Rose Conway-Walsh (Mayo, Sinn Fein)
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2042. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development if the funding for the social inclusion and community activation programme will be withdrawn; when this will happen; if a new social inclusion and community activation programme will replace the current scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [63624/21]

Joe O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Green Party)
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The Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme (SICAP), is our country’s primary social inclusion programme.  The current iteration began on 1 January 2018 and will run until the end of 2023.  The programme enables vital work in helping individuals and groups, by improving the life chances of those who are marginalised in society, living in poverty or unemployed.

The funding for SICAPis subject to the annual budgetary estimates process and I am delighted to have secured a 10% increase for SICAPfor 2022, the largest increase since the programme was launched.  This €4 million increase willprovide for the creation of a number of new community worker posts in communities across Ireland. 

My officials have begun the process of developing a new iteration of SICAP which will begin in 2024.

Cathal Crowe (Clare, Fianna Fail)
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2043. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development the current status of phase 2 of the River Fergus walk and cycleway; if there is an estimated completion date for this route; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1043/22]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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The Outdoor Recreation and Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS) provides funding for the development and enhancement of outdoor recreational infrastructure such as trails, walkways, cycleways, blueways and bridleways in rural areas. It is funded by my Department in partnership with Fáilte Ireland. 

Over the last year my Department has seen an increased emphasis on the development of outdoor amenities such as those associated with our mountains, rivers, lakes and beaches. 

I can confirm that €200,000 was approved for the River Fergus Walkway and Cycleway under Measure 2 of the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme 2020.  Under the terms of the Funding Agreement, the deadline date for completion of the project is 31st of August 2022.  My officials have been in contact with Clare County Council who have confirmed that there are no concerns regarding the delivery of the project and they expect the works to be completed by the deadline date.