Inside Look - Minister Anne Rabbitte - May 2024
Welcome NoteA chara Once again May was a busy month both at Leinster House and in my constituency. So much happens each month both in my role as Minister in the Department of Children, Equality, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth and on the ground at constituency level. As the government prepares for recess, I am looking forward to working in my constituency for the summer on local projects, large and small in my quest to ensure 'Galway's Fair Share'. We have an exciting summer ahead in the world of sport with the upcoming Olympics and Paralympics 2024 taking place in our near neighbour Paris. This is a momentous occasion for Ireland, with the largest ever team of athletes heading to France. Ireland is more than well represented across most disciplines with a wonderful group of inspirational athletes and I know we will enjoy both events. This is a fantastic opportunity to show your support for these dedicated athletes. Whether you tune in to RTÉ's extensive live coverage, share messages of encouragement online, or cheer them on from the stands if you're lucky enough to be in Paris, your support can make a real difference. Let's get behind Team Ireland and roar them on to Olympic glory. I will be sure to keep you updated both on my website and in my summer newsletters. If you are a new subscriber to my monthly emails, welcome and thank you for making our day by signing up to receive our emails. Anne Minister Rabbitte welcomes development plans for Ability West in PortumnaI’m delighted to see the continued development of Ability West’s services in Portumna. The purchase of a new mini-bus will be fantastic for service users and enable greater access to the town and surrounding areas. Transport is such a key enabler of people being able to live their lives the way they want and can often be taken for granted. It may seem like a small thing but this new wheelchair accessible mini-bus will be transformative for St. Dympna’s. It is also brilliant to see plans being developed to build a new residential unit in the town, which will be the home for several service users. This is very exciting. I understand engagement with Galway County Council is ongoing and I will do all I can to ensure this is delivered on time and that the Department of Housing approve the plans once submitted. Minister Rabbitte welcomes €13.7 million for three Galway regeneration projectsIt’s simply brilliant to see Galway receive over €13.7 million for three projects across Athenry, Glenamaddy and Tuam. This investment provides strategic capital funding for significant projects in these three communities. These three projects will be transformative for Athenry, Tuam and Glenamaddy and will no doubt make a real and lasting difference in these communities, which is what this Rural Regeneration and Development Fund is all about. In essence, each area is getting some form of community hub, which will be support everything from enterprise and remote working to a community and cultural space for groups needing to meet or run events. For Athenry, there’s also the added layer of funding to help rejuvenate the town centre to make it more vibrant, which I know both residents and businesses will greatly welcome. The aim of this funding is to revitalise towns and villages in line with the Town Centre First Policy, addressing vacancy and dereliction, stimulating rural economies and responding to community needs. The funding announced by Government today is the largest allocation of funding since the RRDF was established. The RRDF alone has now invested over €577 million in funding for projects in rural Ireland with a particular emphasis on the revitalisation of rural town centres, which is a key objective of the ‘Our Rural Future’ and ‘Town Centre First’ policies. The funding, which is being provided to Galway County Council, sees €6,075,518 allocated to Athenry for the redevelopment a long term vacant town centre building into a community and enterprise hub, alongside the regeneration of the public realm of Athenry’s historic town core in order to create a more vibrant and prosperous town centre. In Tuam, €3,679,200 has been earmarked to renovate and repurpose the historic Tuam Town Hall as a multi-purpose remote working, innovation, cultural and community space. Glenamaddy will also receive €4,003,125 to create a multi-use facility that will provide much needed facilities for the local community. Ireland names its full athletics squad for Paris Paralympics 2024THE full Para athletics team that will represent Ireland at the Paralympic Games this summer has been announced. A five person Para athletics team will fly to Paris for the Games which take place from August 28 to September 8. The addition of these five athletes brings the team size to 12 named so far with the remaining members of the team to be announced over the next two weeks. The excitement is really building around Team Ireland and we are very proud of the effort and commitment of these athletes in securing their place on the plane and I look forward to supporting and celebrating them in Paris later this summer. Paris 2024 will be the pinnacle for some athletes, for others the beginning and great experience for their LA 2028 and Brisbane 2032 campaigns. I would like extend my heartfelt congratulations to the athletes, their dedicated coaches, and supportive families on this significant milestone. The journey to qualify for the Games demands immense dedication and perseverance, making this achievement a testament to their years of hard work and unwavering commitment. Government announce €145,220.00 for 99 projects in County Galway under Local Enhancement Programme
The Local Enhancement Programme 2024 was launched in December 2023 with funding of €6 million available, which included €1 million in funding ring-fenced specifically to support Women’s Groups. The funding will provide capital supports essential for the many small community groups and organisations, particularly those who serve disadvantaged areas in rural and urban areas. The Department of Rural and Community Development’s Local Enhancement Programme 2024 is administered by Local Community Development Committees, with support from the Local Authority, in each area.
Rabbitte welcomes €129.2m across 48 school projects in GalwayThis significant investment in schools across Galway demonstrates Fianna Fáil’s commitment in Government to meet the evolving needs of our communities and addresses the pressing demand for new and modernised facilities, ensuring that our schools are well-equipped to accommodate the growing student populations effectively. These projects also underscore the emphasis this Government has placed on inclusivity and support for children with special education needs with increased provision for special education to ensure every child has the opportunity to thrive. The government has also announced a further investment of €800 million in school building projects around the country, as part of the next phase of the Department’s school building programme. This level of construction rollout recognises the priority that Fianna Fáil in Government puts on investment in education.
Minister Rabbitte seeks feasibility study of HSE Toghermore campus in TuamI have instructed the HSE to undertake a feasibility study for the Toghermore campus in Tuam, which would help deliver an inclusive campus with disability services at the core. The Toghermore site, which is owned by the HSE, had housed mental health services for the area before they were rehoused in the Grove campus in 2023. I have been engaging with the HSE to develop a future for the site, which would include the delivery of disability services as well as wider community services, including GAA pitches, walkway trails, an equestrian area, playgrounds, sensory and therapy gardens, a café, as well as poly tunnels and raised bed horticulture areas. The HSE has agreed to commence the initiation of a feasibility study for the Toghermore campus looking at these options.
Government-backed €500 million scheme will support homeowners to invest in energy efficiencyThe €500 million Scheme is the first of its kind for both Ireland and the European Investment Bank (EIB) Group and will play a crucial role in helping homeowners to invest in energy efficiency, making their homes warmer, healthier and cheaper to run.
Office of Public Works & Other Voices Announces Livestreaming of Music Series “Anam” from prestigious Portumna CastleThe second of four livestreaming events of the music series “Anam” from OPW Heritage sites has taken place. This event was livestreamed from the historic Portumna Castle and features talented artists such as Moncrieff, Oisín Leech & EFÉ. Across four episodes, ‘Anam – Songs for Hearts & Minds’ takes viewers on an inspiring musical journey, blending the magic of live performances with the beauty of Ireland’s remarkable and significant historic landmarks.
Minister Rabbitte secures Government funding of €6.89 million to accelerate an Assessment of Need (AON) waiting list initiativeI wholeheartedly welcome Government decision to finance an Assessment of Need (AON) waiting list initiative, commencing in the coming days, through the procurement of private assessments for long waiting families. The funding of €6.89 million will allow the HSE to procure up to 2,500 additional AONs, with delivery targeted over the next 6 months. The funding is in addition to existing HSE core funding of €5m, allocated for procurement of private assessments, which is targeting the completion of 1,800 AONs in 2024. The waiting list initiative will target those families waiting longest for AONs, with the HSE reimbursing clinicians directly through the procurement of capacity from approved private providers.
Age & Opportunity announces grants of over €300,000 to promote physical activity among older peopleAge & Opportunity is marking the distribution of its Active National Grant that provides significant funding for sport and physical activity amongst older people. The Grant Scheme is a combined initiative from Age & Opportunity and Sport Ireland with funding provided by the Government of Ireland. This year it is providing over €300,000 to support sport and physical activities run by 1,167 groups and organisations. These range from Active Retirement Groups, ICAs, Men’s/Women’s Sheds, Physical Activity Leaders (PALs), care settings and other sports and social groups. I see the impact of this grant in my constituency and welcome the announcement of this years funding opportunity.
Age and opportunity share a complex relationship, often intersecting at pivotal moments your life journey.
It is just great to see the grant being used for the less typical activities with a wide range of menu of activities open to our beloved older adults.
While youth is often associated with boundless potential and opportunities for exploration and growth, age brings with it wisdom, experience, and a deeper understanding of strengths and aspirations.
Regardless of age, seizing opportunities requires courage, resilience, and a willingness to adapt to change.
Embracing the journey with an open mind and a readiness to learn ensures that age becomes not a limitation but a source of empowerment, shaping the trajectory of your life and contributing to personal fulfillment and success.
Government agrees measures to support SMEsThe government has agreed a range of measures with the aim of reducing costs for small and medium sized businesses. Key measures include:
Quote of the MonthAt that moment, something shifted sweetly inside him. It was forgiveness, beautiful and effortless and complete. For Louie Zamperini, the war was over. - Laura Hillenbrand. Countdown to Paralympics Paris 2024 |