Micheál Martin
Question:85. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the date of the last meeting of Comhairle na Tuaithe; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33741/13]
View answerTuesday, 16 July 2013
Questions (85, 89)
Seán Fleming
Question:89. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the latest date on which he attended a meeting of Comhairle na Tuaithe or the national co-ordinating committee of RAPID; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33742/13]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions No. 85 and 89 together.
Comhairle na Tuaithe (The Countryside Council) continuously supports and oversees the implementation of the National Countryside Recreation Strategy and its associated schemes, programmes and activities, including the Walks Scheme. The last meeting of Comhairle na Tuaithe was held in Dublin on 13 June 2013. On average Comhairle na Tuaithe meets 4 to 5 times a year. All of these meetings have been chaired by my Department, and I have not to date attended a meeting. I am satisfied with the level of progress being achieved by Comhairle and the number of initiatives, such as the Pilot Mountain Access Scheme and the proposed National Indemnity Scheme, being progressed on its behalf.
With regard to RAPID, the National Monitoring Committee for the RAPID programme met on 6 October 2010. My Department last met with RAPID Chairs and Co-ordinators at a conference in February 2012 as part of an extensive consultation process in the context of the development of local government reform proposals. As part of my continuing engagement with both the local development and local government sectors, I have met with many of the Chairs and Coordinators at different times and in various fora. No meeting of the National Monitoring Committee is scheduled at present. I am keen that a focus is continued on the RAPID areas, through the range of local and community development interventions that are available on an area basis. Enhanced alignment between local government and local development is intended to improve the targeting of such local development spend. In that context, there will be an opportunity for a stronger, collaborative focus to be put on support for RAPID areas. In implementing local government reform decisions, my Department will continue to consult as necessary with relevant stakeholders.
Question No. 86 answered with Question No. 74.