Colm Burke (Cork North Central, Fine Gael)
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96. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development the details of the way that her Department's Budget 2023 measures will benefit persons living in rural areas in dealing with the cost-of-living crisis; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53595/22]

Kieran O'Donnell (Limerick City, Fine Gael)
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107. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development the way in which her Department’s Budget 2023 measures will benefit persons living in rural areas in dealing with the cost-of-living crisis. [53865/22]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 96 and 107 together.

I am acutely aware of the increase in the cost of living in recent months, especially increasing energy prices. Given this, the supports provided by my Department are more important than ever.

Budget 2023 provides a 4% increase in my Departments allocation, which will deliver significant support for rural and community development next year. Funding of €393 million has been made available, with €201 million for rural development, €187 million for community development, and €5 million for the Charities Regulatory Authority.

The investment in rural development is mainly focussed on capital projects, which will help support the economic growth and resilience of rural economies.

Budget 2023 provides significant supports for communities groups, including a further €20 million to support community groups impacted by the rising cost of living, with €10 million of this targeted at assisting with energy costs. The framework for delivering this assistance is currently being developed by my Department to ensure access to support in a timely manner. Full scheme details, including application timeframes and eligibility criteria, will be announced shortly.

Other supports for community groups include the Community Enhancement Programme and the Community Services Programme.

The Community Enhancement Programme (CEP) provides funding to community groups and organisations across Ireland, with a focus on areas of disadvantage. The programme is administered by the Local Community Development Committees (LCDC) on the basis of local need. The details of the 2022 fund and the allocations available are currently being developed by officials within my Department and further details will be announced in due course.

Under Budget 2023 funding for the Community Services Programme will increase by €3.5 million, to over €52 million in 2023. This will help ensure that organisations providing community services are funded on a more sustainable basis and that these important services continue to be provided throughout the country.

My Department continues to engage with rural and urban stakeholders to identify issues impacting on communities and respond to emerging needs, and I am confident the funding supports being provided will continue to deliver tangible benefits for all communities.