all necessary planning and other consents in place, and which are ready to proceed. Category 2 provides smaller grant funding to enable the development of project proposals suitable for future calls for Category 1 applications
In 2022 I announced funding of €115 million for 23 large scale projects under the fourth call. The fifth call for Category 1 RRDF applications closed on 8 February, and my Department received 60 applications under this call.
The application process for Category 1 proposals is highly competitive in nature, with all applications subject to rigorous assessment by my Department. A Project Advisory Board, comprised of representatives from key Government Departments and independent experts, is also in place to assist with the selection process.
Once the assessment process is complete, my officials will prepare a report setting out recommended projects. My role as Minister will be to consider that report and make final decisions in relation to the allocation of funding. The assessment process is now nearing completion, and I expect to be in a position to announce the successful projects shortly.
Later in the year I also plan to open further iterations of funding calls for a range of schemes including the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme, the Town and Village Renewal Scheme and Category 2 projects under RRDF. Information on funding calls and the allocation of funding to successful projects will be made available on my Department's website.
I am confident that the unprecedented level of investment across the range of schemes implemented by my Department will continue to deliver real and lasting benefits in communities across the country.
14. Deputy Richard O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the future services and infrastructure her Department will provide for communities that are housing refugees fleeing war. [19528/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra
Since 2022 there have been unprecedented numbers of people seeking protection in Ireland due to conflicts in Ukraine, and elsewhere. The positive response of communities across the country has been central to Ireland's efforts to provide shelter and safety to those escaping conflict and persecution.
The provision of services and infrastructure for communities housing refugees fleeing war is very much a cross-Government issue, with education, health, housing and other services and sectors all impacted.
Within the Department of Rural and Community Development the key supports being provided are through the Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme and investment in community infrastructure through the Community Recognition Fund.
The Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme, or SICAP, is Ireland’s primary social inclusion intervention. SICAP aims to reduce poverty and promote social inclusion and equality through local engagements and partnerships. SICAP workers have valuable experience and knowledge of supporting migrants, asylum seekers and refugees in their areas.
SICAP funding has increased substantially in recent years and core SICAP funding in 2024 stands at €51 million. In addition €10 million in non-core funding was provided in 2023 and again in 2024 to support services for new arrivals and to ensure that we protect services for existing target groups in our communities.
With regard to the Community Recognition Fund, in March, Minister Humphreys and I announced €50 million in funding for a second round of community projects under this Fund. This Fund specifically provides for projects that are located in communities, towns and villages that are hosting the beneficiaries of Temporary Protection and/or International Protection Applicants. This year’s allocation is in addition to the €50 million allocated in 2023 under the same scheme, bringing the total investment via the Community Recognition Fund to €100 million.
Under the 2023 scheme, some 900 projects were identified nationwide and I look forward to seeing the same level of ambition from our local authorities in 2024 and 2025.
Notwithstanding my Department’s work in this area, I would note again that this challenge is one that is being addressed right across Government so that we ensure communities welcoming new arrivals are supported.
15. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development further to Parliamentary Question No. 52 of 5 March 2024, for a status update on the development of Inis Oírr pier; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20761/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy is aware, Galway County Council is the responsible authority for the maintenance and development of pier infrastructure on the Aran Islands.
In July 2023, I gave approval to Galway County Council to issue a request for tender for the development of the Inis Oírr pier. Galway County Council is the contracting authority and is therefore responsible for all aspects of the procurement process.
A steering committee consisting of representatives from my Department and Galway County Council meets on a regular basis, with the most recent meeting taking place on 16th April, to monitor progress on the development of the piers on Inis Oírr and Inis Meáin. Both projects are included in the National Development Plan.
I understand that a two-stage tender process is currently underway and that Galway County Council published the Stage 2 tender documents last month. This is a great milestone.
I am advised that the closing date for receipt of all tender responses is set for mid July. The assessment and evaluation of all valid tender responses will be carried out by Galway County Council and should take approximately 2 months.
Subject to the successful completion of this procurement process, it is expected that a contractor will be appointed later this year.
I can assure the Deputy that I am determined that we maintain the momentum to get this project underway and completed.
16. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if her Department has finalised its report on rural proofing; when this report will be made public; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20899/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra
Rural proofing is one of the tools that will help us to realise Our Rural Future’s vision of a vibrant and thriving rural Ireland.
It is an approach that helps to ensure that major policy initiatives take full consideration of rural perspectives and issues at formulation stage. This means that across Government we are considering the impact that proposed policies may have on rural areas, but also that we are fully aware of the opportunities that exist in rural areas in relation to particular policies.
Last year, my Department published a body of research on rural proofing which is available on the Department's website. Following this, a number of Rural Proofing Pilots have been undertaken across Government Departments in relation to the National Planning Framework review, the development of the new Sustainable Tourism Policy, the development of the new National Hubs Strategy, and the development of the new Social Enterprise Strategy, which I will publish shortly.
The experience of the pilots to date is that they have strengthened our view that rural proofing is not a policy or a model. Rather, rural proofing is a process to be undertaken which leads to better policies.
Following on from the pilots, my officials are at an advanced stage of finalising a report which will include guidance for policy makers to help them to ensure that rural issues are taken account of when policies are being developed.
This will include guidance for Government Departments on key issues such as
• the challenge of defining ‘rural areas’ as an important first step in ensuring rural needs are taken account of,
• the availability of key statistics in relation to rural areas,
• the importance of meaningful and early consultation with rural communities as part of policy development, and
• how to ensure that rural issues are considered as a central part of policy development.
• I am anxious to ensure that our approach to rural proofing is effective and easy to implement.
• It is also vital that any model leads to better policies being developed that take account of the rural perspective.
• My intention is to shortly publish a report on the work undertaken which will include guidance material on how best to undertake a rural proofing process.
17. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the number of applications received to date in 2024 from local authorities for new or refurbished libraries; and the capital estimated cost of same, in tabular form. [20956/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe provision of library services, including the provision of library buildings, is primarily a matter for local authorities in their capacity as library authorities under the Local Government Act 2001. Accordingly, the construction and refurbishment of libraries is primarily a matter for local authorities.
I launched the new Public Library Strategy, 'The Library is the Place', in July 2023 and it contains a commitment to develop a new Libraries Capital Programme that will ensure that our libraries continue to be welcoming spaces for learning, socialising and relaxing.
My Department issued a Call for Proposals in 2023 inviting Local Authorities to submit applications for funding for infrastructure projects and mobile library vehicles and received applications for funding for 33 infrastructure projects and 15 mobile library vehicles.
Following a thorough evaluation and scoring of all proposals submitted I announced a new Libraries Capital Programme with a total value of over €25million on 24 April 2024. The new programme will invest €22.6million in 11 state-of-the-art infrastructure projects and a further €2.6million in 12 next generation mobile library vehicles. Details of the successful projects can be accessed on my website at:
www.gov.ie/en/press-release/c5e9c-minister-humphreys-officially-opens-irelands-newest-library-and-announces-25-million-investment-in-our-public-library-service/#notes
Due to the Libraries Capital Programme being fully allocated, I do not expect to be inviting Local Authorities to submit applications to my Department this year for funding to support the construction of new libraries or the refurbishment of existing libraries. In relation to the Deputy's specific query, it should be noted that no applications for funding have been received from local authorities in 2024 for new or refurbished libraries.
