Statement by Minister Éamon Ó Cuív and Minister of State John Curran, Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, Budget 2010
Written by Eamon Ó Cuív Wednesday, 09 December 2009
Gross funding for the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs at €415.426m in 2010 is reduced by a total of 13% relative to the 2009 allocation of €475.701m. Current funding is reduced by 9%, a decrease of €32.1m, and capital funding is reduced by 21%, a decrease of €28.175m.
Our primary concern is to make every effort to ensure that the daily front-line services provided through the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs are protected, especially those focused on the needs of the most socially deprived communities.
Every saving that can be made from cutting down on overheads will be pursued so that the entire range of urban, rural, Gaeltacht and island communities we serve retain the comprehensive services that have been developed in partnership with them over the years.
Developing Communities (Subheads B.1 –B.7) €140.908m (-14%)
While the overall cut of 14% will impact upon programmes, the Department will endeavour to protect front-line services as far as possible. The 2010 allocation should facilitate continued support for communities through local and community development programmes, supports for volunteering, for locally-based community and voluntary groups, and the Community Services Programme.
A revised Scheme for Community Support for Older People will be introduced early in the New Year following a review during 2009 and will provide security equipment for upwards of 9,000 older people. Some 64 organisations will continue to receive funding under the Scheme to Support National Organisations in the Community & Voluntary Sector, as will the 21 volunteer centres and other volunteering initiatives.
The allocation will allow for the maintenance of employment in some 450 community projects under the Community Services Programme (CSP). Employment levels will be maintained at existing levels by requiring projects to generate additional resources from their operations
The 2010 allocation will coincide with the implementation of the new integrated Local and Community Development Programme. However, it is expected that much of the adjustment will be absorbed in the reduction of administration and ancillary costs already under way. The Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs will continue to concentrate on protecting front-line services and is satisfied that 2010 outputs will not fall significantly short of 2009.
Tackling Problem Drug Use (Subhead C) €36.2m (-11%)
The provision of €36.2m is being made available in the context of the new National Drugs Strategy. While this funding will allow for a significant number of projects in Local and Regional Drugs Task Forces to be maintained, the effect of the reduction may result in the scaling back of some projects. The Department will be seeking to have front-line services protected to the greatest degree possible. The scope for new initiatives linked to the recently launched National Drugs Strategy 2009-2016 will be limited.
Rural Development (Subheads D1-D6) €101.627m (-1%)
The 2010 allocation will provide for continued investment in the Rural Social Scheme (RSS) and Rural Recreation actions. The allocation of some €46.418m for the RSS is expected to be sufficient to maintain activity at its present level of 2,600 participants. This scheme provides a supplementary income for low-income farming and fishing families, while also delivering services to local communities.
Almost €50m is being provided for capital Rural Development measures in 2010, which is an increase of 4% on the level of funding in 2009. This includes continued funding of the CLÁR Programme, Rural Recreation actions and Rural Development Schemes, as well as significantly increased funding for the EU co-funded Rural Development Programme for Ireland 2007-2013 (LEADER).
Gaeltacht & Islands Development (Subheads E1-E10) €62.501m (-27%)
Funding of some €62.5m is being provided for the Gaeltacht in 2010. This includes an allocation of €30.5m for Údarás na Gaeltachta to enable Údarás na Gaeltachta to continue its work in creating employment opportunities in Gaeltacht areas and developing the skill sets of Gaeltacht residents, thus enabling them to take maximum advantage of available employment opportunities
Capital funding of some €33m (including Údarás na Gaeltachta) is being provided for the Gaeltacht & Islands in 2010 to contribute to infrastructural development for offshore islands and the Gaeltacht. This allocation will enable works to continue on tackling infrastructural deficiencies within the Gaeltacht, including investment in marine works, road improvements and water schemes. Additionally, this funding will facilitate the completion of the Cill Rónáin harbour development, which is the largest capital project undertaken by the Department. The airstrip at Clifden will also be completed, thereby facilitating the future introduction of a fixed wing air service to Inishbofin. A further €5.7m in current expenditure is being provided to enable the continued support of lifeline access services for islands communities.
Promotion & Maintenance of the Irish Language (F1-F2) €6.591m (-30%)
This funding will facilitate continued support for language development programmes under Ciste na Gaeilge and the Advanced Irish Language Skills Initiative for 3rd level institutions to promote Irish as a living language outside the Gaeltacht and to develop the cadre of qualified people to meet requirements in relation to the use of Irish as an official working language at EU level. The provision will also facilitate the operations of An Coimisinéir Teanga. Capital funding of €0.6m is being made available to facilitate the expansion of Irish language social and cultural centres in the main urban areas.
North- South Co-operation (Subheads G1-G3) €52.99m (-4%)
Funding for the North-South institutions is being maintained at existing levels. These budgets will be subject to the approval of the North/South Ministerial Council in due course.
Almost €9m in capital funding is being made available under subheads G.1 An Foras Teanga, G.2 Waterways Ireland and G.3 Programme for PEACE & Reconciliation / INTERREG. The bulk of the expenditure (€8m) will facilitate the ongoing maintenance and restoration of Ireland’s inland waterways, thereby increasing recreational access along routes of waterways. This expenditure should assist in attracting increased numbers of overseas visitors and in stimulating business and regeneration in these areas.
Allocations by subhead for the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs are available on page 27 of the Book of Estimates.
Issued by the Press & Information Office at the Dept. of Community, Rural & Gaeltacht Affairs
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