Due to power outages caused by Storm Eowyn the deadline for the Community Support Schemes has been extended to Monday 10^th February at 4pm.

Applications are invited from Community and Voluntary Groups for funding towards activities and events which benefit local communities throughout the County and support sustainable economic, community, and cultural development.

• Support Scheme for Economic Development: Tourism Events and Festivals; Economic Development Initiatives.
• Support Scheme for Community Development: Community Amenities; Tidy Towns Activities in Public Spaces.
• Support Scheme for Cultural Development: Arts Act Grants; Heritage Grants; Irish Language Promotional Activities.

Applicants may submit a maximum of 1 application per Support Scheme.

Applicants should apply via our online grants system at https://galwaycoco.submit.com/ with the exception of grant applications for Irish Language Promotional Activities which are available from gaeilge@cocogaillimh.ie

The Shared Island-dimension of the Creative Ireland Programme wants to explore creative opportunities for young people to connect.

The scheme seeks to reach children and young people across the island of Ireland.  Our aim is to harness the experience and expertise of organisations working in the creative, cultural, arts, community and youth sectors to engage young people. Together we can bring children and young people together and nurture a sense of collaboration, understanding and hope for the future, through a creative medium.

We are seeking projects from partnerships that are of significant scale and ambition. Applications should have at least one partner based in each jurisdiction. Grant funding of up to €180,000 will be awarded to at least 3 projects. It is envisaged that at least one grant will be awarded to a partnership that targets seldom heard children and young people. The projects should run between June 2024 to December 2025.

A full briefing document and FAQ is available below:

Briefing Document in English
FAQ

Applications must be completed online and submitted via Submit.com by 25th March 2024. A link to the application form is below.
Apply HERE.

Galway County Council’s draft Climate Acton Plan has been launched and we want your views.
The Climate Action Team will be coming to the following locations to discuss the plan and associated Climate Action Fund for Communities:

Tuam Library, Saturday November 18th, 14:00 – 15:30

Loughrea Library, Wednesday November 22nd 17:30 – 19:00

Claregalway Hotel, Tuesday November 28th, 18:00 – 19:30

Glinsk Community Centre, Saturday December 9th, 11:00 – 13:00
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The Community Climate Action Fund is a new fund to support small and large, rural and urban communities to take climate action at a local level. In conjunction with the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications, Galway County Council will support communities to promote and assist in community climate action.

The Community Climate Action Fund will help members of our community to act in their local areas. Its goal is to shape and build low-carbon, sustainable communities that will contribute to the achieving Ireland’s national climate action and energy targets.

The Community Climate Action Fund will help make Galway more resilient to extreme weather caused by climate change and make the county a better place to live.

There are two funding strands:

Strand-1 – Action: Building Low Carbon Communities: Galway County Council have been given an allocation of €762,000 for projects under Strand 1. Under this scheme, communities will partner with Galway Council to carry out projects that have a direct climate action impact.

Strand 1a – Shared Island Community Climate Action: This strand enables communities and local authorities to carry out a cross-border project in partnership with a community in Northern Ireland. It will be very competitive (€3 million for whole country) and open for all communities to apply.

How will the Programme work?

Importantly, projects must have a direct climate impact including at least one, preferably more, of the following:

• Reduce Greenhouse gas emissions
• Increase climate resilience of community (help adapt to the consequences of climate change)
• Assist communities transition to low carbon and sustainable economy

Projects should address at least one, but preferably more than one of the following themes:

• Community Buildings and Energy
• Sustainable Travel
• Food and food waste
• Shopping and recycling
• Local climate action and environmental action

There are two strands of funding available:

• Strand 1focuses on direct climate action in County Galway
• Strand 1Afocuses on cross-border partnerships between community organisations in the county of Galway and organisations in Northern Ireland.

Funding will be allocated to community organisations based on an appraisal of the application forms submitted to Galway County Council and approval of the Minister.

Who can apply?

Eligible community organisations must:

1. Be not-for-profit
2. Be located within the boundariesof Galway County.
3. Submit a completed application form.
4. Be registered with the Galway County PPN ORbe connected with other collectives such as The Wheel, Tidy Towns, OR be a community group with Articles of Association, which hold an AGM with appropriately approved minutes.

Who is NOT eligible for funding?

• Private individuals
• Commercial undertakings
• Schools
• National level community or environmental organisations

Local branches of national organisations may be eligible, once there is a clear financial separation or local branch from national organisation level.

What funding is available?

The Community Climate Action Programme grants can fund up to 100% of all eligible costs for a successful project.

You can apply for different sized grants:

• Smallscale projects, less than €20,000
• Mediumscale projects, €21,000 to €50,000
• Largescale projects, €51,000 to €100,000

How does my community group apply?

For more information, please contact;

DeniseFeeney, Galway Community Climate Action Officer, Galway County Council at climateactionfund@galwaycoco.ie.

Online Applications will be open on December 6^th  2023

Deadline for applications to be submitted is February 29^th 2024

Wednesday, 14^th December 2022

• Largest ever investment under Town and Village Renewal Scheme
• Former Banks, Ballrooms, Courthouses, Convents, Cinemas, Garda Stations and FCA Halls to be regenerated for community use
• Public Plazas, Town Parks, Playgrounds, Community Gardens and Dog Parks to be developed
• Local Shops and Businesses in 26 towns to have their shopfronts and building facades enhanced under Streetscapes Enhancement Initiative

The Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD, has today (14^th December 2022) announced over €27 million in funding that will combat dereliction and breathe new life into rural towns and villages.

The announcement represents the largest ever investment under the Town and Village Renewal Scheme and will see a range of landmark projects delivered across Rural Ireland.

The major package announced by Minister Humphreys today comprises 4 Strands:

• €17 million investment in 75 Town and Village Projects nationwide;
• €6 million in funding to purchase and re-develop vacant and derelict buildings and convert them into community facilities;
• €2.6 million to upgrade the shopfronts and building facades in 26 towns under the Streetscape Enhancement Measure;
• €1.56 million for planning and design works on a range of projects that are at an early stage of development.

Announcing the funding today, Minister Humphreys:

“I am delighted to announce a record €27 million in funding under my Department’s Town and Village Renewal Scheme.

“This is all about tackling the scourge of vacancy and dereliction in our rural towns and villages.

“It’s about taking old buildings and giving them a new lease of life.

“And it’s about rejuvenating the centre of our towns by developing public plazas, town parks, community gardens and sports facilities for the benefit of local families.

“This investment today will breathe new life into rural towns and villages across every single county.

“It’s the largest ever investment under the Town and Village Renewal Scheme and demonstrates my passion and ambition for our rural communities.”

Among the 75 projects that received €17 million in funding under the standard Town and Village Renewal Scheme are:

• Robertstown, Co. Kildare: The development of a recreational facility which will include an eco-park, green playground, integrated green skate park, car park, dog park, playing pitches and an outdoor Amphitheatre at the centre – €500,000.
• Carrick-on-Shannon, Co. Leitrim: To create a significant vibrant Town Centre community venue “The Market Yard” to host community and charity events including festivals, fun days as well as creating a Town Centre Tourist Kiosk and Café – €435,013.
• Causeway, Co. Kerry: Refurbishment of the former Shannon Ballroom (currently derelict) creating a facility within Causeway, which provides a focal point for the community that will be used as a meeting space and co-working hub – €250,000.
• Longford Town, Co. Longford: The development of a ‘Skate and Recreational Park’ within Longford Town along proposed future town cycleway and within immediate vicinity to the existing Royal Canal Greenway – €405,000.
• Duncannon, Co. Wexford: To restore and develop the historic Duncannon Fort – €500,000.
• Herbertstown, Co. Limerick: To renovate and re-purpose the former co-op building to develop it as a multi-use community space (indoor and outdoor). The investment will deliver a Community café, Men’s Shed, remote working hub, enterprise hub and community garden – €495,229.
• Arigna, Co. Roscommon: A three phase development to include a public sports park, a pedestrian plaza and ancillary works to put the heart back into this historical village of Arigna – €499,950.
• Bagenalstown, Co. Carlow: Public realm improvements scheme for the enhancement of the River Barrow. This includes a coffee dock, bench seating, covered canopy, green trellis overhangs, planter climber walls and decorative paving​- €500,000.
• Stepaside, Co. Dublin: The project proposes to enhance the public realm and streetscapes of Stepaside village, including the provision of a central green space – €225,000.
• Convoy, Co. Donegal: ​The development of the ‘Railway Park’ along the former and now disused railway line in Convoy providing a much needed inclusive green space and recreational amenity in the centre of the village – €435,204.
• Moate, Co. Westmeath: Bringing the old Fire Station in the town centre, which has laid vacant for many years, back into use as a multi-purpose space for community use by the Moate Action Group – €112,500.
• Ballina, Co. Tipperary: Provision of an access promenade and viewing area across the river Shannon, to drive tourist and local footfall activity – €360,000.

Building Acquisition Measure (BAM)

Minister Humphreys also today announced 29 projects that will benefit from funding under the Building Acquisition Measure (BAM) of the Town and Village Renewal Scheme.

Under the initiative, local authorities were asked by the department to engage with the local community to identify suitable vacant or derelict properties that could be taken into public ownership and converted for community use.

Among the 29 projects to be funded under the €6 million Building Acquisition Measure are:

• Rathkeale, Co. Limerick: Convert the former Bank of Ireland Building into an e-Hub and multi-purpose community facility.
• Mitchelstown, Co. Cork: Convert of the FCA Hall on the grounds of the old Military Barracks into a multi-purpose sports and community venue.
• Moyvane, Co. Kerry: Convert a former garda station into a multi-purpose hub.
• Kilrush, Co, Clare: Purchase the former Mars Cinema and Ballroom and convert it into an educational training facility.
• Monasterevin, Co. Kildare: Convert a former Bank of Ireland building for use as a co-working enterprise hub.
• New Ross, Co. Wexford: Convert the former courthouse as a multi-use community building.
• Carrick-on-Suir, Co. Tipperary: Purchase of a garden centre for tourism accommodation, together with cultural, recreational, commercial and retail uses.
• Monaghan Town, Co. Monaghan: Purchase of the Convent School building for use as a social enterprise hub.

Minister Humphreys continued:

“We are all familiar with that old building in the community that has acted as an eyesore for far too long.

“This particular initiative, the Building Acquisition Measure, is about providing our local authorities with the necessary resources to tackle the scourge of vacancy and dereliction.

“This funding will see former garda stations, convents, old cinemas and banks taken into public ownership and converted for the good of the local community.

“This scheme goes to the heart of our rural development policy ‘Our Rural Future’ – breathing new life into towns and villages and making them better places to live, work and raise a family.”

Streetscape Enhancement Initiative

Minister Humphreys has also today given the green light for works to take place in 26 towns under the Streetscape Enhancement Initiative.

This scheme will see funding of up to €100,000 provided to one town per local authority.

Under the initiative, retailers and property owners will be provided with grants that they can use to improve the facades of their buildings, carry out artwork or install features such as street furniture or canopies.

The Towns being supported under the Streetscape Enhancement Initiative are:

Project Development Measure

Minister Humphreys also announced a further €1.56 million to fund 33 projects that are pre-development stage. This funding will support feasibility, planning and design works.

Examples of these projects include:

• Ballyroan, Co. Laois: Feasibility study to determine the potential future uses of the vacant/derelict former old boys school in Ballyroan village – €50,000.
• Manorhamilton, Co. Leitrim: Feasibility study and preliminary design and planning for the courthouse building in Manorhamilton, with a view to bringing back into use as a community facility – €50,000.
• Moneygall, Co. Offaly: Architect led design team to deliver a detailed design proposal and planning permission for refurbishment of a derelict property into a multi-purpose community space/hub – €50,000.
• Strandhill, Co. Sligo: Design team to develop masterplan for Dolly’s Cottage, a tourist attraction, including site survey, conservation architect, structural engineer, planning design – €49,999.50.
• Tramore, Co. Waterford: Feasibility study for the development plan of a multi-cultural centre, including review of properties and potential locations for the centre, funding model to acquire the building, and scope initial development works required – €49,500.
• Carnew, Co Wicklow: To do design, cost and planning for the refurbishment of the old Bank of Ireland building (BAM purchase) to become a remote working hub – €49,999.50.

The Minister concluded:

“Today I am giving the green light for works to commence in the 26 towns selected under the Streetscapes Enhancement Initiative.

“From Bagenalstown to Ballinlough, this initiative will provide retailers and property owners with grants that they can use to improve the facades of their buildings, carry out artwork or install features such as street furniture or canopies.

“This is a new initiative that I introduced as part of Our Rural Future. The response has been hugely positive to date and I look forward to seeing works commence in these 26 towns.

“Finally I am delighted to sanction €1.56 million for pre-development work on 33 projects to help with the costs of developing these applications so that they are shovel ready for future funding calls.”

A full list of the projects supported under the Town and Village Renewal Scheme is available here

ENDS

Contact:

The Department of Rural and Community Development Press Office

01-773 6843 / 087-1734633

Press.office@drcd.gov.ie

You can read the submission here: Galway County PPN SUBMISSION on Litter Management Plan

Section 10 of the Litter pollution Acts 1997 requires that a Local Authority must prepare and adopt a Litter Management Plan in respect of its functional area. As this is a litter management plan for all sections of Galway County Council the process for drafting the Litter Management Plan includes consultation with relevant Local Authority sections and staff and to review and/or include submissions.

Galway County Council has responsibilities in relation to the prevention of litter as a local authority, but they are also a business and members of the public and as such must be aware of litter management in their everyday operations.

 The Responsibilities of the Local Authority include:

• To take all practical measures to allow for the prevention, control and correct disposal of litter,
• Take steps to promote awareness of litter pollution and its effect on the environment,
• Encourage participation from the public and businesses of the county in preventing and overcoming litter pollution,
• To provide access to appropriate facilities/receptacles and waste bins for its citizens and to arrange for regular emptying and cleaning,
• Enforce the law and apply the necessary penalties and legal sanctions.

Responsibilities of businesses include:

• To keep the immediate area and up to 100m of the premises litter free,
• To keep any land visible from a public place free from litter,
• Persons owning, operating or in charge of mobile outlets and those who organise major events have additional responsibilities,
• To ensure there is no placement of unauthorised advertisements or public notices in public places,
• Not to place advertising flyers on cars,
• To ensure that transporting material does not cause litter and that the material is sufficiently secured to not cause litter.

Responsibilities of the public include:

• Any owner or occupier of property which can be seen from a public place is obliged to keep the property free of litter
• Not to create litter in a public place or a place visible from a public road.
• The public must ensure that waste material is disposed of in a waste receptacle or bin, or in an authorised waste facility.
• Dog owners shall be responsible for the removal of dog faeces from a public place and ensure it is disposed of properly.
• The public must ensure that they only give household waste including recyclable materials to collectors with the necessary authorisations to collect such waste

The Environment Section begun the process of preparing the next Litter Management Plan 2023-2025 in October 2022 and each invited submissions in relation to litter management practices and issues.

Thursday 8th December 2022

• Largest ever capital investment in Community Centres

• Grants of up to €300,000 provided

• Extensions to Existing Centres, Energy Efficiency Upgrades and Improved Access for People with Disabilities amongst works supported

• Community Centres, Parish Halls, Scouts Clubs, Youth Hubs, Family Resource Centres & Sports Complexes across country set to benefit

The Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD, along with the Tánaiste Leo Varadkar TD, have today announced funding of over €33 million for the upgrade and development of 278 Community Centres nationwide.

The announcement under the new Community Centre Investment Fund represents the largest ever capital investment in upgrading Community Centres and will see grants of between €25,000 to €300,000 provided to successful projects.

The funding will be used to upgrade, renovate and refurbish Community Centres, Parish Halls, Scouts Clubs, Youth Hubs, Family Resources Centres and Sports Complexes across the country.

Communities in every single county in Ireland will benefit as part of the investment.

Examples of some of the types of work being supported include:

• Extensions to existing community centres
• The provision of meeting rooms, offices, counselling rooms and family rooms
• Energy Retrofitting/upgrades to Heating Systems
• Works to develop community centres as social hubs through the development of community cinemas, youth hubs and community libraries
• Works to upgrade kitchen facilities to enhance the delivery of Meals on Wheels
• Upgrades to lighting systems and stage areas
• Fire Safety Upgrades
• Essentials maintenance works, repairs to roof, re-wiring,etc
• Works to upgrade toilet facilities
• Works to improve disability access
• Replacement of windows and doors
• Installation of electric vehicle charging points

Minister Humphreys and the Tánaiste made the announcement at Hartstown Sports and Leisure Centre in Dublin 15 today.

This community facility was approved funding of €300,000 for a major upgrade.

Speaking in Hartstown today, Tánaiste Leo Varadkar said:

“This Government and the last showed time and again that we’re committed to community development. 

“I’m delighted to see this ground-breaking investment in community centres. It will bring real improvements to the heart of communities across Ireland.

“In time, I think it will become as significant as the Sport Capital Programme which has brought local sporting facilities up a level that would have been unimaginable 20 years ago. 

“The benefits will be felt in Community Centres, Parish and Scouts Halls, Clubhouses, Men’s Sheds and Youth Facilities.

“Every county in Ireland will receive funding, for projects like new meeting rooms, refurbished and warmer buildings, new social hubs, and improved disability access.”

Announcing the overall investment, Minister Humphreys said:

“The local community centre is at the heart of our towns, villages and parishes right across the country.

“Our Community Centres come in many different shapes and sizes and provide a wide and diverse range of services and activities.

“The Community Centre is where the children go to play sport; it’s where meals are provided for our senior citizens; it’s where the local dramatic society perform; it’s where the ICA, our Men’s Sheds, Youth Clubs and other local organisation come together for their meetings and events.

“Most importantly in the month of December – the Community Centre is often the place that Santa will come to visit to meet the local children!

“It was a priority for me as Minister for Rural and Community Development to put this new funding stream in place and I am delighted to announce the successful projects today.”

Some of the successful applicants announced today include;

• Co. Offaly: Killeigh Community Centre – €300,000

• The delivery of a 200 metre recreation hall that will hold up to 300 people and operate as a social hub. The project will also see the provision of a canteen, toilets and a meeting room that will be used for public information sessions.

• Co. Tipperary: Burncourt Community Hall – €209,832.20

• The ‘Burncourt Community Hall Regeneration’ project will see the delivery of a new outdoor recreation, meeting and entertainment space, which will provide for large outdoor gatherings for people of all age groups.

• Co Carlow:  St Catherine’s Community Services Centre – €300,000

• This Centre in Carlow provides a range of services to families, older people and vulnerable groups. The funding will be used to extend the facility to provide for a new family room and consultation rooms.

• Co. Limerick: Murroe Wood Park sports facility – €206,290.71

• Provision of a community café, community gym, remote working space, changing facilities and purchase of gym equipment.

• . Clare: Newmarket-on-Fergus Community Centre – €300,000

• This funding will be used to renovate and repair the main hall, toilets and changing facilities, as well the installation of solar panels and LED lighting.

• Co. Cork: My Place Community Centre, Midleton – €300,000

• A first-floor extension that will provide two multi-purpose large rooms, another counselling room, toilets and a small coffee-break room.

• Co. Donegal: Bundoran Community Centre – €281,653.08

• A significant expansion of this facility that will deliver a large activity space that will facilitate up to 80 members of a youth group, 2 counselling rooms, a sensory room, office space and a disabled toilet.

• Co. Dublin: Hartstown Sports and Leisure Centre – €300,000

• Referred to as the ‘Hartstown Community Centre Revival’.  The project involves; rewiring of the building, installation of disabled toilets, repair of stage and fire door replacements.

• Co. Galway: Kinvara Community Centre – €286,803.29

• Major energy refit of the community centre, to include floor and wall insulation, an air to water heat pump, as well as new fire doors, energy lighting and solar panels

• Co. Cavan: Castlerahan Community Centre – €300,000

• A major expansion of this community facility to include remote working facilities, meeting rooms and multi-function rooms for concerts and shows.

• Co. Kilkenny: Urlingford Town Team – €300,000

• Major refurbishment of the large former dance hall in Urlingford, including the replacement of the asbestos roof and externally insulating the reinforced concrete walls.

• Co. Longford: Drumlish Community Association – €259,909

• To create three state of the art fully accessible activity/meeting rooms for a variety of activities

• Co. Waterford: Carbally Community Development – €300,000

• To upgrade the downstairs space into a new activity hall as well as the provision of disability access.

• Co. Wexford: Ferns Diocesan Youth Service – €82,190

• Upgrade of centre to provide a social hub for young people

The full list of successful projects being announced today is available here.

The new Community Centre Investment Fund forms part of a range of measures being undertaken by the Department of Rural and Community Development to support the community and voluntary sector, and to empower thriving, sustainable communities across Ireland.

ENDS

Contact:

The Department of Rural and Community Development Press Office

01-773 6843 / 087-1734633

Press.office@drcd.gov.ie

Notes to editors:

Funding will be available under 3 Categories, with grants up to €300,000 available:

• Category 1: Small scale projects/improvements to facilities up to €25,000

• Category 2: Larger scale projects €25,001 to €100,000
• Category 3: Major projects €100,001 to €300,000

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 and 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, and so on

The fund closed to applications on the 14th of July. Details of successful Category 1 projects were announce on the 12^th October by Minister Humphrey’s and details of successful projects can be found here.

Our Rural Future

Our Rural Future is the whole-of-government policy for rural Ireland for the period 2021-2025. It represents a new milestone in the approach to rural development policy for Ireland and adopts a more strategic, ambitious and holistic approach to investing in and maximising opportunities for rural areas.

________________________________________________________________________________

You are receiving this press release / media notification as you are currently subscribed to the Department of Rural and Community Development’s media list.

If you no longer wish to receive emails of this nature from the Department you can unsubscribe by responding to this email address with the word “unsubscribe” in the subject-line and we will endeavour to remove your email address from our database.

Galway County PPN have begun a series of presentations at Municipal District meetings across the County to address stakeholders, such as County Councillors, of the added value of the PPN in the democratic process of participative representation.

Here PPN Coordinator, Charlotte May and PPN Secretariat Member, Vincent Lyons stand in front of the Ballinasloe Municipal District Office holding an info booklet after their presentation to Councillors on 12 October 2022.

The Galway County PPN was formally established in 2014, replacing the Community Forum to become a statutory entity, in accordance with the Local Government Reform Act 2014. A PPN now operates in each local authority area and are the primary means through which community groups can shape the local policy. Each PPN elects representatives from its membership to sit on local government committees and boards to ensure that the voice of the community is heard in local decision-making processes. Any community group operating in County Galway can become a member, provided they meet the eligibility criteria (non-profit, non-party political, inclusive, etc.) and registration is free, quick and simple. See here.

Besides, its advocacy and representational functions, further roles of the PPN include running trainings and workshops for community groups to facilitate the operation of the organisation. In the past these have addressed topics such as: Fundraising, writing Funding applications, Bookkeeping, Governance, Volunteer management and many more.  The Galway County PPN also plays an integral part in facilitating the two-way flow of information between local authorities and community groups. The PPN team, spear-headed by Charlotte May and Mary Mullen issue regular communications via their popular Monthly Newsletter, a Weekly Digest and via their Website and Social Media Channels:

• galwaycountyppn.ie;
• com/GalwayCountyPPN;
• com/GalwayCoPPN)

Galway County PPN have over 1146 Member Groups, a Member’s Directory of which can be accessed here. For info on upcoming events and to find out what’s happening across the County, or to advertise your event, please check out our Events Calendar here.

For info please contact:

Dr Charlotte May

PPN Coordinator

Economic, Rural & Community Development Unit | Galway County Council

Áras an Chontae | Prospect Hill | Galway | H91 H6KX

Tel: 087 94 55 722

www.galwaycountyppn.ie | facebook.com/GalwayCountyPPN | twitter.com/GalwayCoPPN

The main role of the PPN is to ‘enable the PPN member groups to input into and have their voices heard within the formal decision-making structures of the local authority’.

• Department of Rural and Community Development, Public Participation Networks Handbook, (2020).

• Ireland’s first ever National Outdoor Recreation Strategy
• Over 2.7m visitors take part in outdoor activities
• Strategy will deliver major economic and health benefits
• €14 million announced to develop adventure tourism projects
• Focus on Hiking, Cycling, Wild Swimming, Kayaking & more
• National Walks Scheme to be expanded to 150 trails
• Minister says: “I want to make Ireland the destination of choice internationally for outdoor adventures!”

The Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys, has today launched Embracing Ireland’s Outdoors – an ambitious and transformational National Outdoor Recreation Strategy.

The five year strategy was launched in Castlecomer Discovery Park in Co. Kilkenny where the Ardra Loop Walk and Arboretum Walk was also officially opened by the Minister.

Embracing Ireland’s Outdoors was developed in partnership with Comhairle na Tuaithe and is a collaborative cross-Government strategy that reflects the views of stakeholders and the public. The new strategy will set the stage to strengthen and support the sustainable development of the outdoor recreation sector in Ireland for years to come bringing huge economic and health benefits to communities across the country.

Launching Embracing Ireland’s Outdoors, Minister Humphreys said:

“The pandemic awakened a new discovery to explore amongst the Irish public. When we were confined to our counties or we could only meet friends and family outdoors, we gained a new found appreciation for the unique amenities we have on our doorstep whether it’s our forest parks, our mountain trails, our rivers, our greenways or our stunning beaches.

“Embracing Ireland’s Outdoors is about building on this momentum. It is about the strategic development of Ireland’s Outdoor Recreation sector so we can deliver maximum benefits to communities across the country. 

“Those benefits are huge. Spending time outdoors supports our mental and physical health and it improves our quality of life. There also huge economic benefits, particularly for rural communities, with over 2.7m overseas visitors taking part in outdoor activities every year in Ireland.   Through this Strategy – I believe we can make Ireland the destination of choice internationally for outdoor recreation and adventure tourism.

Embracing Ireland’s Outdoors focuses on bringing a more joined-up and cohesive approach to the development of outdoor recreation infrastructure at both a national and county level. As part of the strategy new Outdoor Recreation Committees will be established in every County to ensure there is a focused and strategic approach to the development of local amenities.

Building on this ground-up, locally led approach, the Minister is today announcing €14m for the development of 59 outdoor recreation amenities and to support outdoor pursuits such as hiking, mountaineering, kayaking, and cycling.

Among the projects being funded today include:

• Clare: Cliffs of Moher North Coastal Walk – Repair and upgrade of a looped section of the Cliffs of Moher North Coastal Walk – €500,000
• Wexford: Kilmore Quay Recreation Trail – Develop cycle path along the canal, completing a looped walking trail plus footbridge and carpark – €500,000
• Longford: North Longford Rebel Trail – North Longford Rebel Trail Phase 2 – Monaduff to Ballinamuck – €500,000
• Wicklow: Roundwood Recreation Area –  Provision of a bike hub,  bridge, signage, waymarking and promotion of Roundwood Recreation Area – €495,000
• Donegal: Carrigart to Downings Walkway  –  Develop a section of walkway between Carrigart and Downings  – €500,000
• Waterford: Cappoquin Railway Bridge Loop Walk- Phase 1 – Develop Cappoquin Railway Bridge Loop Walk between Millwheel Park and Rowing Club Grounds – €500,000

• Laois: River Erkina Community Blueway – The development of a floating pontoon and access at Castle Durrow Demesne, a foot bridge on the River Goul at its confluence with the River Erkina, carpark and access at the Woodenbridge and access steps at Boston Bridge – €191,728
• Tipperary: Clonmel to Carrick-on-Suir Blueway – Upgrading of 20km Suir Blueway Tipperary between Clonmel & Carrick-on-Suir – €450,000
• Roscommon: Lough Key, Doon Shore and Boyle Canal/River – Installation of accessible for all kayak/canoe easy launch systems in Lough Key, Doon Shore and Boyle Canal/River – €199,800
• Galway: Creggs Mountain Walk     Develop Creggs Mountain Walk – an element of  Beara-Breifne Way & Suck Valley Way  – €200,000

The full list of projects being funded today is available here.

Concluding Minister Humphreys thanked stakeholders and the public for their engagement in developing the Strategy:

“Significant stakeholder and public engagement has been at the core of the development of this Strategy. I would like to thank the members of Comhairle na Tuaithe for their tireless work in developing the Strategy. Thanks to the high level of stakeholder and public engagement Embracing Ireland’s Outdoors is a truly collaborative Strategy that will set the stage to strengthen and support the sustainable development of the outdoor recreation sector in Ireland for years to come.

Embracing Ireland’s Outdoors – National Outdoor Recreation Strategy 2023-2027 is available here.

ENDS

Contact:

The Department of Rural and Community Development Press Office

01-773 6843 / 087-1734633

Press.office@drcd.gov.ie

Editor’s Notes:

Our Rural Future

Our Rural Future is the whole-of-government policy for rural Ireland for the period 2021-2025. It represents a new milestone in the approach to rural development policy for Ireland and adopts a more strategic, ambitious and holistic approach to investing in and maximising opportunities for rural areas.

Comhairle na Tuaithe (The Countryside Council).  

Comhairle na Tuaithe is collaborative body which supports the development of outdoor recreation activities. It is comprised of representatives of farming organisations, recreational users and State bodies with a responsibility for, or interest in, outdoor recreation and the countryside. Its mandate is to act as a forum for consultation and collaboration between stakeholders and to advise the Minister on matters relating outdoor recreation.

National Outdoor Recreation Strategy

Embracing Ireland’s Outdoors – National Outdoor Recreation Strategy 2023-2027 was developed in collaboration with Comhairle na Tuaithe.

Definition of outdoor recreation

Physical activities that take place in the natural environment, such as walking, canoeing, mountain biking, orienteering and wild swimming. It does not include activities that take place outdoors on confined courses or pitches (such as golf, football, show-jumping) or motorised activities (such as quads/scramblers) with the exception of motorised mobility aids.

Overview

Examples of some of the key actions which will be delivered through Embracing Ireland’s Outdoors include:

• The Department of Rural and Community Development to take a lead role ensuring a more strategic approach to outdoor recreation at a national level.
• Sport Ireland to assume a co-leadership role, with the Department of Rural and Community Development, with a particular focus on guidance and technical experience. 
• Establish county structures including County Outdoor Recreation Committees and County Stakeholder Forums which will bring all the key stakeholders together.
• Develop County Outdoor Recreation Plans identifying the amenities that are in the County and also the gaps. Agree the key priorities for the county to create a more strategic approach and ensure value for money.
• Ensure greater emphasis on the management and maintenance of existing outdoor recreation infrastructure.
• Continue to provide support to outdoor recreation businesses/enterprises through the Local Enterprise Offices, Local Development Companies and other channels.
• Communicate updated information to landowners and recreational users on access and liability so that there is greater clarity and awareness.
• Further expand the Walks Scheme.
• Review approaches and models for physical access used in other countries, based on principles of respect for land ownership and responsible conduct. 
• Explore cross-border cooperation on key initiatives.
• Develop new visitor management approaches for Ireland’s most crowded outdoor recreation sites. 
• Develop a communications campaign on responsible behaviour in the outdoors.
• Increase the number of programmes and participants engaged in outdoor recreation, particularly from under-represented groups.
• Establish methods to measure and review the engagement in, and the benefits of, outdoor recreation. 

Vision

Ireland’s outdoors, a world of activities for all

Mission

To lead, guide and facilitate the sustainable development and management of outdoor recreation and increased participation, in order to realise social, health and economic benefits. We will do this whilst respecting the custodians of land and water, caring for the environment and promoting responsible recreation.

Outcomes

The strategic objectives of Embracing Ireland’s Outdoors are:

• To create a more coordinated, cohesive approach at national and county level to ensure best use of our resources.
• To protect the environment through better planning and development of outdoor recreation, in keeping with best practice management of landscape and habitats.
• To create awareness of our outdoor opportunities and how to enjoy them responsibly.
• To increase and support the number of people active in the outdoors, especially young people and under-represented groups.
• To protect and improve access to the outdoors, for the benefit of all.
• To improve the knowledge, skills and expertise of stakeholders and partners

Investment

€1.6 billion has been invested over the last four years to support the enhancement of natural spaces and the development of recreational amenities such as walking trails, blueways and greenways. This figure also includes funding provided through the Department of Transport’s Greenway funding and its Active Travel Investment Programme funding which supports the development of high-quality new and improved walking and cycling infrastructure. The Active Travel Investment Programme does not specifically focus on outdoor recreation, however the walking and cycling facilities developed through this programme provide a valuable and accessible resource for recreational users, as well as commuters.

Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS)

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

• Measure 1: Small scale repair/development/promotion and marketing (up to €20,000 grant available)
• Measure 2: Medium scale upgrade and new trail/amenity development (up to €200,000 grant available)
• Measure 3: Large scale repair/upgrade and new strategic trail/amenity development (up to €500,000 grant available).
• Project Development Measure: Development costs for strategic large scale Measure 2 or Measure 3 type projects e.g. detailed design, preparation for the planning and/or procurement, appropriate assessment etc. (up to €50,000 grant available).

Funding of up to 90% of the total approved project costs is awarded, with the additional 10% to be provided from other sources. Details of Measures 2 and 3 projects announced today are available here.

• New Community Support Fund to assist thousands of community groups across the country

• Support available for Parish Halls, Community Centres, Local Development Associations, Social Clubs, ICA Groups, Senior Citizen Groups, Men’s Sheds, Women’s Sheds and more

• Small grants to help groups with running costs and rising energy bills

• Applications from groups supporting rural pursuits and activities welcome

Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD, and Minister of State, Joe O’Brien TD, have today announced a new €10 million fund to support thousands of local community & voluntary groups with their energy bills.

The Community Support Fund will provide small grants to a wide and diverse range of local community groups to assist with their running costs.

Funding will be available to support Parish Halls, Community Centres, Local Development Associations, Social Clubs, ICA Groups, Senior Citizen Groups, Men’s Sheds, Women’s Sheds and much more.

The new scheme has been devised to support groups with their energy costs who may not have been deemed eligible under previous Government schemes.

These include groups that operate from parish halls and who need support with running costs such as energy or insurance bills.

Groups can also use the funding to carry out small upgrade works and to purchase equipment to support their activities such as laptops and printers, lawnmowers, training equipment, etc.

Announcing the funding today, Minister Humphreys said:

“Like everybody else, community groups are not immune from rising prices. This new scheme is about supporting these groups with their costs whether it’s the electricity bill, insurance costs or other overheads.

“As Minister for Rural and Community Development, I fully appreciate the fantastic work carried out by volunteers in communities across the country whether it’s the local Parish Hall Committee, the Development Association or the local Senior Citizens Group.

“These local committees work hard to make sure they can keep the lights on and run fantastic local services and events for young and old to enjoy.

“In making this €10m Fund available today, I want to support these groups to make sure they can continue doing this great work on the ground in communities across the country. These will be small grants ranging from a few hundred euro to a few thousand euro but I know they will make a big difference to the groups involved.

“The Local Community Development Committee (LCDC) will administer this fund on behalf of my Department at local level and I would encourage community groups interested in applying to contact their LCDC over the coming days at the contact numbers provided.”

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

“In recognition of rising energy costs the Government announced a package of funding supports to business, cultural, health, sporting and C&V organisations in September. We know that many small organisations/groups particularly those who serve in disadvantaged areas may not be able to access these funds.

“These grants will help thousands of community organisations, clubs, men’s and women’s sheds, youth centres and parish halls, to continue to provide their valuable services to the people in their areas.”

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).

This funding builds on the Minster’s earlier announcement of the €10million Community and Voluntary Energy Support Scheme (CVESS).

The CVESS will provide once-off support to incorporated organisations and registered charities within the Community and Voluntary sector which fall outside the parameters of other energy support schemes being delivered by Government such as the Temporary Business Energy Support Scheme (TBESS).

Further details can be found here.

This initiative forms part of a range of measures being undertaken by the department to support the community and voluntary sector, and to empower thriving, sustainable communities across Ireland.

It also ties into the Reduce Your Use energy efficiency campaign where the government are asking people, where safe and possible to do so, to turn their thermostat down and consider when they use larger appliances.

Groups should contact their LCDC for further details of the fund.

Contacts details for all LCDCs are as follows:

ENDS

16^th November 2022

Minister Joe O’Brien announces over €44 million for the Government’s Social Inclusion Programme

• An increase of €1.3 million (3%) for SICAP in 2023
• All areas across the country to benefit

Minister for Community Development and Charities, Joe O’Brien, T.D., has today, (Wednesday, 16^th November 2022) announced over €44 million for the Social Inclusion and Community Activity Programme (SICAP) in 2023. This funding has been allocated as part of Budget 2023.

SICAP supports communities and individuals to engage with relevant stakeholders in identifying and addressing social exclusion and equality, developing the capacity of Local Community Groups and creating more sustainable communities. The programme supports disadvantaged individuals to improve the quality of their lives through the provision of lifelong learning and labour market supports issues.

Announcing the funding, the Minister said:

“I am pleased to announce this additional funding for SICAP underpinning this Government’s on-going commitment to social inclusion and community development. This programme has an explicit anti-poverty focus, promoting social inclusion and equality and is making a real difference in communities across the country.

“The programme is flexible and reactive and this has been evident in the support over the pandemic and most recently supporting people arriving from Ukraine. The SICAP programme reaches out to those most in need in disadvantaged areas, rural and urban, supporting individuals and communities to access mainstream services. This funding is being provided to enable the Local Development Companies (LDC’s) to continue the great work they are doing, retain staff and direct additional resources to the delivery of SICAP.”

Individuals and Community groups can reach out to their Local Development Company for support.

ENDS

Contact:

The Department of Rural and Community Development Press Office

01-773 6843 / 087-1734633

Press.office@drcd.gov.ie

Notes for editors:

Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme (SICAP 2018-2023)

• SICAP, the Government’s primary social inclusion programme aims to reduce poverty and promote social inclusion and equality through supporting communities and individuals via community development, engagement, and collaboration.
• SICAP supports communities and target groups to engage with relevant stakeholders developing the capacity of Local Community Groups (2646 LCGs supported in 2021) and creating more sustainable communities.
• SICAP supports disadvantaged individuals (26,483 individuals supported in 2021) to improve the quality of their lives through the provision of lifelong learning and labour market supports.
• SICAP is funded by the Department of Rural and Community Development and co-funded by the European Social Fund (ESF) under the Programme for Employability, Inclusion and Learning (PEIL) 2014 – 2021.
• SICAP is managed at a local level by 33 Local Community Development Committees (LCDCs), with support from local authorities. The programme is implemented nationally by 46 Local Development Companies (LDCs) across 51 areas.
• A 10% increase (€4 million) was secured for the programme for 2022, the largest increase since the programme was launched, bringing the budget to €43 million.
• An additional €5 million funding was announced on June 1^st to support the LDCs through SICAP for the community response to support people arriving from Ukraine.
• In June, SICAP was awarded the prestigious United Nations Public Service award in the category of “Institutional resilience and innovative responses to the COVID-19 pandemic”.
• The Department secured an increase of €1.3 million (3%) to the 2023 SICAP budget, bringing the total allocation to €44.3 million.