Written Answers. - Community and Development Agencies.
Michael P. Kitt
Question:
55
Mr. M. Kitt
asked the
Minister for Agriculture and Food
if local community and development agencies are to be involved in the implementation of the Government's operational programme for rural development; and if he will outline the principal measures in this programme.
The actual implementation of the operational programme will be undertaken by my Department and other Departments and State agencies concerned. A significant element of the programme, however, relates to the encouragement of local initiative and it is my intention that local community groups will play a large role in this part of the programme.
The following are the principal measures:—
Diversification:—
The programme introduces schemes of grant aid to explore the potential for development of alternative enterprises including animal production, horticulture, agri-tourism, forestry and services in rural areas.
The animal production schemes — sport horses, deer, goats, rabbits and greyhounds — provide for aid towards the cost of housing and related facilities. In addition, there will be breeding incentives for sport horses and Connemara ponies.
Under the horticulture scheme, aid will be provided on investment aimed at assisting viable production — conventional and organic — and marketing projects where there is a need to encourage development.
The agri-tourism scheme provides aid for accommodation and leisure facilities. The emphasis will be on group applicants.
The forestry schemes will complement the measures in other operational programmes and will have a particular potential for rural development, e.g. planned recreational forestry and forest nurseries.
In general, aid at the rate of 50 per cent in less-favoured areas and 40 per cent elsewhere will apply and there will be ceilings on investments.
As regards services in rural areas, a once-off grant of £5,000 for each new full-time job provided will be payable. The aim of this measure is to further encourage the provision of farm relief services, machinery pools and other similar types of joint communal action.
Details of the horticultural schemes were announced recently. Details of the other schemes will be announced shortly. Funding is also provided to promote these activities.
Small and Community Enterprises:
This measure is designed to provide aid for worthwhile ideas and projects which would not otherwise qualify for grant assistance.
Rural Infrastructures:
These measures provide for the development of fishery harbours and rural roads.
Research and Development and Marketing in the Food Industry:
These activities will be undertaken by Teagasc and CBF.
Human Resources:
The training activities of Teagasc and BIM are covered in this measure.
I should mention that the EC Commission's own initiative on rural development — LEADER which I expect to be formally adopted later this month will very actively involve local rural community groups.
