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

New ‘Love This Place, Leave No Trace’ Campaign Launched

New ‘Love This Place, Leave No Trace’ Campaign Launched

A new public awareness campaign from Leave No Trace Ireland and its partners calls on the public to exercise renewed care and responsibility when outdoors in managing dogs, preventing litter, and ensuring that there are no fires unless on a designated site.

As we enter summer, Leave No Trace Ireland – Ireland’s only outdoor ethics programme which promotes the responsible use of the outdoors – is encouraging everyone to ‘Love This Place, Leave No Trace’.

The campaign is asking the public to play their part by acting responsibly so that everyone can experience and enjoy outdoor spaces while helping to protect them from increased pressures this year as Covid-19 restrictions are lifted.

Speaking on the launch of the ‘Love This Place, Leave No Trace’ campaign, Minister of State for Heritage and Electoral Reform, Malcolm Noonan TD, said it is important that everyone who enjoys the great outdoors embraces the Leave No Trace ethos:

“As we all look forward to an outdoor summer, it’s more important than ever to protect the places we love and leave no trace. We have a duty to our environment, to wildlife and to each other to be responsible stewards of the natural world – our national parks, woodlands, rivers, beaches, mountains and everywhere in between.

“Loving nature, wildlife and the great outdoors means being thoughtful, prepared and proactive – packing a picnic rather than a disposable bbq that could cause a serious fire, bringing a bin bag to pick up rubbish that could otherwise harm wildlife, keeping dogs on leads rather than letting them go and potentially worrying farm animals or breeding birds, keeping our distance from wild birds, mammals and marine life and observing them without disturbing or disrupting them.

“As more of us seek the beauty, exhilaration and escapism of outdoor recreation, our collective impact on the environment also increases. By being responsible and leaving no trace, we can help the wild places and species we love to stay wild.”

Leave No Trace Ireland Chief Executive, Maura Kiely said:

“Covid-19 has reawakened our appreciation of the outdoors with huge increases in the numbers of people using public parks and the open countryside for recreation, exercise and enjoyment. However, this is also putting pressure on open spaces which is threatening the quality and protection of the outdoors that are also important habitats for wildlife and a working environment for farmers. This campaign appeals to everyone to be considerate and take individual responsibility for our own impacts on the outdoors”.

The public awareness campaign is being run by Leave No Trace Ireland in partnership with Sport Ireland, the National Parks and Wildlife Services under the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, the Department of Rural and Community Development, the Office of Public Works, Fáilte Ireland, Waterways Ireland, Coillte, and Dublin City Council. The campaign will run on national and local radio and social media starting on June 28th and will continue throughout July.

Sport Ireland Chief Executive, John Treacy said participating in sport and physical activity in the outdoors leads to many positive outcomes and it is vital to respect out natural environment.

“We have a growing network of walking and cycling trails, forest parks and recreation sites, national and local parks, upland areas, inland waterways, beaches and coastal areas all affording opportunities for people to be active in the outdoors safely. We all enjoy the outdoors in different ways. Pay attention, expect to encounter others and be courteous. Park safely, keeping access open for landowners and remember to bring all waste home with you. Doing so ensures that our trails can be enjoyed by all.”

The campaign focuses on three critical pressure points which have become increasingly evident as greater numbers of people ‘stay-cation’ and use outdoor public spaces for recreation during the Covid pandemic. These pressure points include increased littering of the countryside and outdoor spaces, an increase in dog fouling, dog worrying and attacks on farm livestock as the numbers of pet dogs approaches an estimated 800,000, and the devastation that can be caused by fires from campfires and barbeques that get out of control.

 

The Love This Place, Leave No Trace campaign will emphasise several key messages:

Littering: 

  1. Plan ahead and always pack a bin bag with you when heading outdoors. By taking your rubbish home with you, you are playing your part in keeping our outdoor spaces litter free and beautiful.

Responsible Dog Ownership and Control:

  1. Always pick up after your dog, bag it and safely bin it, or bring it home with you.
  2. Keeping your dog on a lead shows consideration for others and avoids disturbing livestock and wildlife.

Campfires, and Disposable BBQs:

  1. No fires unless on a designated site. You should not light a campfire unless you have permission from the landowner.
  2. If you are at a designated site, where campfires are permitted, make sure you have the skills for setting and using campfires. See leavenotraceireland.org for detailed guidance on using campfires safely.
  3. Do not use disposable BBQs.

On litter, Maura Kiely said:

“We see the effects of littering in our beautiful national parks, nature reserves, forest parks, national heritage sites, rivers, beaches, forests and special areas of conservation as well as in urban areas and town parks. Small acts of personal responsibility can make a massive difference in the fight against litter, and everyone should bring a bin bag with them when planning a trip outdoors so that they can bring their rubbish home.”

The campaign is also appealing to dog owners to take extra care in controlling their pets and cleaning up after them.

“All the evidence points to an explosion in dog ownership. Many people are experiencing the joy of dog ownership and the companionship they bring for the first time. However, dog owners have responsibilities for the care of their pets and to the rest of society, and to non-dog owners in particular, to be considerate and protect public spaces from dog fouling.” 

“Dog owners must be particularly aware that dogs can worry and cause stress to livestock which can result in physical injury and even death. Stress and injury can be caused even where dogs are with their owners and on a lead. We remind dog owners that it is a criminal offence under the Dogs (Protection of Livestock) Act 1953 if a person’s dog worries livestock on agricultural land.”

“The obligation to ensure dogs do not worry livestock falls on all dog owners and not just those dog owners engaged in recreational activities in the countryside. Indeed, sheep kills and other damage to livestock is more likely from pet dogs that are allowed roam from their homes and left unsupervised for prolonged periods.”

Finally, the ‘Love This Place, Leave No Trace’ campaign is placing a special emphasis on warning of the hazards of lighting fires in the open countryside, including the use of disposable BBQs.

“This year we have seen the devastation that wildfires can cause to forests and areas of spectacular natural beauty.  Carelessness in setting and using campfires and BBQs in the open countryside can quickly escalate into major incidents that can result in damage and destruction to wildlife and the environment. The Leave No Trace message is no campfires unless at a designated site. No disposable BBQs in the outdoors.

Information and guidelines for individuals, communities and organisations are available from https://www.leavenotraceireland.org/love-this-place-leave-no-trace.  where you can also show your support and take the Love This Place, Leave No Trace Pledge.

ENDS

June 29, 2021

Launch of Joint Protocol Between National Parks & Wildlife Service & An Garda Síochána on Wildlife Crime

Launch of Joint Protocol Between National Parks & Wildlife Service & An Garda Síochána on Wildlife Crime

Launch of Joint Protocol Between National Parks & Wildlife Service & An Garda Síochána on Wildlife Crime

Closer working relationships on the very serious issue of wildlife crime have been established between An Garda Siochána and the National Parks and Wildlife Service of the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage.

On Wednesday June 23, the Minister for Housing, Local Government & Heritage, Darragh O’Brien TD, Minister of State for Heritage & Electoral Reform, Malcolm Noonan TD and the Commissioner of An Garda Síochána, Drew Harris, launched and signed a Protocol between the National Parks & Wildlife Service (NPWS) and An Garda Síochána (AGS) on tackling wildlife crime. This Protocol was developed to establish closer working relationships between both organisations.

This Protocol came about following the National Biodiversity Conference in Dublin in 2019 as one of the “Seeds for Nature”.  Informal relationships already existed between authorised officers under the European Communities (Birds and Natural Habitats) Regulations 2011 of both NPWS & AGS and this protocol will build on that to provide for enhanced and nationwide working relationships especially in the areas of communications, intelligence sharing and joint operations.

On the launch of the Protocol Minister O’Brien said: “We committed in our programme for government to reviewing the protection of our natural heritage. The Protocol announced here today is an important step towards strengthening that protection. I wholeheartedly welcome it and commend those behind this initiative.”

Heritage Minister Noonan welcomed the signing of this Protocol. “To effectively deal with wildlife crime in this country, robust and strategic cooperation between the NPWS and An Garda Síochána is critically important. This Protocol marks a significant step towards that by progressing the communication channels, information sharing and joint operations that are so urgently needed. There have been a number of devastating wildlife crimes in recent years, including the shooting dead and poisoning of birds of prey, poaching, wild fires and the persecution of badgers, and they need to be tackled head on. This Protocol will go a long way towards achieving that, in tandem with the new Wildlife Crime Unit that is currently being established within the NPWS. I’m delighted to see this important work coming to fruition and would like to thank An Garda Síochána for their engagement and collaboration with NPWS on this issue.”

 

Garda Commissioner Drew Harris said: “The establishment of the Joint Protocol is another significant step in our ongoing efforts to work closely with all of our stakeholders. I am very aware of the impact that wildlife crime can have on our communities, particularly in rural areas, and the Protocol now provides for each Garda Division to appoint a dedicated Liaison Inspector to work alongside their respective District Conservation Officers in the National Parks and Wildlife Service. I am confident that the signing of the Joint Protocol will facilitate a strategic working relationship, establish clearer lines of communication, intelligence sharing and participation in joint planned operations between An Garda Síochána and the National Parks and Wildlife Service. This will help in our ongoing efforts to prevent and detect wildlife crime and thus protect our precious natural diversity.”

ENDS

Note to Editors

“Wildlife Crimes” are offences against laws which protect wild plants, animals and habitats. Amongst the most important of these laws are the Wildlife Acts 1976 to 2018 and the European Communities (Birds and Natural Habitats) Regulations 2011.  Both the Director of Public Prosecutions and the Minister with responsibility for nature conservation may bring prosecutions for such offences.  The latter is the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage. The National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) is part of the Heritage Division of that Department.  Members of An Garda Síochána (AGS) and authorised officers of the NPWS are empowered to investigate suspected wildlife offences and bring proposals for prosecution.  For this reason, AGS and NPWS have often engaged with one another when investigating wildlife offences.  In the main, such engagement has been informal and conducted at local level.  This new Protocol formalises this relationship and provides for structured co-operation at national, regional and local levels, throughout the State. Not only will this serve to “de-conflict” situations where simultaneous investigations by both organisations might be ongoing (thereby ensuring that “the left hand knows what the right hand is doing”) but it is expected to bring significant synergy to wildlife law enforcement in Ireland.

June 24, 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

Inland Fisheries Ireland appeal for reports of red skin disease in salmon

Inland Fisheries Ireland appeal for reports of red skin disease in salmon

Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) has recently received reports that small numbers of individual fresh-run wild salmon have been encountered in the River Deel, in the Moy Catchment, Co. Mayo and in the River Boyne displaying signs of red skin disease (RSD). Low incidences of this disease were first documented in 2019 in several European salmon stocks. In Ireland last year suspected incidences of RSD were reported in 113 salmon from 12 rivers throughout the country.  The majority of these reports were in June and July with only occasional incidences reported prior to and after this time.

Salmon affected by RSD have a characteristic red-spotted rash on their underbelly and may appear lethargic or moribund.  The rash can either be localised or extend along some or most the length of the fish.  As the disease progresses, skin lesions, signs of bleeding and skins ulcers can develop primarily along the belly area and extend to the head and tail.  Secondary fungal infection can further develop which may ultimately result in death of the salmon. IFI staff are continuing to liaise with the Fish Health Unit in the Marine Institute and international colleagues to monitor and respond to the situation.

Anglers and fishery owners are asked to report any incidences of salmon with signs of RSD to IFI to help determine the occurrence of the disease nationally.  Anglers who capture such salmon are advised to follow normal biosecurity procedures and disinfect tackle, waders and equipment.  Until the cause of the disease has been determined and the risk of spreading the disease established, affected salmon should not be removed from the water.

IFI is appealing to anglers to forward any reports of salmon with signs of RSD along with photographs and an estimate of fish weight to salmonhealth@fisheriesireland.ie or notify us by calling IFI’s 24-hour confidential hotline number on 1890 34 74 24 or 1890 FISH 24.

ENDS

For media information:

Sadhbh O’Neill

Communications Assistant

Inland Fisheries Ireland

E: sadhbh.oneill@fisheriesireland.ie

T: 01 8842632/ 087 101 9998

May 26, 2021

IFA & RSA ISSUE ROAD SAFETY APPEAL FOR SILAGE SEASON

IFA & RSA ISSUE ROAD SAFETY APPEAL FOR SILAGE SEASON

With the silage cutting season underway, the Irish Farmers’ Association (IFA) and the Road Safety Authority (RSA) are appealing to drivers of farming machinery and other road users to share the road safely.

With national travel restrictions now lifted and traffic volumes increasing, the roads are getting much busier. There are more people out walking, cycling, and riding horses on the public road at this time of year, and these activities have also become more popular during the current pandemic.

Both organisations want farming contractors and other drivers to remember this and to always be on the lookout for such vulnerable road users.

IFA President Tim Cullinan said it’s going to be a busy time on farms in the coming weeks as farming contractors bring in silage around the country.

Both the IFA and the RSA are renewing our annual appeal for motorists to be on the lookout for tractors, trailers and other agricultural machinery exiting from fields and farmyards.

“We are also asking anyone driving farm machinery, especially on rural roads, to cut back on their speed, not to get distracted and understand that around every corner could be a neighbouring family or friend out for a walk, a cycle or maybe riding a horse. We all need to expect the unexpected because the road has become an ever-changing environment since the pandemic began.”

Mr. Sam Waide, Chief Executive, RSA, “This is a very busy time of year for farmers. The number of tractors and trailers out using the roads will increase dramatically. I am asking all drivers to be on the lookout for tractors, trailers and other farm machinery on the road. If you are travelling behind farm machinery, please be patient and only overtake when it’s safe to do so”.

“Farmers should be aware of traffic building up behind them and keep left where possible and safe to do so to allow other vehicles pass safely. Travel restrictions have only recently lifted and drivers may be rusty because they haven’t driven much in recent months. It is important that drivers recognise this, pay extra attention to the road and always be on the lookout for other road users.”

 

Drivers of agricultural vehicles are being reminded that they are subject to all road traffic legislation. They are required to carry the appropriate licence and farm vehicles are required to be taxed, insured and must be roadworthy, including fully operational lights front and rear.

 

Farmers are also being reminded of the following safety tips:

  • Plan and prepare for all work with machinery. Always allow adequate time for the job.
  • Always practice the SAFE STOP procedure. Reverse park safely, handbrake on, controls in neutral, lower all attachments, engine off and remove keys!
  • Carry out regular checks and maintenance of all farm vehicles, particularly brakes.
  • Never remove or modify guards in order to save time.
  • Only use machines if you know how to use them safely and have received suitable training.
  • Always drive at a safe speed and know your limits.

Ends

 

For further information please contact;

RSA Communications Office: 096 – 25008

or Brian Farrell, Communications Manager, Road Safety Authority, Tel: 086-3881009

or Niall Madigan, Head of Communications, IFA, 086 – 8228635

 

May 25, 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

Wild Atlantic Nature Project

Wild Atlantic Nature Project

Maximum Flexibility Needed for Successful Wild Atlantic Nature Project

An IFA delegation held a meeting this week with the new Wild Atlantic Nature Project and said it has to give farmers maximum flexibility.

The delegation included IFA Rural Development Chairman Michael Biggins, IFA Hill Chairman Flor McCarthy, Mayo IFA Hill Rep Pat Chambers and Mayo IFA Chairman Jarlath Walsh.

They held an outdoor hill assessment meeting in Mayo.

The Project is focused primarily on the blanket bog SACs and associated lands from Galway Bay up to north Donegal and the objective is to achieve good habitat quality in the north-western SACs.

Both Derek McLoughlin and Garry Goggins of the LIFE IP Wild Atlantic Nature project gave a detailed presentation on how each land parcel would be scored on an actual inspection.  The presence of undisturbed ground with many of the local grasses, heathers and moss will score the maximum points while poached or overgrazed and the presence of turf cutting may reduce the score.

Questions were raised about how each individual’s enclosed and commonage lands will be marked on the complex score card system which will determine payment rates.

IFA Hill Committee Chairman Flor McCarthy said, “The Wild Atlantic Nature Life IP or any other scheme must not lead to increased restrictions on farms and we welcome clarification that participating farmers will be allowed to stock their land to its potential”.

It is planned to pilot the project in the Owenduff/Nephin SAC area for 2021 and 2022 with payments for both years.  It is to open for all farmers in the Owenduff/Nephin SAC area to submit an Expression of Interest from Monday next until June 14th.

IFA Rural Development Chairman Michael Biggins said all farmers who submit an expression of interest to participate in the project must be included.

Mayo IFA Chairman Jarlath Walsh advised farmers who wished to join the pilot project to familiarise themselves with the terms and conditions.

Details of the new scheme will be published and circulated to hill farmers in the area immediately.

Ends.

May 20, 2021

€10.m Allocated for Upgrade Works on Rural Roads & Laneways

€10.m Allocated for Upgrade Works on Rural Roads & Laneways

Our Rural Future: Minister Humphreys allocates €10.5 million for upgrade works on rural roads and laneways

  • Funding to improve access to homes, farms and outdoor amenities         
  • Every  county to receive budget increase
  • Minister Humphreys: Supporting connectivity in rural Ireland is vital

The Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD, has this week (14 May 2021) announced the allocation of €10.5 million for repairs and improvement works on non-public roads in rural communities.

The funding, announced under the Local Improvement Scheme, will improve access to rural homes and farms, as well as outdoor amenities such as lakes, rivers, mountains and beaches.

The €10.5 million allocation represents a 5% increase compared to 2020, with every county receiving an increase.

Over €68 million has now been invested under the Local Improvement Scheme since it was re-introduced in 2017.

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.

Announcing the €10.5 million in funding, Minister Humphreys said:

“As part of ‘Our Rural Future’, the Government has committed to increasing the level of investment in the repair of non-public roads through the Local Improvement Scheme..

“I am therefore really pleased today to announce a 5% increase in funding under the Local Improvement Scheme.

 “The Local Improvement Scheme is an important source of funding for small non-public roads and laneways leading to homes and farms as well as outdoor amenities such as lakes, rivers, mountains and beaches.

“Since the scheme was re-introduced in 2017, close to 2,400 roads have been funded for repair works. This has made a real difference to the lives of over 10,000 landowners and residents in rural Ireland.”

Minister Humphreys added:

“I know there is a significant demand for funding under the Local Improvement Scheme right across the country. That is why I am today announcing increased funding for every county under the scheme, however, I am acutely aware that more is needed. I am working to identify if additional funding can be provided for LIS in 2021 and I would therefore urge each Local Authority to utilise the funding announced today, and complete the repair works on the selected roads, as soon as possible.

“This would position them well to undertake repairs on additional roads before the end of the year should further funding become available.”

The allocation to each county under the Local Improvement Scheme for 2021 is set out below.

Local Authorities are responsible for identifying and prioritising roads for improvement works under the scheme, in consultation with residents/landowners.

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.

Allocations under the 2021 Local Improvement Scheme

County                      Amount

Carlow                       €270,000

Cavan                        €289,254

Clare                          €500,811

Cork                            €920,000

Donegal                     €697,456

Galway                       €876,959

Kerry                          €689,930

Kildare                       €270,000

Kilkenny                    €308,905

Laois                          €270,000

Leitrim                        €270,000

Limerick                     €404,090

Longford                    €270,000

Louth                          €270,000

Mayo                          €798,496

Meath                         €346,394

Monaghan                 €270,000

Offaly                          €298,871

Roscommon              €375,104

Sligo                           €276,154

Tipperary                   €619,969

Waterford                  €278,802

Westmeath                €276,433

Wexford                     €349,878

Wicklow                     €302,494

Total: €10,500,000

ENDS

Contact:

The Department of Rural and Community Development Press Office

076-1006843 / 087-1734633

Press.office@drcd.gov.ie

 

Notes to editor:

The LIS was reintroduced in September 2017 and over €58 million has already been provided for works on close to 2,400 roads. The additional funding announced today will bring that total to over €68 million.

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.

May 18, 2021