Rural and Community Development | Addressing community development initiatives and funds allocated

To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development the number of community development initiatives funded by her Department throughout the country in the past twelve months; her expectations in this regard in 2023; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

– Bernard J. Durkan T.D.

For WRITTEN answer on Thursday, 15 December, 2022.

To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development the full extent of funding allocated to various groups throughout the country under the schemes available through her Department in the past three years to date; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

– Bernard J. Durkan T.D.

For WRITTEN answer on Thursday, 15 December, 2022.

REPLY

My Department delivers a wide range of strategic interventions, funding programmes, policies and initiatives to support urban and rural communities throughout the country.

My Department allocated funding of €323.3 million in 2020, €330.7 million in 2021, and €349.8 million in 2022 to date, across a wide range of funding schemes.
This funding included supports for rural areas through community based 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, and Connected Hubs initiative. This targeted investment supports rural regeneration, facilitates new working opportunities, and fosters regional enterprise growth.  

My Department also continues to invest in, and support, communities across the country through our wide range of schemes such as, amongst others, the Community Centres Investment Fund, the Community Services Programme, Community & Voluntary Supports programme, Community Activities Fund, Community Enhancement Programme, Empowering Communities Fund and the Scheme to Support National Organisations.

All my Department’s supports and policies are underpinned by extensive consultation with a wide range of stakeholders. This engagement process provides important insights into issues impacting on  communities and assists my Department in identifying and responding to emerging needs.

Budget 2023 provides a 4% increase in my Department’s 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.

Details of funding available for the coming year will be made available as programmes are launched in 2023, and details of funding calls will be made available on my Department’s website.