Rural Economic Development

Rural Economic Development Funding Schemes Guidance Document

1 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 new LEADER programme is to promote social inclusion, poverty reduction 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 animation undertaken as part of the implementation of a project) Private Up to a maximum of 50% 200,000 Community Up to a maximum of 75% Community under basic services targeted at hard to reach communities subtheme Up to a maximum of 90% Analysis and Development Private Up to a maximum of 75% 30,000 Community Up to a maximum of 90% Training Private or Community Up to a maximum of 100% 200,000 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

2 Town and Village Renewal Scheme Ireland s towns and villages are the focus of the social, commercial and civic life of their wider communities. The significant deterioration of many small towns and villages throughout the country is clearly visible in the form of empty shops, abandoned buildings, vacant lands and a generally poor environment to live in or visit. Targeted action is needed to arrest this decline and harness the regeneration potential of our towns and villages to support economic recovery. This new scheme to support town and village regeneration is part of a concerted effort by Government to support rural development. The central aim of the scheme is to support the revitalisation of towns and villages in order to improve the living and working environment of their communities and increase their potential to support increased economic activity into the future. 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. However, the overall intention of the funding is to: 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. An allocation of 380,000 was made to each county in 2016. 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 : townvillagerenewal@waterfordcouncil.ie

3 Rural Economic Development Zones (REDZ) One of the most innovative ideas that emerged from the CEDRA process was the idea of Rural Economic Development Zones (REDZ). Defined as sub county zones within which most people live and work, REDZ are functional rather than administrative geographic areas that reflect the spatial patterns of local economic activities and development processes. They are, in effect, sub-county zones within which most people live and work. The central objective of the REDZ model is to utilise the synergies and interdependencies between rural towns and their hinterlands to generate to generate economic activity in the local area. The involvement of local communities, including the business community, is a key element in the REDZ model. REDZ funding scheme criteria Allocations Each Local Authority is invited to be associated with one Flagship REDZ project in their region. Each Local Authority is also invited to apply for 1 Medium-sized project at regional level and/or 1 or 2 Small REDZ projects at county level. While the REDZs are not defined by county administrative boundaries, every county in the country will receive approval for at least one REDZ project. (Region:Southern Assembly Area: Carlow, Tipperary, Waterford City &County, Wexford, Kilkenny, Cork City & County, Kerry, Clare, Limerick City & County) Flagship project maximum grant of 400,000. Medium scale projects 3 in each region to a max grant of 200,000 per project No county will be approved for more than one Medium REDZ project. 1 or 2 small REDZ projects 1 or 2 in each remaining county to a maximum grant of 100,000 to each County. Funding to cover 80% of total cost of each project, balance from local sources with a minimum 5% cash contribution. Priority to projects that would not happen without funding, not a substitute for mainstream government funding. Priority Activities: Projects that can: enhance employment or be shown to enhance employment potential. display realistic and achievable targets and proposed outputs and outcomes. show a coordinated effort from the community in line with the aims of Putting People First. identify potential synergies between different economic opportunities and meet the social and economic needs of the community. Applications should: Identify/specify the needs and opportunities within a REDZ and provide evidence to support their plan. Outline additional funding to be allocated to the project from other public and/or private sources. Outline the processes in place to ensure participation at a local level. For further information contact redz@waterfordcouncil.ie

4 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 funding and on the basis of locally identified priorities under the following three measures: Measure 1: Safety package for Schools/Community Facilities Measure 2: Outdoor Play Facilities Enhancement Scheme/support for the development of Multi Use Games Areas (MUGA) Measure 3: Local Access Roads All Local Authorities with designated CLÁR areas were invited to make submissions under the measures. For further information contact clar@waterfordcouncil.ie 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

6 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 lfleming@waterfordcouncil.ie

7 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 hickey@bim.ie

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, welldesigned, 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.

9 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:info@leo.waterfordcouncil.ie Address: 35 The Mall, Waterford X91DN23 Local Enterprise Office Dungarvan Phone: 0761 10 2905 Email:info@leo.waterfordcouncil.ie Address: Civic Offices, Dungarvan, Co. Waterford X35Y326

10 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 labourintensive, 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 noncompeting 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

12 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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