Preasráitis
Minister Ring visits Limerick communities
Ó An Roinn Forbartha Tuaithe agus Pobail
Foilsithe
An t-eolas is déanaí
Teanga: Níl leagan Gaeilge den mhír seo ar fáil.
Ó An Roinn Forbartha Tuaithe agus Pobail
Foilsithe
An t-eolas is déanaí
Teanga: Níl leagan Gaeilge den mhír seo ar fáil.
Mr Michael Ring TD, Minister for Rural and Community Development , has today (Friday 27, September) visited a variety of initiatives in the Limerick communities of Caherconlish, Murroe, Annacotty and Castleconnell. Minister Ring, who was accompanied by Senators Maria Byrne and Kieran O’Donnell and local Councillors, visited a number of projects which have been allocated funding through schemes administered by his Department.
Minister Ring said:
“I was delighted to visit these wonderful initiatives in Limerick and to see the benefit that funding from my Department can bring to these communities.
“To date in 2019 I have allocated over €6.7 million to fund schemes all across Limerick and in just 2017 and 2018 alone, my Department has been able to allocate support of over €22.2 million in the county.
“We are committed to supporting communities throughout Limerick city and county. Limerick city is one of the five growth cities under Project Ireland 2040, specifically targeted for development under the plan to act as a counter-balance to exclusively Dublin-centric growth. It has become a leader in the area of regeneration and is an inspiring example to other towns and cities in Ireland.”
The first stop on the Minister’s itinerary was the Millennium Centre in Caherconlish.
In 2018, the Caherconlish / Caherline Community Council received funding of over €57,000 through the Community Services Programme. This contribution supports the operation and maintenance of the Caherconlish community facilities.
The Minister then went on to speak at a public information meeting on rural funding opportunities in Murroe Community Hall.
In November 2018, Minister Ring approved funding of €3.8 million from the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund to deliver a multi-purpose building that will complete the Murroe Town Park Project.
Speaking at the public information meeting Minister Ring said:
“I have had the opportunity to witness first-hand the vision, commitment and energy which is present in communities across the country. All over the country communities are beginning to realise the benefits of the Project Ireland 2040 investment and the additional economic and social progress being achieved on foot of the funding. My Department and I will continue to advance the rural development agenda across Government and build on the excellent progress achieved to date.”
Minister Ring also visited Annacotty Clubhouse which was allocated LEADER funding of over €218,000 in January this year for its redevelopment.
This new redeveloped community centre will breathe new life into the club and local community and will be a focal point and meeting place for various local groups and organisations which do not have facilities of their own.
The Minister’s final stop was at the ACM Community Centre in Castleconnell which was established in 2001 following the purchase of two derelict cottages in the centre of Castleconnell village. Since then the buildings have been renovated and extended and now provide facilities for a wide range of community services. In April 2018, Minister Ring approved LEADER funding of €116,725 towards the renovation and development of a new Community Centre in the village centre premises. The new facilities for the ACM Community Development Society will assist with the further improvement of standard of living and services available to the people living in its catchment area.
Ends
Contact:
The Department of Rural and Community Development Press Office
076-1006843 / 087-1734633
Press.office@drcd.gov.ie
• The Community Services Programme (CSP) supports around 400 community organisations to provide local services through a social enterprise model, with funding provided as a contribution to the cost of a manager and an agreed number of full-time equivalent (FTE) positions.
• The programme focuses on communities where public and private sector services are lacking, either through geographical or social isolation or because of demand deficits. It supports a range of community business and social enterprises to deliver a diverse range of local services and employment opportunities.
• Currently there are almost 1,660 FTEs and 306 managers supported under the programme.
• Between part-time and full-time positions there are around 3,000 people employed through CSP funding.
• More than €46 million is available to support community organisations under the programme in 2019 (including €1 m under the CSP Support Fund).
• The Department’s contribution for each FTE is €19,033 per annum and €32,000 per annum for each manager.
CSP in Limerick
There are currently 19 CSP supported organisations based in County Limerick, with CSP funding of over €1.5m provided during 2019 towards the cost of employing 12 Managers and c. 58 FTE positions.
The National Development Plan 2018-2027 was published by the Government in February 2018 as part of Project Ireland 2040. The Plan sets out the Government’s objectives for capital investment of €116 billion over the period 2018-2027, to drive long term economic, environmental and social progress across all parts of the country over the next decade.
The National Development Plan includes a new €1 billion Rural Regeneration and Development Fund, under the Department of Rural and Community Development, which will promote rural renewal, enabling small rural towns and villages and outlying rural areas to grow sustainably.
Rural Regeneration and Development Fund in Limerick
Under the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund, €7,757,392 has been allocated to County Limerick for the following projects:
• €2,724,657 Great Southern Greenway Limerick
• €3,816,451 to Murroe Community Hub
• €626,369 to Glenbrohane Local Hub
• €259,915 to the International Mountain Biking Project. The locations include Ballyhoura (Limerick & Cork).
• €330,000 to the West Limerick Tourism Gateway
LEADER is a key component of Ireland’s Rural Development Programme 2014-2020. The programme is administered by Local Action Groups (LAGs), made up of local representatives from both the public and private sector. Funding is targeted at the priority areas identified in the Local Development Strategies developed by each LAG. These priorities come under the following themes:
• Economic Development, Enterprise Development and Job Creation e.g. business supports and investment in rural towns
• Social Inclusion e.g. community amenities and facilities for rural youth
• Rural Environment e.g. biodiversity and environmental improvement projects
• The funding includes support for:
• Construction and fit out costs;
• Machinery and Equipment;
• Marketing and Promotion;
• Training;
• Analysis and Development.
Businesses and communities interested in accessing assistance under the LEADER Programme should, in the first instance, contact their Local Action Group. Further information regarding approved projects can be obtained from the Local Action Group in each area.
Leader in Limerick
2019 (to date) €1,548,114.18
2018 €2,810,502.71
2017 € 321,091.00