Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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221. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development the extent to which his Department has set out criteria for qualification for financial assistance by various applicants throughout the country in 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26171/18]

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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223. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development the criteria for qualification for assistance by voluntary or statutory groups in 2018 or thereafter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26173/18]

Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 221 and 223 together.

My Department operates a number of funding programmes and schemes that are open to applications from eligible parties across a range of sectors. All are designed to assist rural and urban communities in need.

The new Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme (SICAP) launched in January 2018 will run for a five-year period until 2022.

SICAP focuses on reducing poverty and promoting social inclusion and equality in Ireland through supporting communities and individuals using community development approaches, engagement and collaboration. SICAP is overseen and managed by the Local Community Development Committee (LCDC) in each local authority area. The Department has engaged Pobal to work on its behalf to manage and oversee the delivery of SICAP nationally. More information about the programme can be found on the Pobal website.

I recently launched the Community Enhancement Programme (CEP),which replaces and builds the good work of two existing schemes (Communities Facilities Scheme and RAPID). The programme has a budget of €4.5m for 2018. This is an increase funding for each Local Authority area compared with their combined RAPID and CFS funding for 2017. LCDCs will continue to administer the programme at local level and are at present seeking applications. They will be advertising locally for suitable projects and will provide details on how to apply in each area. The closing date for applications is 30 July 2018.

The CLÁR programmeprovides funding for small scale infrastructural projects in disadvantaged rural areas that have experienced significant levels of de-population. The scheme is funded by my Department and delivered, for the most part, by the Local Authorities in consultation with groups in local communities. The 2018 CLÁR programme will see funding provided under three measures:

Measure 1: Support for Schools/Community Safety MeasuresMeasure 2: Play AreasMeasure 3: First Response Support Measure

The deadline for applications under the 2018 CLÁR programme passed on 30 April 2018, but the criteria used for Measures 1 and 2 are available from Local Authorities, while the criteria and application form for Measure 3 are available on my Department's website.

The Local Improvement Scheme (LIS) is a scheme for carrying out improvement works on private/non-public roads. It is funded by the Department in conjunction with the County Councils who administer the scheme and carry out the works. Applications are submitted to the County Councils who prioritise projects within their allocation and forward them to the Department for final approval. The criteria for eligible roads are set out in the memorandum governing the scheme. Generally, they are non-public roads, often leading to houses and important community amenities such as graveyards, beaches, piers, mountains, etc. or other non-public roads that provide access to parcels of land, or provide access for harvesting purposes (including turf or seaweed) for two or more persons.

Funding of €15m has been earmarked for the 2018 Town and Village Renewal Scheme. Local Authorities are required to advertise for expressions of interest from towns and villages in their area and proposals from a group may be considered if the application displays a strong economic benefit to the community. The deadline for the submission of applications to the Department by Local Authorities is 30 June 2018.

The LEADER programme provides funding assistance to address the challenges facing rural areas over the course of the programme period, particularly under the themes of economic development and social inclusion. Applications from various groups for funding can be made directly to the relevant Local Action Groups. Promoters interested in accessing assistance under the LEADER Programme should, in the first instance, submit an Expression of Interest to their Local Action Group (LAG)

The Department also has lead responsibility for developing the relationship between the State and community and voluntary sector. The Scheme to Support National Organisations (SSNO) provides multi-annual funding towards core costs of national organisations in the sector, with a focus on organisations that provide supports to those who are disadvantaged. The current three-year scheme runs to 30 June 2019, and all funding has been fully allocated for 2018.

Further information for potential applicants on these and all other funding programmes and schemes is available on my Department's websitewww.drcd.gov.ie

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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222. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development the extent to which application forms have issued for applications for financial assistance by various voluntary or statutory bodies throughout the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26172/18]

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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226. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development the extent to which his Department has received applications for assistance from various voluntary or statutory bodies throughout the country with a view to addressing specific issues of deprivation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26176/18]

Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 222 and 226 together.

My Department funds a range of programmes and schemes that provide financial assistance to eligible voluntary or statutory bodies throughout the country. These schemes provide much needed assistance to urban and rural communities in need.

These include the LEADER and CLÁR programmes; the recently launched Community Enhancement Programme; the Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme (SICAP): and the Community Services Programme.

All schemes delivered by my Department are open to applications from eligible parties during the relevant application timeframes set for each scheme/programme.

Full details of how to register or apply for financial assistance under these schemes can be obtained on my Department's website [www.drcd.gov.ie] along with more detailed information on all various funding programmes and schemes.