Over €800,000 in funding for community gardens, outdoor spaces and allotments announced

Over €800,000 in funding for community gardens, outdoor spaces and allotments announced

  • Some 25 projects nationwide to be funded under 2021 CLÁR Programme
  • Projects include community and sensory gardens, outdoor spaces and allotments in rural towns and villages

 Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD, has announced €810,000 in funding to support 25 projects under the 2021 CLÁR Programme.

The funding will support local groups in developing community and sensory gardens, outdoor spaces and allotments.

In practical terms, communities will receive funding for the likes of raised flower beds, wildflower gardens, sensory planting, polytunnels, outdoor equipment, picnic tables and shelters.  All projects must adhere to the Leave No Trace principles.

The 2021 CLÁR Programme is a key part of the Government’s five-year rural development strategy, Our Rural Future.

This year alone, the scheme has delivered over €5.7 million for projects across the country.

Announcing the funding, Minister Humphreys said:

“The projects receiving funding today will help to channel the real sense of pride that people in rural Ireland have in their localities and their environment. 

“Funding for such community-led projects is at the very core of the Government’s vision for rural Ireland as set out in ‘Our Rural Future’.

“The funding will go a long way in terms of assisting our Community Groups, TidyTowns and Development Associations in making their localities more vibrant places to live and raise a family.

“This funding will lead to the creation of community spaces where people can come together and meet their families and friends.

“The initiative is also key in realising our desire to build an even more environmentally responsible society.

“As Minister, I am delighted to support these 25 projects and I look forward to visiting many of them in the future.”

Examples of some of the successful organisations include:

  • Bruckless Community Park, Co Donegal: Sensory space and associated planting, seating and BBQ area – €50,000
  • Ballinamore Community Garden, Co Leitrim: Installation of a large polytunnel and a teaching tunnel – €8,438
  • Abbeylara Community Garden, Co Longford: Sensory Garden, Outdoor stage, Children’s Play Area and Picnic benches – €50,000
  • Ballybay Allotments and Community Garden, Co Monaghan : development of allotments and community garden –  € 35,586
  • Cappoquin Community Garden/Waterford Area Partnership, Co Waterford: New community garden – €5,085
  • Tournafulla Sustainable Living Community, Co Limerick: Transform an area of waste land into a vibrant community garden – €50,000

The full list of successful projects is available at the following link: https://www.gov.ie/en/collection/bd890-clar-2021-funding-approvals/

Today’s announcement is in addition to funding of over €4.2 million for 104 projects which the Minister announced on 30 August 2021 under Measures 1 and 2 of CLÁR and over €747k for 14 projects under Measure 3(b) announced on 2 September 2021.

 

September 8, 2021

Our Rural Future: Minister Humphreys announces over €4.2 million in funding for schools, sports clubs, playgrounds and community organisations

  • 104 projects to benefit from funding under CLÁR Programme
  • Huge focus on young people and developing our outdoor amenities

Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD, today (Monday 30th August) announced over €4.2 million in funding to support our schools, playgrounds, infrastructure projects and community organisations across Rural Ireland.

The funding comes under Department of Rural and Community Development’s CLÁR Programme, which is a key part of Our Rural Future, the Government’s five year strategy to revitalise our rural towns and villages.

Today’s announcement will see 104 projects supported in rural communities, under Measures 1 & 2 of the CLÁR 2021 programme.

Further announcements under the CLÁR programme will be made by Minister Humphreys in the coming weeks.

 Announcing the funding, Minister Humphreys said:

 “The CLÁR Programme 2021 puts our young people at the fore. From investing in our schools, playgrounds, outdoor amenities and other projects – we are demonstrating the value and appreciation we have for the leaders of the future.

 “If the Pandemic has taught us one thing, it’s that our young people are our shining lights.

 “Investing in them is an investment in our future – that’s what today’s announcement is all about.

 “This particular announcement under my Department’s CLÁR Programme is the perfect example of why ‘Our Rural Future’ will be a game changer for Rural Ireland.”

 The Minister made the announcement after visiting the community in the small village of Mullan, Co Monaghan.

Since the CLÁR Programme was reintroduced in 2016, it has provided funding of over €38m to over 1,600 projects under various measures.

This year, Measure 1 of the Programme will provide almost €2 million in support for projects in 52 communities.

The projects will provide and improve safety infrastructure such as footpaths, public lighting, traffic calming measures and car parking facilities. This measure also continues to support projects that help adapt the environs of schools and community facilities to help meet challenges arising from the pandemic.

Measure 2 funds outdoor community recreation facilities and this year funding of over €2.2 million will be provided in support of 52 projects across communities throughout the country. This measure includes supports for the development of new and enhanced community spaces including supports for playgrounds and Multi Use Games Areas (MUGAs).

Examples of successful projects announced today include:

  • Clare: New 1,500 meter walking trail at Tulla Athletics Club – supporting the surrounding woods, picnic tables and hedgerow planting: €43,560.
  • Donegal: To enhance the shorefront in support of the Culfaff Development Associaton. This will enhance the adjoining playground providing for outdoor exercise equipment, wheelchair accessible picnic benches and seating: €50,000
  • Monaghan: Development of a Community play area in Mullan Village: €50,000
  • Kerry: Kilgarvan GAA Hurling & Football Club: Installation of bicycle racks, outdoor bowling area, picnic area, parking infrastructure, disability parking and biodiversity landscaping: €50,000
  •  Laois:– Ballyfin Community Development Association – Provision of a children’s playground; safe surfacing, seating, fencing, biodiversity & sensory planting – €49,500
  •  Sligo: – Coolaney Development Company – Construction of asphalt finished pump track for bikes – €49,500

The full list of projects is available at the following link: https://www.gov.ie/en/collection/bd890-clar-2021-funding-approvals/

 Ends

Contact:

The Department of Rural and Community Development Press Office

076-1006843 / 087-1734633

Press.office@drcd.gov.ie

September 1, 2021

Streetscape Enhancement Initiative

Our Rural Future: Minister Humphreys announces the 124 towns and villages to benefit from new €7 million fund to enhance streetscapes & shopfronts

  • Projects to include upgrades to building facades, artwork, murals, lighting, street furniture and canopies
  • Investment designed to make rural towns and villages more colourful, vibrant and attractive places
  • Minister Humphreys encourages businesses and property owners to contact their local authority to apply

Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD, has today announced the 124 towns and villages that will benefit from a new €7 million fund to support the enhancement of streetscapes and shopfronts.

The Streetscape Enhancement Initiative is a key part of Our Rural Future and is designed to make our rural towns and villages more attractive places to live, work and visit.

Under the scheme, property owners will be provided with funding to improve the facades of their buildings, carry out artwork and install features such as canopies and street furniture.

The 124 towns and villages announced by the Minister today were selected by each local authority, which will now begin the process of advertising locally for applications.

The types of projects to be supported include:

  • strategic collaboration between property owners to paint buildings or shopfronts in vibrant colours
  • commissioning of murals in towns and villages
  • upgrade or restoration of historic / traditional shopfronts
  • provision of street planting, shrubbery, trees and flowers boxes
  • illumination and lighting of architectural features
  • installation of canopies and street furniture
  • decluttering of streetscapes with removal of unnecessary signs / wires

Minister Humphreys today encouraged business and property owners in any of the 124 towns and villages selected to contact their local authority for information on how to apply.

Announcing the 124 towns and villages today, Minister Humphreys said:

“This unique initiative is about making our rural towns and villages more attractive and welcoming places for locals and visitors alike.

“Whether it’s painting buildings in vibrant colours, upgrading shop fronts or installing canopies or street furniture – this fund will provide a welcome boost to rural communities the length and breadth of the country.

“We all know that even the most modest of improvements to our buildings and streetscapes can make a huge difference.

“And so over the coming weeks, local authorities will work closely with businesses and property owners to give our towns and villages the facelift they deserve.”

The Minister added:

“When I launched the Government’s new rural policy, ‘Our Rural Future’, I said I wanted to reimagine and revitalise rural communities.

“This initiative is a key part of realising that goal. I am really looking forward to seeing the sort of proposals that are put forward over the coming weeks.

“If you are a business or property owner in any of the 124 towns and villages selected, I encourage you to contact your local authority for details on how to apply.

“I have no doubt the projects funded this initiative will make a huge difference to our rural towns and villages and, most importantly, the families who live there.”

The list of towns is included available on gov.ie.

ENDS

August 24, 2021

Our Rural Future: Minister Humphreys Announces Funding for 20 Projects under Digital Innovation Programme

  • Diverse range of projects aim to use new technologies to solve rural problems and deliver real benefits to communities
  • Special Defibrillator App, Inflatable Cinema Screens, Smart Beaches, Wifi Hotspots, Tourism Apps, Smart Farming and Air Quality Monitoring among successful projects

 The Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys T.D. today (Thursday, 19 August), announced €1.2million in funding for 20 projects under the Our Rural Future Digital Innovation Programme. The programme funds Local Authority-led innovation projects that provide a public benefit and support regional digital development.

As part of the competitive application process, a wide range of innovative proposals were received from Local Authorities. Some of the projects which have now been selected for funding include:

  • Ring Buoy Project (Sligo as the lead partner)

Ring buoys are present at many of our beaches and inland waterways and are life-saving equipment. This project will see ring buoys fitted with sensors that can remotely notify council staff if a ring buoy is due to be inspected / repaired, or if a ring buoy is missing from its station. This will speed up replacements and will save lives, work hours and money.

  • Defibrillator Locator App – Roscommon

Roscommon County Council will develop a Defibrillator Location App. This will enable members of the public in Roscommon to immediately locate the defibrillator which is nearest to them saving precious time in the event of a cardiac arrest. This App has the potential to be scaled nationally.

  • Outdoor Inflatable Screens – Monaghan

Monaghan County Council will trial inflatable outdoor screens to see how effective they are at delivering important information to the public. The screens will be made available for use by local organisations including Clones Film Society, Foróige, Primary Schools and other local organisations.

  • RAPIDS – Limerick

The aim of the project is to develop technology to improve the identification of potholes and the quality of road surface on Limerick’s roads; proactively identifying potholes earlier will reduce road maintenance costs and lower the carbon footprint of roads maintenance, thereby improving public safety and value for money.

Speaking today, Minister Humphreys said:

“The Digital Innovation Programme is designed to encourage innovation and collaboration, and to help us to work smarter in supporting rural Ireland.  The range of projects approved today showcase the imagination, energy and expertise that exists in rural Ireland. 

“People who live in rural Ireland are nothing if not innovative. In recent years we have seen drones delivering medicine to our Island communities. This small scheme is all about giving rural communities the opportunity to trial new technologies which will solve local problems. If it works for one community, it can work for others and we can then look at replicating these models in other areas.

“I look forward to seeing these projects delivering clear benefits to rural communities over the coming months.”

Full details with detailed descriptions on all 20 successful projects is available on gov.ie.

ENDS

Contact:

The Department of Rural and Community Development Press Office

076-1006843 / 087-1734633

Press.office@drcd.gov.ie

Notes  

The Digital Innovation Programme is an initiative of the Department of Rural and Community Development. It is designed to encourage local authority led projects that support digital development. These projects must promote, support, or otherwise advance at least one of the seven pillars of digital maturity:

  • Digital Skills
  • Infrastructure
  • Innovation & Entrepreneurship
  • Digital Economy & Employment
  • Digital Services
  • Community & Culture
  • Digital Transition

Projects that cut across more than one of the pillars are particularly welcome, as are projects that demonstrate significant collaboration.

These projects will provide innovative digital solutions to issues, or identify solutions to digital issues and should be scalable and replicable by other local authorities.

This year there were two application streams:

  1. Innovation

These projects include trialling of entirely new technologies or innovative uses of existing technologies. The maximum award in this stream is €75,000.

  1. Scaling-up

These projects will scale-up an already proven technology or initiative. For example, a project that has only been trialled at a municipal level in Ireland could be scaled-up to county level, or county level to national level. Alternatively, a project that sought to benefit a particular cohort within society or address a specific challenge could be broadened to include additional cohorts / challenges. The maximum award under this stream is €200,000.

Successful Projects

County Project Title Stream Funding Requested
Monaghan Outdoor Inflatable Screens Innovation €1,500
Kerry Smart Beaches Scaling €200,000
Westmeath Asset Mapping Innovation €52,600
Donegal Climate Change Recording Innovation €12,800
Clare Hare’s Corner Scaling €44,000
Offaly Water Flow/Level Recording Innovation €14,268
Sligo Ring Buoy Theft Prevention Scaling €120,000
Tipperary Shared Telecoms Infrastructure Innovation €48,000
Limerick RAPIDS Innovation €67,560
Roscommon Defib Locator App Innovation €17,400
Galway Digital Dissemination Innovation €8,000
Offaly Edenderry IOT Innovation €35,021
Kerry Smart Park Kerry Scaling €76,800
Kerry Atlantic Discover Platform Scaling €200,000
Wexford Town of Things Innovation €73,200
Tipperary Smart Skills for Farming Communities Innovation €24,000
Monaghan Sensory Gardens Innovation €12,000
Meath Air Quality Monitoring Scaling €163,518
Longford Longford Text Alert Innovation €14,000
Cork Remote Printing Scaling €29,600
€1,214,267

 

Details on each project can be found on gov.ie.

August 19, 2021

Minister Humphreys publishes 2020 Annual Report from Department of Rural and Community Development

Minister Humphreys publishes 2020 Annual Report from Department of Rural and Community Development

Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD, has today (Wednesday, 11 July) published the Department of Rural and Community Development’s Annual Report for 2020.

The report provides a comprehensive overview of the wide range of policies, programmes and initiatives developed and delivered by the Department in 2020.

The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact on all citizens and communities.

In response, the Department provided funding communities throughout Ireland, while maintaining vital supports and services.

Highlights in 2020 include the €45 million COVID-19 Stability Fund.

This Fund supported hundreds of voluntary and community groups, charities and social enterprises, in continuing to deliver vital services to vulnerable groups throughout the Pandemic.

2020 also saw further investment through the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund (RRDF).

In all, Funding of €168 million was approved for 139 projects by the end of the year.

Some €152 million was also invested through the Rural Development Investment Programme, which includes the LEADER Programme, Town and Village Renewal Scheme, the Local Improvement Scheme, the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme and the CLÁR Programme.

Total expenditure under the LEADER Programme in 2020 was €45.4 million.

Funding of €15.7 million was approved for 226 projects under the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS) with over €25 million approved for over 500 projects under the Town and Village Renewal Scheme.

The Department continued to deliver programmes that support community development across the country. The Community Enhancement Programme provided €7 million of funding to projects across the country, so that community groups could enhance facilities in disadvantaged areas. Local organisations and vulnerable people also received increased supports through our community development programmes such as the Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme (SICAP).

On the policy front, the Department published the country’s first National Volunteering Strategy 2021 – 2025 in December with the aim of recognising, supporting and promoting the unique value and contribution of volunteers to Irish society. Significant work was undertaken in implementing the National Social Enterprise Policy and the five-year strategy to support the community and voluntary sector in Ireland (Sustainable, Inclusive and Empowered Communities).

The development of the next phase of a national rural development policy was significantly further developed over the course of 2020.

The Department’s policy functions were also widened with the addition of responsibilities for the islands, following the establishment of the new Government in 2020 and the development of the national islands policy was substantially advanced during the year.

Welcoming the publication of the annual report, Minister Humphreys said:

“The pandemic brought about huge challenges for everyone right across our society. The work of my Department was more important than ever during 2020 in order to support communities and ensure critical services continued to be delivered to vulnerable groups.

“I am proud to see the positive impact the programmes and schemes under my Department are having right across the country.  

“As we move beyond this Pandemic, it is essential that we continue to support our communities and to help make Rural Ireland a better place to live, work and raise a family.”

“I would like to thank my colleague, Minister of State Joe O’Brien, for his dedicated work during 2020 and to also acknowledge the commitment and invaluable contributions of the staff and management team in the Department, particularly during, what were very challenging times.”

The Department’s Annual Report has been published bilingually and can be found on gov.ie

ENDS

Contact:

The Department of Rural and Community Development Press Office

076-1006843 / 087-1734633

Press.office@drcd.gov.ie

August 11, 2021

Investment Doubled for Upgrade Work on Non-Public Roads and Laneways in Rural Communities

Investment Doubled for Upgrade Work on Non-Public Roads and Laneways in Rural Communities

Our Rural Future: Minister Humphreys doubles investment for upgrade works on rural roads and laneways

  • Additional funding of €10.5 million brings total budget to €21 million
  • Improving access to homes, farms and outdoor amenities         
  • Minister Humphreys: increased funding is a key deliverable in ‘Our Rural Future’

The Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD, has today (Wednesday, 14 July) announced an increased investment to €21 million for upgrade works on non-public roads in rural communities.

The announcement doubles the original €10.5m budget which had been allocated for investment under the 2021 Local Improvement Scheme (LIS). This will improve access to rural homes and farms, as well as outdoor amenities such as lakes, rivers, mountains and beaches.

The focus of the scheme is to support the continued improvement of rural roads and laneways that are not normally maintained by local authorities but which represent a vital piece of infrastructure for rural residents.

The Scheme was relaunched in 2017 and over 10,000 landowners and residents in rural Ireland have benefitted to date.

Announcing the additional funding, Minister Humphreys said:

“There is strong demand for the Local Improvement Scheme right across the country. Funding for the scheme was discontinued for a number of years and I know that this has led to a backlog in roads that require improvement works.

“That is why I am delighted to be in a position to double the level of funding available for the Local Improvement Scheme this year to €21 million. The roads that will be maintained through this investment are vital for access to homes and farms in rural Ireland.”

Minister Humphreys added:

“My Department is engaging with each of the Local Authorities to establish the level of demand that can be met in each County before year end. Once that process is complete, I will announce the specific allocations to be provided to each County from this increased funding.

“As part of “Our Rural Future” the Government has committed to increasing our investment in the repair of non-public roads through the Local Improvement Scheme.   With this funding announcement, we will have invested €80 million in upgrading works on these roads since 2017.”

The additional funding will be delivered in the same manner as previously. Local Authorities are responsible for identifying and prioritising roads for improvement works under the scheme, in consultation with residents/landowners. The works must be completed before the end of the year.

The funding provided by the Department of Rural and Community Development will be complemented by a local financial contribution from landowners/householders, as well as Local Authority resources.

There will be a cap of €1,200 on the amount that any individual householder or landowner will be asked to contribute towards the cost of repairs to their road.

Eligible Roads

Eligible roads under the Local Improvement Scheme are:

  • non-public roads that provide access to parcels of agricultural land, or provide access for harvesting purposes (including turf or seaweed) for two or more persons.; or
  • Non-public roads leading to important community amenities such as graveyards, beaches, piers, mountains, etc.

Non Eligible Roads

Non-eligible roads include:

  • Roads serving only houses or buildings occupied or used by persons not engaged in Agriculture, and
  • Roads leading to commercial enterprises.

July 14, 2021

IFA TO HOLD NATIONWIDE RALLY ON FRIDAY TO HIGHLIGHT VALUE OF FARMING TO THE RURAL ECONOMY

IFA TO HOLD NATIONWIDE RALLY ON FRIDAY TO HIGHLIGHT VALUE OF FARMING TO THE RURAL ECONOMY

IFA will hold a nationwide rally next Fri, Jun 11th, to highlight the importance of commercial farming to the rural economy.

It will be the first large scale demonstration by IFA since the pandemic. Farmers will gather in county towns across the country to warn against the dangers in the current CAP proposals and the Climate Action Bill.

The farming and food sector employs 300,000 people across the country and we contributed €13bn in exports in 2020. “The county towns that we will visit on Friday rely heavily on our sector. Any reduction in activity in agriculture will hit them hard,” he said.

IFA President Tim Cullinan met An Taoiseach Michael Martin last week, where he told him that the current direction of the CAP and the Government’s Climate Action Bill could shut down commercial farming in Ireland.

“We will be making a strong statement across the country on Friday that policies must support our largest indigenous industry,” he said.

“A cohort of farmers, many of who are the most productive farmers, are being hit with huge cuts under the CAP. In addition, the Climate Bill, the subsequent carbon budgets and sectoral targets could result in huge additional regulation being imposed on the same group of farmers,” he said.

Tim Cullinan said farms sequester carbon and this has to be fully factored into the calculation of carbon budgets and sectoral targets. “We will not accept any attempt to remove credits from our sector,” he said.

According to the Teagasc National Farm survey, only one-third of farmers in Ireland are viable.

“The EU and our own Government policies are targeting these farmers and will make them unviable,” he said“The Programme for Government and the Climate Bill refers to taking account of the distinct characteristics of biogenic methane in setting climate budgets. Yet it appears that the Government now want to walk away from this commitment,” he said.

“Farmers want to work with the Government on climate action, but there has to be real engagement. Setting targets without any regard for the consequences won’t work,” he said.

Ends.

June 9, 2021

Connected Hubs Network Launched

Connected Hubs Network Launched

Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD, has this week launched the Connected Hubs Network, Ireland’s first national network of remote working hubs.

Connectedhubs.ie is a key action of Our Rural Future and will see over 100 hubs connected by the end of 2021.

Already, 66 hubs across the country are on board and are accessible to remote workers via an online map.

This number will rise to over 100 by the end of 2021 with the overall target of 400 set to be exceeded.

Announcing the launch of the network in Swinford, Co Mayo, Minister Humphreys said:

“Remote Working is a key commitment of ‘Our Rural Future’, the most ambitious policy for Rural Ireland in decades.

“Today, we are demonstrating the action behind that policy through the launch of Connected Hubs.

“Hub working can support the development of employment opportunities and career paths in rural areas. This will help to give young people the choice to stay closer to home while pursuing their careers and also to encourage people living in cities to consider moving to a more rural location.”

“Throughout this pandemic, so many of us have experienced the benefits of remote working – reduced commutes, more time spent with your family, increased footfall in towns, a lower carbon footprint.

“As we look to the reopening of our country, I am determined that we make remote working a permanent and viable reality for thousands of people.

“The Connected Hubs Network provides the perfect opportunity for workers and employers to embrace a ‘blended working’ model, and to find the balance of hub, home and office working that works best for them.”

The Minister concluded:

“I would urge all existing or new hubs to become members of Connected Hubs. In addition to availing of the excellent platform and supports unveiled today, by having your details included in the National Hub Survey you can help Government to identify the scale of our nation’s remote working infrastructure. This information will help to guide and inform future investment decisions.

“I would also like to remind hub managers of two funding streams which I recently launched, the €5m Connected Hubs fund for existing hubs and the €15m Town and Village Renewal Scheme, which will place particular emphasis on projects supporting remote working and enhancing town centre living as outlined in Our Rural Future.

“I will also be making an announcement regarding the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund in the coming months.”

The National Hub Network Working Group led by the Department of Rural and Community Development has identified and mapped close to 400 remote working hubs across the country. These hubs will be invited to join the Connected Hubs Network to create shared infrastructure that will deliver real benefits across the country. A National Hub survey is currently underway to gather further information with regard to services offered by these hubs.

ENDS

Contact:

The Department of Rural and Community Development Press Office

076-1006843 / 087-1734633

Press.office@drcd.gov.ie

Notes for editors:

 The ConnectedHubs.ie platform will offer a suite of booking, hub management and e-commerce applications to members of the Network. The Network will also facilitate the sharing of innovation, experience and best practices across the community. These supports will serve to maximise benefit to member hubs, hub clients, employers, local communities and the wider economy.

The National Hub Network Working Group led by the Department of Rural and Community Development has identified and mapped over 400 remote working hubs across the country. These hubs will be invited to join the Connected Hubs Network to create shared infrastructure that will deliver real benefits across the country. A National Hub survey is currently underway to gather further information with regard to services offered by these hubs.

Membership of the Connected Hubs Network is open to all existing and new hubs who wish to offer remote working services.

The following initiatives will be developed through this initiative;

  • A Shared Connected Hubs brand identity for all member hubs
  • A Centralised Connected Hubs media and promotional campaigns
  • Access to the ConnectedHubs.ie suite of booking, hub management and e-commerce applications.
  • Development of a Peer-to-Peer Hub Community
  • Sharing of Innovation, Experience and Best-Practices within the community
  • Developing a shared quality standard for hubs in the Network
  • Supporting collaborative projects in the Network to drive economies of scale
  • Developing a ‘shared voice’ for Connected Hubs
  • Supporting collective engagement between Connected Hubs and large scale employers
  • Supporting collective engagement between Connected Hubs and Government Agencies
  • Helping to identify the benefits Connected Hubs deliver for their local communities and the wider economy
  • Developing a dataset to inform future investment decisions in remote working facilities

A full list of connected hubs is available on gov.ie.

 

June 1, 2021

Inconic Tidy Towns Competition Returns

Inconic Tidy Towns Competition Returns

Minister Humphreys announces return of SuperValu TidyTowns Competition

  • Iconic competition makes comeback following COVID-19 disruption
  • TidyTowns groups to showcase their communities via electronic entry
  • New prize category to recognise role played by volunteers throughout pandemic
  • Special award for young people as per commitment under ‘Our Rural Future’
  • Over 800 TidyTowns groups across the country have been awarded  special €1,000 grant to support their efforts

 The Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD, has today (21st May, 2021) announced the return of the SuperValu TidyTowns Competition.

The iconic competition was cancelled in 2020 – for the first time in over 60 years – due to the COVID-19 Pandemic.

But special arrangements have now been put in place to ensure the return of the competition this year, with the overall winners due to be announced before the end of the year.

The 2021 SuperValu TidyTowns competition will take place in the same format as previous years, albeit with a specific emphasis on electronic entry and remote adjudication of each town’s entry.

Groups should continue to adhere to public health guidelines as they have done so remarkably well since the onset of the Pandemic.

The health and safety of volunteers continues to be paramount.

It is acknowledged that volunteers have not been able to deliver on all of the plans that they may have had for their towns, and the competition adjudicators will be mindful of this fact when assessing entries.

At the same time, many groups have still been very active and the standard of competition is expected to be high again this year amongst the almost 1,000 TidyTowns groups around the country.

Above all, staging the competition this year is a recognition of the extraordinary contribution volunteers continued to make to their communities, even during the Pandemic itself.

For this reason, Minister Humphreys has introduced a new award category aimed at groups that have continued to serve and look after their communities despite the difficulties posed by COVID-19.

The Minister has also introduced a special prize for young people, which was committed to under Our Rural Future – ­the Government’s ambitious new strategy for Rural Ireland.

Minister Humphreys announced a €1 million fund in December to further support the TidyTowns Groups across the country.

Today, the Minister confirmed that over 800 TidyTowns Groups have now been awarded grants of up to €1,000 under this Fund

Minister Humphreys today formally launched the 2021 SuperValu TidyTowns Competition in Glaslough, County Monaghan – the 2019 winners of the competition.

Speaking in Glaslough, Minister Humphreys said:

“Missing out on the competition last year was very disappointing for everyone associated with TidyTowns. That’s why I am delighted to announce that this iconic competition is back.

“I am sure the thousands of volunteers around the country are relieved that we have finally reached the point where we can launch the 2021 SuperValu TidyTowns competition and are excited for the months ahead.

“While the last year has been so challenging for everyone, I know that so many TidyTowns volunteers the length and breadth of the country have continued to look after their communities.

“Many groups have been unable to deliver on the projects they had planned due to COVID-19.

“That will not impact in any shape or form on this year’s competition and I am encouraging each and every one of the 987 registered groups across the country to enter once again.”

Also speaking about the launch today, Ian Allen, Managing Director of SuperValu:

“This year marks 30 years of SuperValu’s continuous support for and sponsorship of the national TidyTowns competition.

“As one of the longest-running community and sustainability initiatives in Ireland, TidyTowns is an incredibly important programme that all of us at SuperValu are immensely proud to be a part of.

“At its heart, TidyTowns is the public expression of the work countless individuals undertake to make our communities better places in which to work and live.

“Following a year like no other, this year’s competition is about recognising work of volunteers who have continued in every way possible and collectively help to lift the mood of the nation.”

The Minister continued:

“TidyTowns is not just a competition. It demonstrates everything good about our people – volunteerism, positivity, working together, community spirit, protecting our environment, that sense of pride in looking after the place you call home. 

“This is a really special day. I want to pay tribute to the huge role played by TidyTowns groups in inspiring vibrant communities and generating a spirit of volunteerism in towns and villages across the country – qualities that are at the core of “Our Rural Future”.

“I am also pleased to include a special award this year for young people involved in TidyTowns which is a specific recommendation contained in the Government’s strategy for Rural Ireland. I would also encourage local groups to continue their great efforts at promoting and enhancing biodiversity in our local towns.

“TidyTowns volunteers are rightly proud of their locality – their efforts make towns and villages the length and breadth of the country better places to live and to visit.  For years, TidyTowns volunteers have shown great resilience and determination – even more so over the past year as our communities came together in the face of adversity.

“In recognition of this, we have also introduced a special award to recognise the contribution that TidyTowns groups have made to their communities in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, including as part of the COVID-19 Community call.

“As we look ahead to an outdoor summer and staycations, we want our local towns and villages right across the country to be attractive, welcoming places. The trojan work carried out by our local TidyTowns volunteers will be central to achieving that. My message is clear – TidyTowns is back this year and it is bigger, better and more important than ever.”

Minister Humphreys concluded:

“I value the role my Department plays in this competition. I want to also commend the competition sponsor, SuperValu, for their continuing support and enthusiasm in raising awareness of the competition. Now in their 30th year of sponsorship, through their nationwide network of retailers, SuperValu have helped the competition to become the best known sustainable and environmental initiative in Ireland.

“Finally, I want to encourage all groups to continue to adhere to the public health advice and I wish all the volunteers the very best in this year’s competition.”

Further details on the competition and access to supporting resources are available at www.tidytowns.ie

ENDS

2021 Competition

  • Full details of the competition are available on www.tidytowns.ie
  • Entry forms to the SuperValu TidyTowns competition will be emailed to all registered groups
  • Entry forms can also be obtained from the TidyTowns Unit in the Department of Rural and Community Development (Phone: 076 100 6912) or by visiting www.tidytowns.ie or www.SuperValu.ie  or by emailing tidytowns@drcd.gov.ie
  • The closing date for receipt of entries for this year’s competition is Friday 2nd July 2021.
  • Results of competition expected to be announced in Q4 2021

TidyTowns figures

  • Competition first launched in 1958
  • Record number of entries in 2019 with 924 groups entering the competition
  • SuperValu have been sponsoring the competition for over 30 years

The full list of Tidy Town Groups who have received the €1,000 Grant is available at: www.tidytowns.ie

May 21, 2021

€4.5m TO IMPROVE COMMUNITY FACILITIES & SPORTS CLUBS

€4.5m TO IMPROVE COMMUNITY FACILITIES & SPORTS CLUBS

Ministers Humphreys and O’Brien announce €4.5 million to improve community facilities and sports clubs

  • Funding to support local groups to re-open their facilities post Covid-19
  • Small grants for repairs and renovations, new equipment and safety upgrades
  • Community Enhancement Programme to focus on disadvantaged areas
  • Clubs to be assisted in purchasing new equipment and sports gear

Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD, and Minister of State with responsibility for Community Development and Charities, Joe O’Brien TD, have recently announced €4.5 million to support community groups and sports clubs impacted by Covid-19.

The 2021 Community Enhancement Programme (CEP) will provide small capital grants designed to assist in the re-opening of facilities such as community centres, men’s and women’s sheds, parish halls and youth centres.

Sports clubs will also be given financial support to purchase equipment and sports gear, as well as to carry out minor upgrades that will benefit its members.

The grants will range from a few hundred euro up to €10,000, however, exceptions will be made depending on the application.

The funding may be used to carry out necessary renovations and repairs or to purchase equipment such as tables and chairs, tools and signage, laptops and printers, lawnmowers, canopies and so on.

The Community Enhancement Programme, which to date has supported over 8,000 projects, places a focus on supporting groups in disadvantaged areas.

The key theme of this year’s programme is supporting groups as they their re-open facilities which have been closed due to Covid-19.

As the grants are relatively small, this programme may appeal to groups that are not eligible for the €10 million Covid Stability Fund, which was launched last week.

Announcing the funding today, Minister Humphreys said:

“This funding is about giving a helping hand to our local groups and sports clubs, which are the lifeblood of our communities.

“As we come out of Covid-19, so many of these organisations will incur specific costs relating to the re-opening of their facilities.

“This could range from purchasing a new set of tables and chairs to repairing a leak in the roof or renovating the kitchen facility.

“Sports clubs will also be supported in terms of purchasing new equipment or sports gear which will improve the experience of their members.

“These grants may be small in nature. But I know they will go a long way in helping thousands of great community organisations and clubs the length and breadth of the country.

“I would encourage all interested groups to get in touch with their Local Community Development Committee that administers the programme in their area.

“Supporting local communities to shape their future is a key focus of the Government’s new rural development policy, Our Rural Future. The funding I am announcing today will benefit every single county and ensure that important small scale, ground-up projects can be delivered by local communities for local communities.”

Also announcing the funding today, Minister O’Brien said:

“The CEP is a really practical support to smaller community groups and facilities that are active at a grassroots level. This past year has, once again, shown the importance of a vibrant Community and Voluntary sector.

“The efforts of local community groups & volunteers throughout the pandemic has been immense and, as we recover from the pandemic, we are conscious that something different is needed for many groups this year, and that is why with the CEP this year there is a focus on grants towards reopening facilities.”

The CEP was launched for the first time in 2018 by the Department of Rural and Community Development.  Between 2018 and the end of 2020 the CEP has funded over 8,000 projects across the country.

The CEP was the result of the first significant exercise in the streamlining of schemes and programmes carried out by the Department of Rural and Community Development. It combined two existing schemes so that funding is now provided to improve facilities in a manner that is more flexible and responsive at a local level.

The CEP provides vital support to community groups in order to help them improve their facilities. It supports small-scale funding for projects which range from purchasing lawnmowers and IT equipment to minor renovations to buildings. Ultimately the Programme responds to local needs and therefore it also provides some funding towards larger projects where needed.

In order to allow flexibility, the Department is not setting a national closing date, but will allow each LCDC to set its own, to best suit its area. The Department will require that all closing dates are no later than 16th July 2021. Groups should check with their LCDC for further details.

ENDS

Contact:

The Department of Rural and Community Development Press Office

076-1006843 / 087-1734633

Press.office@drcd.gov.ie

May 11, 2021