Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 17 Feb 1998

Vol. 487 No. 3

Written Answers. - Rural Development.

Ulick Burke

Question:

283 Mr. U. Burke asked the Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation the funding, if any, that will be provided for rural development in 1998; the reason this important source of funding for rural development no longer exists since this responsibility was changed from the Department of the Taoiseach to his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4149/98]

Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation (Dr. McDaid)

Overall responsibility for rural development rests with the Minister for Agriculture and Food, including the funding for the pilot programme for public service provision in rural areas which transferred to that Department in July 1997. The Deputy should contact the Minister for details of 1998 allocations.

However, I understand that the Deputy is referring to an unsuccessful application for funding made under a local development grant scheme, previously operated by the Department of the Taoiseach. The scheme preceded the establishment of overall area plans, now funded and approved by Area Development Management Ltd (ADM Ltd). It was introduced during the consultation process to establish Area Partnerships and prepare area plans under the EU co-funded Operational Programme for Local Urban and Rural Development, specifically to kickstart projects identified as ready to proceed to completion by 31 December 1997. Area plans for all of the 38 partnerships and 33 community groups have now been finalised, approved and allocations have been made for the period 1997-9 of the order of £82 million.