Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

354. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development the extent to which she proposes to extend support for various communities under the Leader programme in 2022, directly or through other agencies; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9000/22]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The LEADER programme is a key intervention implemented by my Department which will help to underpin the Government's rural development goals as outlined in Our Rural Future.

The LEADER programme is delivered through 29 Local Action Groups (LAGs) across rural Ireland. A feature of the LEADER programme is that it is based on a community-led, bottom-up approach to rural development.

The programme includes specific funding themes to support rural economic development, enterprise development and job creation, social inclusion, and rural environment.  Community groups and rural-based businesses can apply for funding under these themes.  The website of the National Rural Network contains case studies of how LEADER has benefited local communities and businesses.   Over 5,000 projects have been approved for in excess of €211 million under these themes since the 2014-2020 LEADER programme became operational.

In line with a commitment in Our Rural Future, I launched the Transitional LEADER Programme which came into effect from 1 April 2021 and will run to the end of 2022. A total of €70 million is being made available over this programming period. €65 million of this budget is available to Local Action Groups (LAGs) who deliver the programme and approve projects at local level.  This allocation covers both core project expenditure and the administration and animation costs of the LAGs.  €20 million of this Transitional LEADER Programme is funded by the European Union Recovery Instrument (EURI), which will enable local communities to recover from the impact of Covid-19, provide support for new and innovative projects in the green economy and maximise the potential of broadband and the digital economy in communities.

In 2021 I also approved an increase in the rate of aid for private enterprises and commercial community projects, from a maximum of 50% to a maximum of 75% as committed to in the Programme for Government.

The Transitional Programme will ensure that LEADER will continue to support and revitalise our communities and make them sustainable and desirable places in which to live and work through co-ordinated approaches that build on the economic strengths and infrastructure of rural areas.

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

355. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development her proposals for further enhancement or expenditure under the town and village centre renewal scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9001/22]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The Town and Village Renewal Scheme aims to assist with the rejuvenation of rural towns and villages throughout Ireland, making them more attractive places to live, work and visit. 

In line with the commitment in Our Rural Future, the 2021 scheme prioritised the renovation of derelict and vacant buildings in our town centres, with a view to bringing these buildings back into use. I also increased the maximum grant available under the Scheme last year to €500,000 to permit projects of additional scale to be funded. The assessment of the applications made under the 2021 scheme is now being finalised and I expect to be in a position to announce the successful projects and the level of funding approved for each local authority shortly.

Last year I also introduced a €7 million Streetscape Enhancement Measure under the Scheme to help improve the visual appearance of over 120 towns and villages the length and breadth of the country. I also allocated funding for investment in digital hubs as part of a Connected Hubs Fund.

I was delighted to secure increased funding across the range of rural development schemes in Budget 2022, and my officials are currently working on the follow up Town and Village Renewal Scheme for 2022. While the details are still being finalised, there is no doubt that we will again be prioritising projects that bring vacant and derelict buildings back into use and promote residential occupancy in town centres.  I will be announcing the details of the 2022 scheme in the coming months.