Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)
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667. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development if she will provide an update on the outdoor recreation application by a group (details supplied). [9297/24]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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The Town and Village Renewal Scheme (TVRS) was introduced in 2016 and is one of a number of measures designed to rejuvenate rural towns and villages throughout Ireland. Since the launch of the scheme over €156 million has been allocated to more than 1,700 projects across Ireland.

In line with the commitment in Our Rural Future, TVRS priorities are reviewed at the end of each scheme year to ensure that funding is targeted effectively to support vibrant and attractive communities and to respond to changing needs and opportunities.

The 2023 Scheme has a renewed focus on town centre economic and social vibrancy. This will be achieved through projects focusing on town centre regeneration, enhancing our streetscapes and the development of green spaces / recreational amenities which will encourage more people to work, live and socialise in town and village centres.

The 2023 Scheme is now closed and the competitive assessment process is currently ongoing. I can confirm that an application has been received in relation to the project referred to. I expect to be in a position to announce the successful projects by the end Quarter 1 of 2024.

Joe O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Green Party)
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My Department of Rural and Community Development's Community Services Programme (CSP) currently supports over 430 community-based organisations, to provide local services through a social enterprise model. CSP provides an annual co-funding contribution towards each full-time equivalent (FTE) position being supported, and, where warranted, towards the cost of employing a manager.

Funding of €1 million was made available for a Call for Proposals in respect of specific CSP services which issued in March 2023. Interested organisations were requested to submit a concept note as the first step in the application process. The concept note was for potential applicants to express an interest in making a full application for entry to the Community Services Programme.

Pobal, who manage and administer the Programme on behalf of my Department, received a large volume of concept notes. Pobal assessed all concept notes received and following the approval of my department, they invited 33 organisations to make a full application to enter the programme. Following appraisal of the full applications received, I approved 14 of these organisations to enter the CSP programme on 13 December last. Some other applications that were not approved to enter the programme arising from this call may be considered at a later date, as funding becomes available.

While no further calls for proposals are anticipated at this time, my Department can hold contact details on file should the programme open for new applicants in the near future. Contact details for a nominated person can be provided to the email address csp@drcd.gov.ie. It should be noted that any additional new entrants will be considered in light of available budgets.

It is also suggested that organisations should make contact with their Local Development Company or Local Authority who may be able to provide some guidance on supports available at this time. Their Local Intreo Office may be able to assist with the possibility of additional staff resources for activation programmes such as Community Employment or Tús.