Vol. 567 No. 5
422 Mr. Crawford asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs his views on individual houses in rural areas, especially those of marked depopulation; the steps as Minister for rural development he will take to make sure that recognition is given to the different needs of rural areas outside the city commuting areas and especially those that he has already designated under CLÁR; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14524/03]
My views on the dispersed rural populations are well known to Members of this House. I have spoken many times of the need for a settlement pattern that would allow for the regeneration of rural areas, particularly those which have suffered continuous decline.
Government policy on rural development is set out in the White Paper published in August 1999. As a result the Government is committed to ensuring the economic and social well-being of rural communities and, providing the conditions for a meaningful fulfilling life for all people living in rural areas. The aim is to have vibrant and sustainable communities able to enjoy a standard of living and quality of life which will make them attractive communities in which to live and work and where individuals and families will have a real choice as to where to stay in, leave or move to rural Ireland, whether in farming or otherwise.
Rural communities should also be able to enjoy access to education, training and lifelong learning and an adequate level of social and other services and infrastructures. Their cultural identities, in particular the language, traditions, heritage and sense of community, must be valued and retained.
In my statement welcoming the publication of the national spatial strategy, NSS, last November, I said the strategy sets down clear markers for the way ahead in rural development. It addresses many of my concerns on issues such as rural housing, services and cultural identity. My Department is represented on the interdepartmental committee established to implement the NSS where many of these issues will be pursued. As further evidence of the Government's commitment, I launched the CLÁR programme for disadvantaged rural areas in October 2001 during my time as Minister of State with responsibility for rural development. In January of this year, I announced the extension of CLÁR areas arising from the review based on the 2002 population census as promised in the Agreed Programme for Government.
Question No. 423 answered with Question No. 102.
