€700,000 to Support the Return of Agricultural Shows in 2022

€700,000 to Support the Return of Agricultural Shows in 2022

Minister Humphreys announces €700,000 to support the return of Agricultural Shows in 2022

  • Funding to support shows in Rural Ireland that were impacted by Pandemic
  • Return of Shows to provide big boost to rural economies this Summer

 The Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD, has announced €700,000 in funding to support Agricultural Shows taking place over the coming months.

The Minister made the announcement during a keynote address at the Tullamore Show and FBD National Livestock Show Sponsors Night on Wednesday.

 Announcing the funding, Minister Humphreys said:

 “For over two and a half years, we lost something that really sums up everything that is good about rural Ireland.

“As Minister for Rural and Community Development, I know that our Shows are intrinsically linked to that sense of community that Rural Ireland is all about.

“It is fantastic to see the return of our Shows this summer and I am particularly pleased to announce funding of €700,000 will be made available by my Department to support our Show Committees the length and breadth of the country.”

 Minister Humphreys added:

 “I believe it is of vital importance to our rural communities that we support the efforts of the show committees and the work of their volunteers. I hope that this funding will help put the shows on a firmer financial footing and provide vital support to the committees. I’m delighted to support the Irish Shows Association and like many others I look forward to getting out and about and visiting our Shows this summer.”

 The shows are key dates in the rural calendar and central points for the agri-food industry, farming community and local artisan producers. Key dates over the coming weeks include Middleton (29th May), Belgooly (4th June), Ballyconneely Performance Pony Show (4th June), Ennistymon (5th June), Westport Horse and Pony Show (6th June), Leap Horse and Pony Show (6th June), Ballivor Horse Show (12th June), Dundalk (12th June), Claregalway (12th June), Ballinalee Connemara Pony Show (12th June) and Clonakilty (12th June).

Minister Humphreys also wished the organisers of the Tullamore Show well as they prepare for the return of the popular event on August 14th.

Welcoming the announcement, Catherine Gallagher, National President Irish Shows Association stated:

“As National President of the Irish Shows Association I warmly welcome Minister Heather Humphreys’ and her Department’s continuing support with 125 shows set to benefit. There is no doubt costs have increased this year, it’s great to have this support and we are also grateful for the support the Department gave us through the pandemic. The showing season has already started and I have attended four shows and the feedback from committees is their entries have doubled and the attendance has greatly increased. The sense of anticipation is palpable and from my experience to date I have no doubt this year will be very busy for committees up and down the country. The upcoming events will add a little colour to the summer”

ENDS

Image: Pictured with Minister for Rural and Community Development Heather Humphreys TD, Tullamore Show Secretary Chelsey Cox McDonald and Chairperson, Joseph Molly at the 2022 Tullamore Show Sponsor Night.

Editors Notes

The Department of Rural and Community Development funding is administered by the Irish Shows Association (ISA). The ISA is the official recognised body representing Irish Agricultural Shows on the island of Ireland. It has more than 130 affiliated agricultural shows, which run throughout the summer and into the autumn each year. A full listing of participating Shows is published online https://www.irishshows.org/home

 

May 27, 2022

New €15 million Community Centre Fund

New €15 million Community Centre Fund

Grants of between €10,000 and €300,000 available for upgrade and refurbishment works to Community Centres

The Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD, recently announced a new €15 million capital fund to support community groups for the upgrade and refurbishment of Community Centres.  This is an investment in both rural and urban communities across the Country.

The Community Centres Investment Fund will support community groups with the upgrade and development of their Community Centre facilities.

Funding will be available under 3 Categories with grants of between €10k and €300K available:

Category 1: Small scale projects/improvements to facilities – €10,000 to €25,000.

Category 2: Larger scale projects – €25,001 to €100,000.

Category 3: Major projects- €100,001 to €300,000.

Applications under Category 2 and 3 must include a minimum contribution of 5% of the total project costs from the applicants own funds.

Funding is available for capital works such as: –

  • Works to improve communal facilities such as kitchen and toilet facilities
  • Energy retrofitting, new windows / doors / heating systems
  • Upgrades to lighting systems and stage areas
  • Works to address safety concerns, including as a result of fire safety audits
  • Works to improve disability access
  • Improvements to assist in providing additional or better services to the community such as Meals for the Elderly & youth facilities
  • Works to develop Community Centres as Social Hubs through the development of Community Cinemas, Youth Hubs and Community Libraries
  • Essential maintenance works, repairs to roof, etc

There will be a two-stage application process with applicants asked to register their organisation in advance of the formal application process going live.

Registration will open on Tuesday 3rd May 2022, applicants need to register as ‘users’ on the portal in advance of the application process opening on Tuesday 7th June 2022. The closing date for applications is Thursday 14th July 2022.

The Department will be hosting a number of online information events in May and June 2022 to provide guidance in relation to the application process and details will be released in due course.

Guidelines and a sample application form are now available at www.gov.ie/drcd.

Community Groups are urged to familiarise themselves with the application process and criteria well in advance of submitting their application.

Announcing the funding today, Minister Humphreys said:

“Community Centres are at the heart of every community in Ireland, rural and urban.

“We need places for people to meet up, to play sport and engage in all sorts of activities whether it is meals for the elderly, indoor soccer or basketball, or providing a space for the local dramatic society to perform.

“This new fund is about supporting them to carry out vital upgrade works as well as enhancing the services and amenities they can provide to persons of all ages in their community.

“I am encouraging all community groups to look at this fund and think about how they can use it to improve their own local parish hall or community centre. Do you need new windows or doors? Does the stage or sound system need to be upgraded? Could you look at developing space for a Youth Hub or Community Cinema?

“Community Centres are all about bringing people together in a locality. As Minister, I want to ensure Community Centres continue to be at the heart of our local parishes, towns and villages.

 Also welcoming the Funding, Minister of State Joe O’Brien TD said:

“The newly announced Community Centres Investment Fund, will play a large part in supporting the development of Community Centres throughout the country both in rural and urban areas, allowing people to engage with their communities and the supports available. That is why I am committed to supporting the Community & Voluntary sector to maximise its impact in communities throughout Ireland.”

 ENDS

Contact:

The Department of Rural and Community Development Press Office

076-1006843 / 087-1734633

Press.office@drcd.gov.ie

 

 

 

 

April 26, 2022

€150m Package of Supports for Rural Communities

€150m Package of Supports for Rural Communities

Our Rural Future: Minister Humphreys unveils €150 million package of supports for rural communities

  • New €15 million fund to upgrade and refurbish community centres
  • Major focus on Remote Working through initiatives such as Connected Hubs and Town and Village Renewal Scheme
  • Rural Regeneration and Development Fund to tackle vacancy and dereliction
  • Significant investment in our walkways, trails, rivers and lakes under the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Fund
  • Over 300 stakeholders attend special online webinar to hear full details of rural funding schemes
  • Unprecedented Investment underpinned by the Our Rural Future and Town Centre First Policies
  • Calendar of all Funding Schemes published to allow Community Groups to plan ahead
  • Focus on ambitious projects which make a lasting impact to Communities

 Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD, recently outlined a package of over €150 million designed to transform rural towns, villages and communities throughout 2022.

New Community Centre Fund

This new capital Fund will invest €15 million in the upgrade and refurbishment of community buildings across the country so that thousands of people of all ages can benefit.  Under the Fund groups and organisations based in both rural and urban communities can apply for grants ranging from €10,000 to €300,000.

Application forms will be available online in the coming weeks

 Announcing the new initiative, Minister Humphreys said:

“If the Pandemic taught us one thing, it’s that we all have discovered the true meaning of ‘community’.

“That’s why I am delighted today to announce the new ‘Community Centres Investment Fund 2022.

“I am making available €15 million which will support the refurbishment and upgrade of community buildings across the country.

“Does your local Community Centre or Parish Hall need an upgrade or facelift?

Does your local community need financial support to carry out fire safety or other necessary repair works? Then this Fund is designed to support you.

“The new Fund will provide grants for small and large-scale projects and help us to provide focal points for communities as they come back together. I will publish details on how local community groups can apply for this funding later this month”

 Focus for 2022

  • Regeneration projects in rural areas that focus on economic growth, combat dereliction and breathe new life into town centres. The ‘Boyle 2040 Project’ was given as a good example of the type of project that could be replicated. Boyle 2040 was previously allocated €4.3 million under the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund. The project shows how regeneration funding can be accessed if a locally driven tailored plan is developed;
  • Remote Working and connectivity. This will include further developing the Connected Hubs Network for remote working, adding to the existing 900 free WiFi4EU hotspots around the country, bringing more publicly accessible Broadband Connection Points (BCPs) online.
  • Outdoor Amenities. A continued focus on investing in our unique amenities such as our walkways, trails, lakes, mountains, blueways and greenways. Under the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme, there will be unprecedented investment in outdoor tourism – supporting activities such as kayaking, cycling, mountaineering, surfing and paragliding.
  • Projects that help communities to bounce back from the pandemic by providing focal points for community activities. This will be done under the likes of the Town and Village Renewal Scheme and the new Community Centre Investment Fund.

“The capital funding programmes outlined today, including the newly announced Community Centres Investment Fund, are complemented by a suite of ongoing and planned current funded programmes which play a large part in supporting those living in communities, and in many cases ensuring that it is possible for people to engage with these capital supports. There is little point in having great infrastructure if there are not the people using those facilities to deliver the many community & voluntary programmes and schemes across the country. That is why I am committed to supporting the Community & Voluntary sector to maximise its impact in communities throughout Ireland.”

Timetable for rural and community investment programmes

Rural Development Schemes
2022 Open 2022 Closing
Rural Regeneration and Development Fund (RRDF)

 

Supports large-scale, ambitious projects which can achieve sustainable economic and social development in rural areas.

 

More information available at https://www.gov.ie/en/service/05bfe-rural-regeneration-and-development-fund/?referrer=http://www.gov.ie/en/service/c5849b-rural-funding/?section=rural-regeneration-and-development

 

 Category 1 – currently open (Large-scale capital projects which are ready to commence on the date of application).

 

Category 2 – To open in August

(Seed capital funding for

strategic, large-scale projects)

 Closes on 29th April

 

 

 

 

 

 

Category 2, closes in Q 4
Ceantair Laga Árd-Riachtanais (CLÁR)

 

Provides funding for small-scale infrastructural projects in rural areas.

 

  • Measure 1: Developing Community Facilities & Amenities (MUGAs, Playgrounds, etc)
  • Measure 2: Mobility, Cancer Care and Community First Responders Transport
  • Measure 3: “Our Islands”

 

More information available at https://www.gov.ie/en/service/c5849b-rural-funding/?section=small-scale-rural-projects-clar

  

 

 

Opened 24th February

  

Measure 1 & Measure 3, close on 6th May

 

Measure 2, closes on 8th April

 

 

Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS)

 

Provides funding for the development of new outdoor recreational infrastructure. (Adventure Tourism type projects, Blueways, Walking Trails, Boardwalks, etc)

 

  • Measure 1 for small scale projects requiring funding of up to €30,000,
  • Measure 2 for medium scale projects with funding of up to €200,000,
  • Measure 3 for large scale projects seeking funding of up to €500,000, and
  • Project Development Measure funding of up to €50,000 for development costs for strategic large scale projects.

 

More information available at https://www.gov.ie/en/service/d14e1-outdoor-recreation-infrastructure-scheme/?referrer=http://www.gov.ie/en/service/c5849b-rural-funding/?section=outdoor-recreation-infrastructure-scheme

  

 

 

 

 

 

Opened 18th February

  

 

 

Measure 1 & Project Development Measure to close on 19th April

 

Measure 2 & Measure 3 to close on 25th May
Town and Village Renewal Scheme Connected Hubs Call

 

Development of remote working facilities joining the National Connected Hubs Network

 

More information available at https://www.gov.ie/en/service/16b47-connected-hubs-fund/?referrer=http://www.gov.ie/en/service/c5849b-rural-funding/?section=connected-hubs-fund

  

 

Opened 21st February

  

 

Closes on 4th April
Local Improvement Scheme

 

Provides funding to help local authorities carry out improvement works on private and

non-publicly maintained roads

 

More information available at

https://www.gov.ie/en/service/b03384-local-improvement-scheme-lis/?referrer=http://www.gov.ie/en/service/c5849b-rural-funding/?section=local-road-improvement

  

Allocations to Local Authorities in March

  

 

Managed by Local Authorities
Town and Village Renewal Scheme – Streetscapes

 

Support the enhancement of streetscapes and shopfronts

 

Information available when launched

  

Scheduled to open end of March

 Managed by Local Authorities in consultation with communities, town teams and businesses
Town and Village Renewal

Scheme

 

Designed to rejuvenate small rural towns and villages. (Regeneration of old buildings, development of town parks, etc)

 

More information available at

https://www.gov.ie/en/policy-information/01125e-town-and-village-renewal-scheme/

  

 

Scheduled to open in April

  

 

Closes end of June

 

 

 

 

Social Enterprise Schemes
2022 Open 2022 Closing
Dormant Accounts Fund Social Enterprise – Capital Supports

 

Provides capital grants for the scaling up of social

Enterprises

 

More information on https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/624c74-social-enterprise/#funding-and-supports-for-social-enterprises

  

 

Scheduled to open in early May

  

 

Closes in late June

 

 

Community Schemes
2022 Open 2022 Closing
Community Centres Investment

Fund

 

An annual capital grants programme for the maintenance, improvement and upkeep of community centres.

 

More information on launch

  

 

Scheduled to open in March

  

Category 1 closes on 30th June

 

Category 2 & 3 close on 31st July
Empowering Communities Fund

 

A new targeted scheme to address area based disadvantage

 

More information on launch

  

Scheduled to open end April
Community Activities Fund

 

Small scale grants to assist community groups

 

More information on launch

  

Operated by LCDCs

  

Closing dates vary – contact your LCDC

 

March 23, 2022

Series of Initiatives Announced to Support Remote Working

Series of Initiatives Announced to Support Remote Working

  • Workers can now book desk space in their local hub via new Mobile App
  • 200 hubs on connected hubs network – making Remote Working a reality for thousands
  • National Awareness Campaign launched to promote the benefits of working from a Hub in your community
  •  €5 million Connected Hubs Fund to enhance Remote Working facilities

 The Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD, has recently announced a number of major new initiatives that will support Remote Working across the country.

For the first time, workers will now be able to book office or desk space in their local hub through a new mobile app called Connected Hubs.

Minister Humphreys also announced €5 million in funding, through the Connected Hubs 2022 Call, which will be used to build capacity and enhance existing Remote Working facilities.

These initiatives will be underpinned by a major new National Awareness Campaign, designed to promote the many benefits of choosing your local hub for your working day.  The Awareness Campaign will be run by the Department of Rural and Community Development with the support of the Western Development Commission (WDC).

Minister Humphreys also revealed today that the number of Remote Working facilities on the Connected Hubs Network will exceed 200 this week. This represents over half of the 400 hubs pledged as part of Our Rural Future, the Government’s landmark rural development policy.

Announcing the series of initiatives at the Mill Enterprise Centre in Drogheda, Co Louth, Minister Humphreys said:

“If COVID-19 has taught us one thing – it’s that the benefits of Remote Working are huge.

“Less time spent commuting. A lower carbon footprint. More time spent with family and friends. But above all – a better quality of life.

“Over the past two years, we have embarked on a mission never seen before. My Department has invested €100million in the development of remote working facilities in our towns and villages nationwide.

“Across Ireland, we have taken many old and derelict buildings and re-purposed them into state-of-the-art Remote Working facilities.

“Former banks, cinemas, garda stations, convents and train stations have become local digital hubs.

“In addition we have provided funding to upgrade and enhance existing hub facilities.

“These are now part of a new network called ‘Connected Hubs’ – which is at the forefront of our efforts to make Remote Working a reality for tens of thousands of workers.”

Minister Humphreys concluded:

“Thankfully we are now beginning to return to normal life, but that does not mean we should go back to the old normal – the days of the long commute, sitting in traffic when you could be spending that time with your family and friends.

“Equally not everybody wants to or has the space to work from home permanently. The kitchen table or your bedroom is not a permanent solution. If you want a clear line of where work-life ends and family-life begins – then working from your local hub is the solution for you.

“Today, I am also specifically encouraging employers and businesses to look at the facilities available through Connected Hubs when developing their future plans for blended or hybrid working. These hubs can enable your staff to work in a safe, secure environment with high-speed broadband and all the necessary office equipment available to them.

“Over the coming weeks, my Department will embark on a major awareness campaign to highlight the benefits of Connected Hubs for both workers and employers”.

Connected Hubs Mobile App

The launch of the connected hubs mobile app will allow users to find their nearest hub facility and easily book a desk space using their mobile device. The Connected Hubs mobile app can be downloaded from the Apple App Store for iOS devices and the Google Play Store for Android.

€5million Connected Hubs Call 2022

The primary objective of the Connected Hubs Call 2022, which is funded by the Department of Rural and Community Development, is to support and complement the development of the National Hub Network, which is a key action of the Rural Development Policy – Our Rural Future and also the National Remote Working Strategy – Making Remote Work. The Connected Hubs Call 2022 aims to add additional capacity to the existing remote working infrastructure in Ireland by upgrading existing hubs and Broadband Connection Points (BCPs). This funding is in addition to €8.8million provided for 117 remote working projects across the country in 2021.

Details of the Connected Hubs 2022 Call are available at https://www.gov.ie/en/service/16b47-connected-hubs-fund/?referrer=http://www.gov.ie/en/service/c5849b-rural-funding/?section=connected-hubs-fund

February 22, 2022

 €15 million Fund to support Outdoor Adventure Activities

 €15 million Fund to support Outdoor Adventure Activities

  • Outdoor Recreation and Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS) to provide major boost to rural tourism 
  • €15 million fund to develop our mountains, lakes, beaches, bogs, forest walks, blueways, greenways and bridleways
  • Focus on supporting adventure activities such as hiking, mountaineering, kayaking, swimming and cycling
  • Funded in partnership with Fáilte Ireland

 Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD, has launched a major €15 million fund that will support dozens of outdoor adventure projects across the country.

The 2022 Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS) will see the development of natural amenities such as our mountains, lakes, beaches, bogs, walkways, greenways and blueways.

The Scheme, which saw its funding increased by Minister Humphreys as part of the Budget, will place a particular focus on developing adventure tourism in Rural Ireland.

It will support activities such as hiking, mountaineering, kayaking, swimming and cycling, which were especially popular among families throughout the Pandemic.

Today’s announcement builds on the commitment under “Our Rural Future” to continuing the investment in infrastructure that caters for the growth in both local and international outdoor adventure tourism.

The projects that will be supported under ORIS are designed to benefit the health and wellbeing of the communities in which they are located.

The 2022 scheme will provide investment ranging from €30,000 for small scale projects and up to €500,000 for large scale projects.  This is an alteration on last year’s scheme, which provided funding ranging from €20,000 instead of €30,000.

The Scheme is funded by the Department of Rural and Community Development in partnership with Fáilte Ireland and projects applications will be accepted under the following Measures:

  • Measure 1 for small scale projects requiring funding of up to €30,000,
  • Measure 2 for medium scale projects with funding of up to €200,000,
  • Measure 3 for large scale projects seeking funding of up to €500,000, and
  • Project Development Measure funding of up to €50,000 for development costs for strategic large scale projects

Examples of activities which applicants should have in mind when submitting applications for the 2022 Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS) include:

Land-Based Water-Based Air-Based
Walking Canoeing/ Kayaking/SUP Paragliding
Hillwalking/Hiking Rowing Hang-gliding
Leisure Cycling Open Water Swimming including Tidal Pools  
Mountain Biking Surfing  
Equestrian Trails Coasteering  
Trail/Off-road Running Wind surfing/Kite Surfing  
Orienteering Sailing  
Bouldering, Scrambling, Rock Climbing, Mountaineering Diving  

 The Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS) 2022, provides funding as follows:

  • Measure 1 –
    • Small scale repair/development/promotion and marketing.
    • Funding of up to €30,000 at a 90% rate of aid.
    • Maximum of 7 applications can be submitted by each Local Authority.
    • Maximum of 3 applications (increased from 2 in 2020) can be submitted by each Local Development Company.
  • Measure 2 –
    • Medium scale repair/upgrade and new trail/amenity development.
    • Funding of up to €200,000 at a 90% rate of aid.
    • Maximum of 3 applications can be submitted by each Local Authority.
  • Measure 3 –
    • Large scale repair/upgrade and new strategic trail/amenity development
    • Funding of up to €500,000 at a 90% rate of aid
    •    Local Authorities and State Bodies can submit 1 application each under this Measure.
  • Project Development Measure –
    • Detailed development of projects which would enable them to reach a standard for application under Measure 2 or 3 of ORIS.
    • Local Authorities and State Bodies can submit two application each under this Measure.

Full details are available in the Scheme Outline available https://www.gov.ie/en/service/d14e1-outdoor-recreation-infrastructure-scheme/

February 18, 2022

IFA to Meet Asst Commissioner from An Garda Síochána on Rural Crime

IFA to Meet Asst Commissioner from An Garda Síochána on Rural Crime

IFA Countryside Chairman Brian Rushe said the recent attacks on elderly people in rural communities were very concerning.

IFA will be meeting the Assistant Commissioner of An Garda Síochána Paula Hillman next week to discuss what measures can be taken to make communities safer.

“Whatever resources are needed to assist the Gardaí in their work have to be made available. We will be encouraging the farming community to provide whatever help they can to support the work of the Gardaí. Apprehending those responsible requires a co-ordinated response,” he said.

Brian Rushe said the victims of these attacks were targeted by gangs and subjected to horrific assaults. “Nobody should feel under threat in their own home.”

“The communities of these victims now feel vulnerable and unsafe because of the attacks. We will be working with Assistant Commissioner Paula Hillman to develop community policing that gives a greater sense of security to those living in rural areas,” he said.

Ends.

February 10, 2022

Community Peatlands initiatives to benefit from €500k scheme

Community Peatlands initiatives to benefit from €500k scheme

Community Peatlands initiatives to benefit from €500k scheme

  • Grant funding doubled by Minister Noonan
  • 25 projects benefited last year

Community projects on bogs and peatlands all over the country are being encouraged to apply for up to half a million euro in community engagement funding from the National Parks and Wildlife Service.

The Minister of State for Heritage and Electoral Reform, Malcolm Noonan T.D., recently announced that applications are open for the Peatlands Community Engagement Scheme for 2022.

This is a competitive scheme administered by the National Parks and Wildlife Service of the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage with a total fund of €500,000 available in 2022 – the largest allocation of funding to date, and double the allocation of 2021.

The scheme seeks to encourage local peatland communities, local groups, local schools and interested parties to engage in the conservation and revitalisation of raised and blanket bogs, particularly protected bogs, and fens and to promote public engagement with and awareness of our natural heritage and environment.

Applications are now invited for a diverse range of peatland initiatives with a community benefit from events, education programmes, conservation management plans, restoration measures, feasibility studies, public amenity and recreational projects to invasive species and fire control measures. Applicants with an interest in local history and awareness of the importance of peatlands are being encouraged to apply. It is also hoped that schools will apply for funding. Last year, an Offaly School received €20,000 to reinstate a boardwalk on a local raised bog.

The Minister of State for Heritage and Electoral Reform, Malcolm Noonan T.D., commented:

“I’m delighted to announce the largest allocation of funding to date for this scheme. This year, for the first time, projects relating to fens are eligible for funding as well as raised and blanket bog areas. Ireland’s peatlands which include raised bogs, blanket bogs or fens are special and unique places and play an important role in contributing to our biodiversity, sense of place and well-being. I thank the community groups who have participated in this scheme so far and encourage all schools, peatland community and voluntary groups to check out the funding available this year.”

25 projects qualified for funding in 2021. Some of the projects that received funding include:

  • Connolly Tidy Villages, Co. Clare received €5,144 to continue the development of its bog walk, including erecting a birdwatch hut and signage, the removal of Japanese Knotweed from the looped bog walk and raise awareness by holding bog walks during the year.
  • St. Brendan’s Community School, Co. Offaly, €20,000 to replace an existing wooden trackway which was previously installed by students with a recycled plastic one at Killaun Bog looped walk.
  • Galway’s Living Bog, Mountbellew, Co Galway received €20,000 for a looped bog walkway and interpretive facilities at a community building close to Carrownagappul Bog SAC.
  • Birdwatch Ireland, Co. Wicklow received €10,000 to undertake an assessment of breeding birds on raised bog Special Area of Conservation sites in the midlands (Ferbane Bog SAC, Mongan Bog SAC, Moyclare Bog SAC, Ardagullion Bog SAC and Killyconny Bog SAC), which were part of the EU LIFE programme funded ‘Living Bog’ Project. From the survey findings a video was produced on the breeding birds on each site and a scientific paper undertaken on the breeding birds of these raised bogs.
  • The award-winning Kilteevan Tidy Towns Group in Co. Roscommon, received €3,500.00 to publish Cloonlarge Loop Walk Biodiversity Calendar 2022.

Successful applicants of 2022 funding will be awarded funding to support a maximum of 75% of the project eligible costs with a maximum grant of €25,000. Further details of the scheme are available at www.npws.ie.

Ends

Note for Editor

Details of the Terms and Conditions of the Scheme and Application Form needed to apply are available at this link: https://www.npws.ie/peatlands-and-turf-cutting/peatlands-community-engagement-scheme-funding-2022

Closing date for submission of applications is 4pm, Friday, 11 February 2022

January 20, 2022

IFA and Bord Gáis Energy launch new solar energy pilot 

IFA and Bord Gáis Energy launch new solar energy pilot 

IFA and Bord Gáis Energy launched a comprehensive solar pilot for farmers today.  The project, which has been in development for over a year, reached a key milestone this week with the successful installation and commissioning of two farms.

At the launch, James Kelly, IFA’s Director of Organisation said, “This important partnership with Bord Gáis Energy will see solar energy installations on up to a further 15 farms, across a number of sectors and geographies. The purpose of this pilot is to establish what works commercially and the challenges that create barriers to implementation. The farming community want to play an active part in the green agenda, and this is a very real demonstration of this commitment which also reduces cost inputs for farmers as well as helping Government deliver on the 2030 carbon reduction targets.”

Martin Stapleton, Chairman of IFA Member Services said, “IFA and Bord Gáis Energy have invested a significant amount of time in this project. For rooftop solar on farms to be adopted in large numbers, there is a need for up to a 60% capital grant to achieve a reasonable payback. To ensure that there is successful adoption of solar, it must be clear that it does not take from any existing capital grants open to farmers.”

Colin Bebbington, Director Energy, Marketing and Data at Bord Gáis Energy said “Bord Gáis Energy is committed to contributing to a net zero economy and helping our customers transition affordably to a lower carbon future. We have a longstanding relationship with the IFA and we’re proud to be working together on this initiative which will drive solar energy generation on farms, helping farmers to lower their carbon footprint which leads to long term sustainable farming.”

For further information on this comprehensive pilot, visit ifa.ie/solar

Ends

 

January 20, 2022

Ministers Humphreys and O’Brien announce €9 million Fund to support community groups impacted by COVID-19

Ministers Humphreys and O’Brien announce €9 million Fund to support community groups impacted by COVID-19

  • ‘Fund to provide small grants for community groups impacted by the Pandemic’
  • Facilities such as community centres, men’s and women’s sheds, parish halls and youth centres to be supported
  • Supporting community groups a key focus of ‘Our Rural Future’

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 today announced a €9 million fund to support community groups impacted by COVID-19.

The Community Activities Fund will support groups, particularly in disadvantaged areas, with their running costs such as utility or insurance bills, as well as with improvements to their facilities.

Groups will also be able to use the funding to carry out necessary repairs and to purchase equipment such as tables and chairs, tools and signage, laptops and printers, lawnmowers, canopies and training equipment.

The once-off fund will be allocated under the Department’s Community Enhancement Programme and will be administered locally by the Local Community Development Committees (LCDCs).

Announcing the funding today, Minister Humphreys said:

“This funding is about giving a helping hand to our local groups and clubs, which have continued to serve their community during COVID-19.

“These grants may be small in nature, but they help thousands of community organisations, clubs, men’s and women’s sheds, youth centres and parish halls. 

“I would encourage all interested groups to get in touch with their Local Community Development Committee (LCDC) 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 ensure that important work can continue to be delivered by communities on the ground and I’m delighted that every single county will benefit.”

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

“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 this funding will help to provide practical support to smaller community groups and facilities at a grassroots level across the country. 

“I hope that this will continue to help foster and grow the community spirit that is so evident across Ireland”

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 28 February 2022. Groups should check with their LCDC for further details.

For details on the funding in each Local Authority area please see the below table.

Local Authority area Amount
Carlow 268,411
Cavan 269,514
Clare 278,514
Cork City 307,407
Cork County 312,599
Donegal 318,923
Dublin City 424,612
Dun Laoghaire 284,216
Fingal 301,042
Galway City 264,910
Galway County 286,802
Kerry 284,817
Kildare 296,027
Kilkenny 272,638
Laois 273,048
Leitrim 258,445
Limerick 305,884
Longford 264,769
Louth 291,084
Mayo 290,406
Meath 285,786
Monaghan 265,141
Offaly 277,101
Roscommon 266,602
Sligo 268,168
South Dublin 338,797
Tipperary 299,381
Waterford 288,997
Westmeath 273,141
Wexford 300,129
Wicklow 282,686

ENDS

Contact:

The Department of Rural and Community Development Press Office

01-773 6843 / 087-1734633

Press.office@drcd.gov.ie

November 11, 2021

Carbon Budget Will Have Serious Impact on Rural Economy

Carbon Budget Will Have Serious Impact on Rural Economy

IFA President Tim Cullinan said the carbon budget staging announced by the Climate Change Advisory Council  and the sectoral emissions ceilings reported, will have serious repercussions for farming.

“Our most productive farmers simply cannot remain viable if agriculture has to reduce emissions by between 21% and 30% as has been reported. This will have profound implications for the rural economy,” he said.

“Some may compare the carbon budget, and the sectoral ceilings that had been proposed, to other sectors and think agriculture has got a fair deal, but the Government has not considered the implications for individual farmers and the sector,” he said.

“For most people, climate action will impact on their lifestyle. For farmers, it will impact on our livelihoods,” he said.

“It’s also important to realise that increases in the cost of energy and transport fuel are already impacting on the viability of farms and rural businesses,” he said.

“The Government must now engage in meaningful negotiation with farmers to make a plan for the sector that can contribute to emissions reduction, but which does not impact on farmer’s livelihoods. In addition, proper funding must be in place to help farmers implement climate action measures,” he said.

“The frustration for farmers is that they know that if less food is produced in Ireland, it will be produced elsewhere, with a higher carbon footprint,” he said.

“The world’s population is growing and is likely to increase from 7.5 billion today to 10 billion by 2050. More food will be needed, not less,” he said.

“There is a huge amount of misinformation out there. Ireland’s grass-based system is extremely efficient. The Government must support farmers, not regulate them out of business,” he said.

Ends.

October 28, 2021