Jackie Cahill (Tipperary, Fianna Fail)
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38. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development the details of funding supports available for community gardens or community allotments in rural towns and villages (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28000/21]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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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, the location referred to by the Deputy is not in a designated CLÁR area and is not eligible to apply for this funding.

There are other funding sources, however, which might be explored, depending on the exact nature of the investment envisaged.

The option of applying under the LEADER Transitional Programme 2021-2022 might be explored. There are LEADER Groups located in each county who will be able to assist potential applicants. I would suggest that interested applicants should, in the first instance, contact the Local Development Company in their area to discuss potential support through LEADER. Contact details for the Local Development Companies are available on my Department's website.

I also recently launched the 2021 Town and Village Renewal Scheme which has a budget this year of €15 million. The Scheme is administered through Local Authorities who work closely with local communities and businesses to develop proposals which are forwarded to my Department. The scheme does not explicitly refer to community gardens but does include support to develop parks, green spaces and recreational amenities in town centres. Interested applicants can discuss potential projects with their Local Authority.