Written answers

Thursday, 9 December 2021

Department of Rural and Community Development

Departmental Programmes

Photo of Bernard DurkanBernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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369. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development the extent to which she continues to encourage investment in the manufacturing and services sectors in areas of social and economic deprivation with particular reference to the use of digital hubs thus alleviating traffic congestion; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [61045/21]

Photo of Bernard DurkanBernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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372. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development the extent to which she anticipates the creation of suitable locations for investment in jobs through the various schemes available through her Department with particular reference to the need to address areas of social or economic deprivation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [61048/21]

Photo of Bernard DurkanBernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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376. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development the number of community development initiatives funded by her Department throughout Ireland in the past 12 months; her expectations in this regard in the forthcoming year; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [61052/21]

Photo of Bernard DurkanBernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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384. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development the extent to which her Department has directly or indirectly assisted persons throughout urban and rural Ireland in the course of the past year; the degree to which particular issues may have arisen; her plans to address outstanding issues by way of extension to existing schemes or the introduction of new provisions; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [61115/21]

Photo of Heather HumphreysHeather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 369, 372, 376 and 384 together.

My Department’s policies and funding programmes aim to deliver sustainable outcomes that positively impact the quality of life of those living and working in our communities. Funding is available to eligible community groups and organisations throughout the country.

The amount allocated by my Department for urban and rural development and renewal purposes in the past three years to-date is, €133 million in 2017, €251 million in 2018, €315 million in 2019, €313 million in 2020, and €267 million to date in 2021.

Details of funding allocations under specific schemes provided by my Department are available online at www.gov.ie/en/organisation/department-of-rural-and-community-development/.

The Deputy will also be aware of the recent publication of the renewed National Development Plan (NDP) 2021 – 2030 which commits to delivery of significant investment - €165 billion – over the coming decade. While the Plan is a whole of Government approach, Chapter 8: Strengthened Rural Economies and Communities sets out details on that which will be delivered and administered by my Department.

Earlier in the year, I was delighted to launch Our Rural Futurea whole-of-Government Rural Development Policy for 2021-2025, supported by 150 policy commitments aimed at addressing challenges facing communities and delivering new opportunities for people living in rural areas. The NDP will support the achievement of the ambitious objectives set out in that document.

Over the life of the NDP my Department will continue to invest in and support Rural Ireland and communities across the country through various schemes such as the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund, LEADER Programme, Town and Village Renewal Scheme, Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme, Local Improvement Scheme, CLÁR Programme, Islands Capital Programme, Community Enhancement Programme, Libraries Investment Capital funding and the PEACE PLUS Programme. However, I can assure the Deputy that investment will continue apace over the lifetime of the NDP.

Ongoing dialogue is maintained by my Department with rural and urban stakeholders in order to identify and respond to issues impacting on individuals and communities. I will continue to work collaboratively with my Government colleagues to monitor the issues which impact our urban and rural communities and to support the creation of vibrant and sustainable communities across this country.

Photo of Bernard DurkanBernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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370. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development the number of applications on hand in respect of the community enhancement programme; the extent to which she expects to be in a position to respond positively; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [61046/21]

Photo of Joe O'BrienJoe O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Green Party)
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In November a new €9m Community Activities Fund, was launched by my Department under the Community Enhancement Programmeand this fund continues into 2022 to support community groups impacted by COVID-19.

This fund will support local community groups, particularly in disadvantaged areas, with their running/operating costs such as utility or insurance bills, as well as with improvements to their facilities. Groups will also be able to use the funding to carry out necessary repairs and maintenance as well as refurbishment work or purchase equipment.

The fund is administered in the same way as the Community Enhancement Programme, with grant applications assessed in each local authority area by the Local Community Development Committee to ensure there is flexibility to allow funding to be targeted where it is needed. Details on how to apply for the Community Activities Fundwill be advertised in each area by the relevant Local Authority. As the funds are currently being launched across the country, there is no information as yet in relation to applications on hand.

Photo of Bernard DurkanBernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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371. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development the extent to which her Department continues to monitor urban and rural community activity with a view to addressing issues arising from Covid-19, Brexit or other reasons; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [61047/21]

Photo of Bernard DurkanBernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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374. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development the extent to which she expects to be able to assist those suffering from social isolation in urban or rural settings; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [61050/21]

Photo of Bernard DurkanBernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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383. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development the degree to which she expects her Department to be in a position to offer specific help to urban and rural communities which may have been particularly affected by Covid-19-related issues; if she expects to be in a position to examine circumstances applicable in urban and rural settings by which existing or new schemes may be of particular assistance notwithstanding the work to date in this area; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [61114/21]

Photo of Heather HumphreysHeather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 371, 374 and 383 together.

In delivering on its mission, my Department provides a wide range of strategic interventions, funding programmes and policies to support communities, including helping to address the issue of isolation for rural dwellers, older people and people with disabilities. Addressing the issue of individual isolation in communities has become more important than ever before, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Many of my Department's policies and funding programmes aim to address isolation issues in communities, and also deliver benefits by responding to the challenges facing vulnerable individuals due to COVID-19.

My Department continues to provide funding to tackle isolation and support those in our communities in most need of assistance through schemes such as the Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme (SICAP), the Community Services Programme, the CLÁR Programme, the Community Enhancement Programme, and the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund.

The Seniors Alert Scheme was established to encourage support for vulnerable older people in our communities. It provides funding for a personal monitored alarm, connected to a contact centre to enable older persons of 65 or older and of limited means, to continue to live securely in their homes with confidence, independence and peace of mind.

Amongst the measures which will further support people with disabilities living in rural areas is the rollout of high speed broadband. This will enable improved access to digital services and increased employment opportunities for people with disabilities, including through remote working.

My Department is responsible for a number of national policies containing measures to improve the lives of people throughout the country including Our Rural Future, which places an emphasis on building resilience and enhancing participation and inclusion in rural communities including older people and those with disabilities.

My Department continues to monitor issues impacting on communities in order to respond to emerging needs.

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