Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 16 December 2009
248 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs his plans to address the issue of depopulation by way of funded projects in those areas affected; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47712/09]
View answerMy Department operates a wide range of schemes designed to tackle issues such as depopulation, deprivation and social isolation. Details of all these schemes can be found on my Department's website www.pobail.ie. The issue of depopulation within our rural areas is being addressed through a range of rural development programmes and initiatives.
Specifically, the CLÁR Programme targets investment in rural areas that have historically suffered population loss and has provided substantial funding towards projects to enable rural infrastructure deficits to be tackled. In the years 2002–2008, over €116.8m was spent under the Programme with related public and private expenditure in the region of €93m. The Renewed Programme for Government has identified the need to continue to invest in disadvantaged rural communities through CLÁR, and it will do this by focussing on priority local needs in targeted CLÁR areas.
In addition, the Deputy will be aware that Ireland's Rural Development Programme 2007-13 represents a substantial investment in our rural areas. This Programme is providing funding of €425m, which is 55% co-funded by the EU, towards improving the quality of life in rural areas and diversifying the rural economy. This investment is being rolled out through the network of local development companies who are implementing the various measures under the Programme.
249 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs his plans to support community-based organisations in County Kildare in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47713/09]
View answerAs the Deputy is aware, the remit of my Department includes community development in all communities, irrespective of location or socio-economic development. While the overall cut of 14% across the Developing Communities subheads of my Department's Vote will have an impact, my Department will be endeavouring to protect front-line services as far as possible. Every saving that can be made from cutting down on overheads will be pursued so that the comprehensive services that have been developed in partnership with communities over the years can be retained.
The 2010 allocation will facilitate continued support for communities through local and community development programmes, supports for volunteering, supports for locally-based community and voluntary groups, the Community Services Programme, Community Supports for Older People and other measures. Every effort will be made to direct resources in a targeted and effective manner so as to ensure maximum impact in all priority areas.
