Results 15,101-15,120 of 27,613 for speaker:Heather Humphreys

Written Answers — Department of Rural and Community Development: Covid-19 Pandemic Supports (25 May 2021)

Heather Humphreys: As part of Our Rural Future, I want to see rural Ireland become a destination of choice domestically and internationally for outdoor pursuits . The availability of quality and accessible outdoor infrastructure is vital for both local residents and visitors alike. Since 2016, my Department has allocated almost €68 million to nearly 1,000 projects through the Outdoor Recreation...

Written Answers — Department of Rural and Community Development: Departmental Schemes (25 May 2021)

Heather Humphreys: I announced details of the 2021 Town and Village Renewal Scheme on 3rd May last. The Scheme is designed to make towns and villages better places to live and work, and is an important part of Our Rural Future. The closing date set for receipt of completed applications by my Department is 16th July. Following competitive assessment, I anticipate I will make an announcement of approved...

Written Answers — Department of Rural and Community Development: Broadband Infrastructure (25 May 2021)

Heather Humphreys: I can confirm that the public library service offers free access to Wi-Fi and PCs with internet connections and video calling capabilities. Some branches offer laptop and tablet lending services along with a range of other digital equipment including 3D printers and interactive screens. Other relevant supports provided through my Department include: The LEADER programme which...

Written Answers — Department of Rural and Community Development: Seirbhísí Farantóireachta (25 May 2021)

Heather Humphreys: Mar is eol don Teachta déantar freastal ar Oileán Thoraí ó Ché Machaire Rabhartaigh ar an mórthír, agus bhí coimisiúnú bád nua do Thoraigh agus forbairt na céibhe ag Machaire Rabhartaigh liostáilte mar thograí faoin bPlean Forbartha Náisiúnta 2040. Beidh tionchar ag an obair ar Ché Machaire Rabhartaigh ar an...

Written Answers — Department of Rural and Community Development: Departmental Programmes (25 May 2021)

Heather Humphreys: Due to the delay at EU level in agreeing the post-2020 EU Budget, my Department developed a transitional LEADER programme to bridge the gap between the end of the 2014-2020 programme and 2023-2027 LEADER programme. In December 2020, I announced details of a Transitional LEADER Programme for the period 2021-2022, with an initial allocation of €20 million, which came into effect on 1...

Written Answers — Department of Rural and Community Development: National Broadband Plan (25 May 2021)

Heather Humphreys: While the provision of telecommunications services, both fixed and mobile, is a matter for the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications, as Minister for Rural and Community Development I have a clear interest in connectivity in rural and underserved areas. As the Deputy will appreciate, the single greatest impact that we can make to digital connectivity in rural areas is...

Written Answers — Department of Rural and Community Development: Departmental Programmes (25 May 2021)

Heather Humphreys: The CLÁR programme provides funding for small scale projects in rural areas that have experienced significant levels of de-population over a defined period. Under the CLÁR 2021 programme, each Local Authority was permitted to submit up to 13 applications across Measures 1, 2 and 3(a) of the programme. These Measures provide funding for school and community safety...

Written Answers — Department of Rural and Community Development: Departmental Schemes (25 May 2021)

Heather Humphreys: My Department’s vision is for a sustainable society with individual and community wellbeing at its heart, supporting thriving rural communities, where all communities, urban and rural, have opportunities to grow, develop and participate economically, socially and culturally. Our policies and programmes support that vision through providing supports that ensure all communities and...

Written Answers — Department of Rural and Community Development: Departmental Policies (25 May 2021)

Heather Humphreys: Our Rural Future was launched in March 2021 and sets out the Government's blueprint for the development of rural Ireland over the next five years. It is supported by 150 commitments across Government, which will address the challenges facing communities and deliver new opportunities for people living in rural areas. The policy will support the regeneration, repopulation and development of...

Written Answers — Department of Rural and Community Development: Departmental Policies (25 May 2021)

Heather Humphreys: The increased shift to remote working as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic has given us the opportunity for a greater regional distribution of jobs and to support a better quality of life for many people who previously spent many hours in long commutes. This is a key focus of the Government's new rural development policy Our Rural Future. Remote working, supported by appropriate...

Written Answers — Department of Rural and Community Development: Covid-19 Pandemic Supports (25 May 2021)

Heather Humphreys: The Government is aware of the challenges facing community and voluntary organisations and is committed to working closely with the sector in managing through these, recognising that it will require a whole of Government approach. To that end, Government and my Department have introduced a number of supports to assist sectors in dealing with the impact of COVID-19 and social restrictions...

Written Answers — Department of Rural and Community Development: Rural Schemes (25 May 2021)

Heather Humphreys: The CLÁR Programme funds small-scale infrastructural projects in designated rural areas that have experienced significant levels of de-population over a defined period. Maps of the designated CLÁR areas are available on my Department’s website. The CLÁR Programme includes a specific Measure this year which funds community gardens and community allotments. However,...

Written Answers — Department of Rural and Community Development: Rural Schemes (25 May 2021)

Heather Humphreys: Addressing the issue of rural isolation is relevant to the work of a number of Government Departments. This is reflected in ongoing Government work including that aimed at enhancing community policing, rural transport links and tackling social inclusion. Focus on actions to address the issue of isolation in communities has become more important than ever due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Many of...

Written Answers — Department of Rural and Community Development: Harbours and Piers (25 May 2021)

Heather Humphreys: As the Deputy will be aware, Galway County Council are the body responsible for development of stage three of the pier development on Inis Meáin. Officials from my Department have been in ongoing contact with the relevant officials in the County Council to progress matters. The National Maritime College of Ireland (NMCI) have been developing a model simulation of the sea...

Written Answers — Department of Rural and Community Development: Departmental Funding (25 May 2021)

Heather Humphreys: A feature of the LEADERprogramme is that it is based on a community-led local development, bottom-up approach to rural development. Financial supports are available for training type projects for community and voluntary groups. The types of training projects funded depends on the specific training needs that are identified by the project promoters and associated demand in their local area....

Written Answers — Department of Rural and Community Development: Housing Issues (25 May 2021)

Heather Humphreys: Our Rural Future sets out a blueprint for the development of rural Ireland over the next five years. My Department has worked closely with the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, and indeed right across Government, to agree this coherent strategy. It is supported by 150 commitments which will address challenges facing rural communities, including challenges in the housing...

Written Answers — Department of Rural and Community Development: Rural Schemes (25 May 2021)

Heather Humphreys: I propose to take Questions Nos. 50 and 51 together. The Rural Regeneration and Development Fund was established to deliver on the National Strategic Objective in the National Development Plan 2018-2027 of Strengthened Rural Economies and Communities and directly supports the objectives of Our Rural Future, the Government’s 5 year strategy for rural development. Calls for applications...

Written Answers — Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection: Social Welfare Eligibility (25 May 2021)

Heather Humphreys: The Carer's Support Grant is an annual payment made to carers by my Department. The annual grant, which is currently payable at a rate of €1,850, is available to all carers providing full-time care to a person who has such a disability that they require that level of care. According to the records of my department, an application for Carer's Support Grant has not been received from...

Written Answers — Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection: Social Welfare Benefits (25 May 2021)

Heather Humphreys: The Free Travel scheme provides free travel on the main public and private transport services for those eligible under the scheme. These include road, rail and ferry services provided by companies such as Bus Átha Cliath, Bus Éireann and Iarnród Éireann, as well as Luas and services provided by over 80 private transport operators. There are currently approx. 996,000...

Written Answers — Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection: Personal Public Service Numbers (25 May 2021)

Heather Humphreys: I can confirm that my Department has allocated Personal Public Service Numbers (PPSNs) to the individuals referred to by the Deputy. Letters issued on 19th May 2021 with details of their PPSNs. I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.