Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 16 December 2009
36 Deputy Tom Sheahan asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the job creation initiatives which will be introduced to tackle unemployment in rural and Gaeltacht areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47099/09]
View answerThe Rural Development Programme (RDP) 2007-2013 is being delivered by 36 integrated Local Development Companies across the country, on my Department's behalf. Under the Programme, the main measure providing direct support for investment and job creation is the ‘Support for Business Creation and Development' measure. Funding for the LEADER elements of the RDP will amount to €425m and in the region of 12,000 new jobs are expected to be created during the lifetime of the Programme. Job creation targets under the Programme are as follows:
Diversification into non-agricultural activities — 1,500 full-time equivalents — the main focus of this measure is to create alternative on-farm employment opportunities in non-agricultural activities and services.
Support for business creation and development — 7,200 off-farm, 800 on-farm — the continuing change in farming patterns, allied to a need to provide alternative employment and enterprise options to rural dwellers, gives rise to the need to focus on the economic development of rural resources.
Encouragement of tourism activities — 350 off-farm, 150 on-farm — in most rural areas, tourism is an integral component of wider rural enterprise and it is intended that both should be developed in an integrated manner, whenever possible.
Village renewal and development — 1,000 full-time equivalents — villages and small towns are the focal point for a significant section of the rural community and, as such, are a priority for infrastructural development. The focus for improvement will extend to the enhancement of villages, small towns and the surrounding countryside.
Conservation and Upgrading of the Rural Heritage — 750 full-time equivalents — under this measure, conservation actions should be extended to include not just conservation and protection actions for the natural, cultural, social and vernacular heritage but also encompass pro-active initiatives in relation to the utilisation of local resources to provide sustainable and renewable energy options for local communities.
In addition to the funding outlined above, funding of some €62.5m is being provided in my Department's Vote for the Gaeltacht in 2010. This includes an allocation of €30.5m for Údarás na Gaeltachta to enable it to continue its work in creating employment and training opportunities in Gaeltacht areas, as well as proving pre-school childcare, youth and language development services. An tÚdarás will also continue to administer the Employment Subsidy Scheme and the Enterprise Stabilisation Fund in Gaeltacht areas in 2010.
