Donal Carey
Question:51 Mr. D. Carey asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the Government's policy, if any, on rural renewal. [20024/97]
Written Answers. - Rural Renewal.
My Department implements a wide range of programmes including direct payments for farmers, aids for on-farm investment, structural improvement and environmental protection as well as the Leader programme and the pilot programme on the provision of integrated public services in rural areas, which are designed to support rural communities.
The Leader programme which operates throughout the country provides an opportunity for local groups and communities to involve themselves directly in the development of their own areas. My Department requires each of the approved groups to operate a local programme of animation and capacity building to facilitate and support community activity.
The pilot programme for the provision of integrated public services was established with the objective of testing community based models of public service delivery in rural areas of low and dispersed populations. The involvement of local communities in the delivery of public services has an important part to play in the revitalisation and renewal of rural communities and the experience gained from the pilot programme will make a valuable and practical contribution to policy formation in the future.
Rural Development forms an important element of the European Commission's Agenda 2000 proposals and I will be seeking to ensure that a coherent and integrated rural development policy forms part of the reform of the CAP and the next round of Structural Funds. I will also be submitting proposals to Government shortly on the scope of a White Paper for Rural Development which will address the issue of rural renewal.