€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

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

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

IFA Telecom Announces Market-leading Offer

IFA Telecom Announces Market-leading Offer

IFA Telecom Announces Market-leading Offer

Deal includes six months FREE phone and broadband and will provide you with competitive packages

IFA Telecom has launched a new offer which will save you up to €350 on home phone and broadband packages.

James Kelly, IFA’s Director of Organisation said, “As we emerge from the pandemic, one of the main aims of our business is to ensure we continue to deliver fantastic service and incredible value.”

“Broadband access is more important than ever for rural Irish families. The pandemic accelerated the need for a reliable broadband service and IFAT is best placed to provide this service to the rural community.

“With IFA Telecom, there are no hidden costs, and we provide exceptional customer service. Our Customer Service team is based right here in the Farm Centre and are trained to know our service inside-out.”

For more information on this offer or to sign up, contact IFA Telecom on 0818 924 852.

September 29, 2021

Minister Humphreys announces funding for 31 walking trails

Minister Humphreys announces funding for 31 walking trails

Our Rural Future: Minister Humphreys announces funding for 31 walking trails to boost outdoor recreation and rural tourism

  • 31 new trails added in 13 counties under Government’s ‘Walks Scheme’
  • Rural Recreation Officers to be appointed to enhance our outdoor amenities
  • Department to work with over 2,400 farmers and landowners to promote rural tourism

Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD, has today announced a major initiative for Rural Ireland, which includes the addition of 31 new walking trails to her Department’s Walks Scheme and funding for a number of new Rural Recreation Officers.

The 31 new trails across 13 counties are to be added to the ‘Walk’s Scheme’, which aims to open up our countryside to local walkers, hikers and tourists.

Under the scheme, funding is provided to farmers and other landowners to maintain the trails that travel through their holdings.

Today’s announcement means there will now be 80 trails under the Scheme, which is operated by the Department of Rural and Community Development in conjunction with the Local Development Companies (LDCs) and over 2,400 farmers and landowners in total.

The trails added today involve over 400 farmers and include the Dingle Way in County Kerry, St Declan’s Way in County Waterford, the Ballyhoura Way in County Limerick, the South Leinster Way in County Kilkenny and the Slí Gaeltacht Mhuscraí in County Cork.

The Cavan Way in County Cavan, the Wicklow Uplands Way in County Wicklow, the Lung/Lough Gara Way in County Roscommon and the Durrow Leafy Loop in County Sligo are also among the trails being added to the Scheme.

Additional funding will also be provided to the Local Development Companies that deliver the scheme locally, as well as for the salaries paid to the Rural Recreation Officers who play a vital role in delivering the Walks Scheme and developing the outdoor recreation sector locally. Minister Humphreys also today announced the creation of up to 8 new Rural Recreation Officer posts in addition to the 13 already in place. These are designed to further enhance our outdoor amenities and the experience of visitors to Rural Ireland.The announcement delivers on commitments in both the Programme for Government and Our Rural Future to increase the number of trails under the ‘Walks Scheme’ in order to boost outdoor recreation and tourism in rural towns and villages.

Minister Humphreys also today published a review of the Walks Scheme, which sets out a number of recommendations aimed at enhancing the Walks Scheme and the role of Rural Recreation Officers, and will be implemented in consultation with key stakeholders.

The Minister made the announcements during a visit to officially open St Declan’s Way in Co. Waterford, a 115km trail involving 45 farmers and landowners which is amongst the trails being added to the scheme.

The Minister said:

“Our walkways, trails, greenways, blueways and cycleways are a defining feature of Rural Ireland.

“They have been a godsend throughout the Covid-19 Pandemic – providing so many of us with the opportunity to get out for some exercise and to meet up with family and friends.

“Over the past number of months, we have seen unprecedented investment in our outdoor amenities, underpinned by the most ambitious ever policy for Rural Ireland, ‘Our Rural Future’.

“Today’s announcement is further action behind that policy. By adding 31 new trails to the Walks Scheme, we are opening up our rural countryside further to walkers, hikers, adventurists, cyclists, as well as domestic and international tourists.

“And it means we are investing in some of the most picturesque locations in the country, so that they can be enjoyed and experienced by millions of people every year.”

The Minister added:

“In rolling out the Walks Scheme, my Department works closely with our Local Development Companies, community groups and rural farmers and landowners. We are indebted to our farmers and other landowners throughout the country that facilitate access to these wonderful trails and who now, through this scheme, are being funded to maintain the walks to the high standard we have all come to expect.

“Another important part of today’s announcement is the decision to appoint up to 8 new Rural Recreation Officers, as well as improving the salaries of the Rural Recreation Officers that are already carrying out great work across the country.  These individuals are crucial in implementing the Walks Scheme and working with all stakeholders to enhance our outdoor amenities.

“As Minister, I am committed to expanding the Walks Scheme so that more communities can reap the benefits.

“I am also committed to looking at further increasing the number of RROs nationwide based on the outcome of our new National Outdoor Recreation Strategy, which is currently being developed and which will make Rural Ireland an even better place to live, visit and raise a family.”

Minister Humphreys concluded:

“I am also today publishing a review of the Walks Scheme, which was carried out by Outdoor Recreation Northern Ireland (ORNI).

“The recommendations in the review are extensive, covering every aspect of scheme delivery and impacting across a range of stakeholders.

“Given the breadth of issues covered and that many impact beyond my Department, I intend to establish a stakeholder consultation group to explore the recommendations and how they could be implemented at a local level.

“Finally, I want to take this opportunity to thank all of the Local Development Companies, Trail management groups and especially the farmers and landowners for their excellent cooperation with my Department.”

The report on the review of the Walks Scheme can be on gov.ie here:

https://www.gov.ie/en/policy-information/942b4b-the-walks-scheme-and-rural-recreation-officers/#2021-review-of-the-walks-scheme

 ENDS

Contact:

The Department of Rural and Community Development Press Office

01-773 6843 / 087-173 4633

Press.office@drcd.gov.ie

September 29, 2021

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