rural economic development - county waterford
TRANSCRIPT
Rural Economic Development
A Guide to Rural
Funding Schemes in Waterford
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Rural Development Programme (LEADER) 2014 - 2020
Waterford Leader Partnership CLG have been given responsibility for delivering the new LEADER Rural Development Programme worth €7.5 million to County Waterford. The priority for the LEADER programme is to promote social inclusion and economic development in rural areas. As LEADER aims to build the capacity and skills of the local community and socio-economic interests in County Waterford to tackle local development objectives, it directly contributes to the promotion of local development in rural areas, which itself has three areas of focus:
1. Facilitating diversification, creation of new small enterprises and job creation; 2. Promoting local development in rural areas; 3. Enhancing access to, use and quality of ICT in rural areas.
In addition, the LEADER programme outlines a series of key themes and sub-themes that will form the basis of LEADER activities in County Waterford. These themes are drawn from both extensive consultation and
research conducted by the Commission for the Economic Development of Rural Areas (CEDRA) IN 2012 AND 2013. The priority themes and associated sub-themes for economic and community development proposed for the programme are as follows:
Summary of Current Funding Ceilings and Support Rates
Type of Project Applicant Maximum Rate of Aid Maximum Funding
Investment & other supports (including Private Up to a maximum of 50% €200,000 animation undertaken as part of the
implementation of a project)
Community Up to a maximum of 75% Community under basic services targeted at hard to reach communities sub- Up to a maximum of 90% theme
Analysis and Development Private Up to a €30,000 maximum of 75%
Community Up to a maximum of 90% Training Private or Community Up to a €200,000
maximum of 100%
If you would like to get in touch to discuss potential projects please contact:-
Ms Claire Connors (Project Officer) on 058 51505 / 087 2311062 Mr Jimmy Taaffe (CEO & Project Officer) on 058 54646
€200,000
€30,000
Community
2
Town and Village Renewal Scheme
The Town and Village Renewal Scheme was introduced in the second half of 2016 to support the revitalisation of rural towns and villages in order to improve their living and working environment and increase their potential to support increased economic activity. The scheme is specifically focused on rural towns and villages with populations under 10,000.
The type of projects to be funded under this initiative is primarily a matter for the Local Authorities (LAs) to identify in partnership with local business and communities and an expression of interest is carried out annually to help consider suitable projects. Each Local Authority can submit a maximum of 12 projects for consideration and in general, projects are selected that:
• increase the attractiveness of the town or village as a local commercial and social centre, and as a result increase its sustainability as a place in which to live and work;
• enhance the towns/village environment and amenities in the interests of residents, businesses, and visitors;
• promote the town/village’s potential for tourism and as a centre for culture and local heritage, thus enhancing the sense of identity – physically and socially.
Only projects that have achieved a high standard using scheme criteria will be approved for funding and the number of projects approved will be limited by the funding available.
For further information contact : [email protected]
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Rural Regeneration Development Fund (RRDF)
As part of Project Ireland 2040, the Government has committed to providing an additional €1 billion for a new Rural Regeneration and Development Fund over the period 2019 to 2027. The Fund will provide investment to support rural renewal for suitable projects in towns and villages with a population of less than 10,000, and outlying areas. It will be administered by the Department of Rural and Community Development. The new Fund provides an unprecedented opportunity to support the revitalization of rural Ireland, to make a significant and sustainable impact on rural communities, and to address de-population in small rural towns, villages and rural areas. It will be a key instrument to support the objectives of the National Planning Framework, and in particular to achieve Strengthened Rural Economies and Communities - one of the National Strategic Outcomes of the NPF. Initial funding of €315 million is being allocated to the Fund on a phased basis over the period 2019 to 2022. The objective of the new Fund is to support coordinated and integrated projects between Government Departments, State agencies, Local Authorities, other public bodies, communities and, where appropriate, philanthropic funders and/or the private sector, which will have an impact on sustainable economic and social development in rural areas. Funding will be awarded through a competitive bid process, based on delivering the objectives for rural Ireland in the National Planning Framework. The Fund will support ambitious and strategic projects which contribute to sustainable rural regeneration and development. It will support investments of scale which would not otherwise be delivered without the additionality provided by the Fund, and projects that are outside the scope of existing schemes. In this context, projects are likely to be multi-annual and multi-faceted, involving a number of elements or phases as part of a broad strategic plan. Key outcomes will be to support sustainable community and economic development in rural Ireland, including through regenerating smaller towns and villages and encouraging entrepreneurship and innovation to support job creation in rural areas.
The first call for proposals under the Fund was launched in 2018 and submissions are invited under two categories: Category 1: “Ready-to-Go” proposals, or initial phases of projects which can be commenced without delay which have the necessary consents (e.g. planning) in place, are at an advanced stage of design, are in a position to satisfy value-for-money requirements in accordance with the Public Spending Code, and are procurement-ready. Category 2: Proposals that have clear potential and quantifiable objectives but require further development to enable them to be potentially submitted as Category 1 proposals in subsequent funding calls. Successful applications under Category 2 above will be approved to allow detailed development of the proposal to be progressed. Issues that may need to be addressed as part of the development of the proposal could include land ownership/ title, planning and design work, value for money assessment, and procurement. Funding will be provided towards the cost of project development in these cases, including for technical or expert assistance.
For further information contact [email protected]
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CLÁR
The CLÁR programme (Ceantair Laga Árd-Riachtanais) is a targeted investment programme which provides funding for small scale infrastructural projects in rural areas that have suffered the greatest levels of population decline. The aim of CLÁR is to support the sustainable development of identified CLÁR areas by attracting people to live and work there. The funding works in conjunction with local/Agency and other Departmental funding and on the basis of locally identified priorities under the following three measures:
• Measure 1: Support for Schools/Community Safety Measure
• Measure 2: Outdoor Play Areas/support for the development of Multi Use Games Areas (MUGA)
• Measure 3: Community Well-Being Support
All Local Authorities with designated CLÁR areas were invited to make submissions under the measures.
For further information contact [email protected]
CLAR Areas – Waterford County
5
Local Agenda 21 Environmental Partnership Fund
Environmental Awareness
Do you have a project or initiative that could help to increase awareness of environmental issues locally, or that could help your community to become more sustainable?
If so, you may qualify for financial assistance from the Local Agenda 21 (LA21) Environmental Partnership Fund. This Fund promotes sustainable development by assisting small scale, non-profit environmental projects at local level.
Does Your Project Qualify? Projects should focus on environmental awareness and actions which complement national environmental policies such as those on waste, biodiversity, water conservation and climate change. A wide variety of projects and schemes have been supported under the Fund in previous years, including community gardens and allotments, compost schemes, rainwater harvesting, biodiversity projects, waste reduction initiatives, educational initiatives and environmental exhibitions.
Lists of previously funded projects can be viewed online at www.environ.ie/en/Environment/LocalAgenda21
How to Apply to Waterford City and County Council
Applications can be made to Environmental Services, Menapia Building, The Mall, Waterford. Further information, application forms (in both Irish and English), etc are available online at www.waterfordcouncil.ie
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Waterford Energy Bureau / Waterford City and County Council engage with community groups and businesses annually to explore energy efficiency and renewable energy technologies installations under the Sustainable Energy Authority Ireland initiative called the “Better Energy Communities Scheme ”.
Funding is available for cross sector projects for increasing the energy performance of buildings, community facilities and transport systems.
Level of Funding Available includes:
Private Sector Buildings (up to 30% grant funding) Commercial organisations (up to 30% grant funding) Voluntary / Community-based organisations (50% grant funding)
Public sector non-residential works. (30%-50% depending on project)
Renewable energy technology that can be funded include biomass boilers, solar water heating, solar PV, heat pumps and combined heat and power plants.
Eligible energy efficiency upgrades that are eligible under the scheme include heating upgrades, pumps, insulation, windows, doors, LED lighting, transport equipment etc.
Expressions of interest can be submitted to [email protected]
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Fisheries Local Action Group
South East Fisheries Local Action Groups (FLAG), provides grant aid under the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund Operational Programme 2014 -2020, co-funded by the European Union and Irish Government. Project proposals must be consistent with the South East FLAG Local Development Strategy and address one or more of the following themes:
• Adding value to fishery and aquaculture products
• Creating/maintaining jobs in coastal areas
• Promoting innovation in fisheries and aquaculture
• Supporting diversification within coastal communities
• Lifelong learning, attracting young people into fisheries, aquaculture, and marine related careers and activities
• Promoting social well-being and cultural heritage in fisheries and aquaculture areas
• Promoting best environmental practices
• Strengthening the role and governance of fisheries communities in local development.
Specific priorities have been developed from these themes for each FLAG area. The South East FLAG strategy priorities are outlined below. It is also highly recommended that projects are discussed in advance with the local BIM FLAG Coordinator. It is anticipated that project evaluations will be carried out by the FLAGs on a quarterly basis, however budgetary constraints may mean that available funds are limited for evaluations held later in the year.
For further information- contact South East BIM Flag Co-ordinator: John Hickey 053 9129632 087 6295047 [email protected]
8
Sports Capital Programme
The Sports Capital Programme aims to foster an integrated and planned approach to developing
sports and physical recreation facilities throughout the country. In particular, its objectives are to:
• assist voluntary and community organisations, national governing bodies (NGBs) of sport,
local authorities and in some cases VECs and schools to develop high quality, safe, well-
designed, sustainable facilities in appropriate locations and to provide appropriate
equipment to help maximise participation in sport and physical recreation
• prioritise the needs of disadvantaged areas in the provision of sports facilities
• encourage the multi-purpose use of local, regional and national sports facilities by clubs,
community organisations and national governing bodies of sport
Online System for Sports Capital Programme
The online OSCAR website (Online Sports Capital Register – www.sportscapitalprogramme.ie ) is the only
way to apply for grants under the Sports Capital Programme. OSCAR also allows groups to view previous
grants and payments, change contact details, seek payment of a grant and otherwise communicate with the
Department online.
Any organisation that wishes to make any future applications must first register online
at www.sportscapitalprogramme.ie Register early to ensure that you can apply under future rounds of the
SCP. The Department has written a GUIDE TO THE REGISTRATION PROCESS. Please read this prior to
registration.
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Waterford
Waterford Local Enterprise Office (LEO) provides a range of financial supports designed to assist with the
establishment and/or growth of businesses employing up to ten people.
Waterford LEO can assist in the establishment, and/or development, of new and existing enterprises from
individuals/sole traders, companies and community groups subject to the following eligibility criteria:
• The enterprise must be in the commercial sphere
• The enterprise must demonstrate a market for the product/service
• The enterprise must have a capacity for growth and new job creation
• The enterprise must not employ more than 10 people
Feasibility grants are available to assist with researching market demand for a product or service and
examining its sustainability. Priming Grants are also available as a business start-up grant, available to micro
enterprises within the first 18 months of start-up. The Business Expansion grant scheme is designed to assist
the business in its growth phase after the initial 18 month start-up period.
For further information contact the Waterford Local Enterprise Offices :
Local Enterprise Office Waterford City Phone: 0761 10 2905 Email:[email protected] Address: 35 The Mall, Waterford X91DN23
Local Enterprise Office Dungarvan Phone: 0761 10 2905 Email:[email protected] Address:
Civic Offices, Dungarvan, Co. Waterford X35Y326
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Built Heritage Investment Scheme
The Built Heritage Investment Scheme (BHIS) was developed to assist with the repair and conservation of structures that are protected under the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended). In certain cases, the scheme was also available for the conservation of structures within Architectural Conservation Areas (ACAs) where, in the opinion of the local authority (LA), a need for works to enhance the character and appearance of an ACA has arisen and has been demonstrated.
The significant difference between BHIS and previous built heritage programmes is that the focus and priority of this scheme is on job creation. As a result, local authorities are required to report to DAHRRGA on the number of jobs created under this scheme.
This scheme continues seeks to leverage private capital for investment in a significant number of labour-intensive, small-scale conservation projects throughout the country and to support the employment of skilled and experienced conservation professionals, craftspeople and tradespersons in the repair of the historic built environment.
The scheme will be administered by the local authorities, with each LA allocated a fixed amount from the fund of €2m as determined by DAHRRGA.
Projects that incorporate a traditional skills training scheme may also be supported by this fund. Any such projects would be identified in discussion with the relevant local authority and would require agreement with the DAHRRGA.
Under BHIS, the total value of all public funding provided for individual projects must not exceed 50% of the total project cost, including funding received from other public agencies together with, but not limited to, the SEAI, the Heritage Council, LEADER companies, other government departments and local authorities.
As this is a leverage scheme, the State’s contribution to each project must be matched by a minimum contribution of 50% of the total project cost from the private sector. It should be noted that voluntary work (benefit-in-kind) or local authorities’ own funds/contributions or funding from other exchequer sources cannot be used to satisfy the matching expenditure requirement.
However, if exceptional circumstances are deemed to apply, the LA may allocate funding to a project where the total public funding is 70% of the total project cost. DAHRRGA does not anticipate that such exceptional circumstances would arise for more than 20% of a LA’s total allocation.
11 Waterford City & County Council
NEW Non Competing Retail & Commercial Services Grant Scheme
Objectives of the Scheme:
• To strengthen Waterford’s towns and villages core by promoting the re-development of underused and vacant village centre sites.
• To encourage the provision of NEW non-competing retail and commercial services in town and village centres.
• Protect the viability of existing commercial development in town and village centres.
Guidelines & Criteria for Waterford City & County Council ‘Non Competing Retail & Commercial Services Grant Scheme’ for NEW businesses.
• General description of the ‘Non Competing Retail & Commercial Services Grant Scheme’ for NEW businesses. It is proposed to offer an incentive in the form of a grant to encourage NEW and non-competing retail and commercial services to establish in Waterford’s town and village centres.
• Specification of eligibility of Non Competing Retail & Commercial Services Grant Scheme’. The scheme is applicable to Level 3 and Level 4 Towns and villages as outlined in the Economic
Strategy for Waterford City & County (2013) and as summarised in the Table below. The relevant area in each town and village is the area zoned as ‘Town Centre’ or ‘Village Centre’ in the Waterford City Development Plan 2011-2017. For maps of each area covered under this scheme, please go to www.waterfordcouncil.ie/en/Resident/Planning/Forward,Planning/.
Locations eligible under the Non Competing Retail & Commercial Services Grant Scheme 1. Level 1 Waterford City Centre Commercial Area
2. Level 2 Dungarvan & Tramore 3. Level 3 Ardmore, Ballymacarbry, Cappoquin, Dunhill, Dunmore East, Kilmacthomas, Kilmeaden,
Lismore, Passage East, Portlaw, Stradbally, Tallow, Sean Phobal/ An Rinn
4. Level 4 Aglish, Annestown, Baile Na nGall, Ballinroad, Ballyaneen, Ballyduff Lower (East), Ballyduff Upper (West), Bawnfune, Bunmahon/ Knockmahon, Cheekpoint, Clashmore, Clonmel Environs, Clonea Power, Crooke, Fenor, Heilbhic, Kill, Knockanore, Lemybrien, Maoil na Choirne, Piltown, Rathgormuck, Tournaeena, Villierstown
NEW non-competing retail and commercial services may apply. This scheme is for NEW businesses and as such, businesses currently operating in Waterford City or County cannot avail of this scheme. Businesses which relocate from another location in Waterford cannot avail of this scheme. Retail entities currently trading in Waterford or who have traded in Waterford during the last two years are not eligible. Existing home based businesses moving into a commercial premises may apply under this scheme, subject to compliance with the other terms of this scheme.
The applicant must demonstrate that the new business will not be in direct competition with or cause displacement to an existing business i.e. that there is not a similar business operating within the town centre as defined in the Waterford County Development Plan 2011-2017.
Further details may be obtained from: Economic Development Department, Waterford City & County Council, 35 The Mall, Waterford
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Waterford City & County Council
Art/ Craft Studio or Art/ Craft/ Artisan Food Shop Grant Scheme
Objectives of the Scheme:
• To encourage Art/ Craft Studios or Art/ Craft/ Artisan Food Shops to occupy commercial premises/ retail units that have been vacant for a period of three or more months.
• To enhance the vitality and vibrancy of Waterford City centre and to strengthen Waterford’s towns and villages core by promoting the re-development of underused town/village centre sites.
Guidelines & Criteria of the ‘Art/Craft Studio or Art/ Craft/ Artisan Food Shop Scheme’. It is proposed to offer an incentive in the form of a grant to encourage Art/ Craft Studios or Art/ Craft/ Artisan Food Shops in Waterford City Centre Commercial Area and Waterford’s towns and village centres. See below for a full list of eligible towns and villages. The relevant area in each town and village is the area zoned as ‘Town Centre’ or ‘Village Centre’ in the Waterford County Development Plan 2011-2017. For maps of each of these areas covered under this scheme, please go to www.waterfordcouncil.ie/en/Resident/Planning/Forward,Planning/.
Locations eligible under the Arts /Crafts Studio or Art/ Craft/ Artisan Food Shop Scheme 1. Level 1 Waterford City Centre Commercial Area 2. Level 2 Dungarvan & Tramore 3. Level 3 Ardmore, Ballymacarbry, Cappoquin, Dunhill, Dunmore East, Kilmacthomas, Kilmeaden,
Lismore, Passage East, Portlaw, Stradbally, Tallow, Sean Phobal/ An Rinn 4. Level 4 Aglish, Annestown, Baile Na nGall, Ballinroad, Ballyaneen, Ballyduff Lower (East), Ballyduff
Upper (West), Bawnfune, Bunmahon/ Knockmahon, Cheekpoint, Clashmore, Clonmel Environs, Clonea Power, Crooke, Fenor, Heilbhic, Kill, Knockanore, Lemybrien, Maoil na Choirne, Piltown, Rathgormuck, Tournaeena, Villierstown
Specification of eligibility of Art/ Craft Studios or Art/ Craft/ Artisan Food Shops.
• The Art Craft Studios or Art/ Craft/ Artisan Food Shops Scheme will be available in the City Centre Commercial Area and Waterford’s Towns and Villages for Qualifying Occupiers who self produce arts, craft or artisan foods or where arts, craft or artisan food are produced on location.
• Applications under the Artisan Food Shops category are restricted to retail outlets and where the sale of self produce is the primary activity of the retail space. Premises such as restaurants, cafes, pubs etc., are not eligible under this scheme.
• The floor space of the studio or shop should be less than 40m² - where the occupied premises has a larger floorplate, consideration will be given to inclusion of a portion of the premises under this scheme. This will be at the discretion of the Economic Development Department.
• The premises must have been vacant for three or more months. A prerequisite condition of qualifying for the Scheme is that there is no local authority charges owing on the building for which the relief is sought over the period of the grant aid (up to three years).
Grant Relief to be provided. • 100% of Commercial Rates payable in Years 1 to 3 of trading (i.e. 12 month period of trading).
• This Grant will be discharged by way of an offset against Commercial Rates due.
Notes: Structural changes to a property may result in a revaluation of the property by Revenue or a localised apportionment of rates. Only the area or floor of a building in which the art/ craft studio or shop is operating will be assessed in calculating the value of the Grant.
Further details may be obtained from: Economic Development Department, Waterford City & County Council, 35 The Mall, Waterford
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