Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 10 December 2015
12. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the detail of the proposed charter for rural Ireland, when it will be published, how it is being devised, the consultation process that was carried out, how it is expected that County Donegal will benefit from it; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44050/15]
View answerI am fully committed to supporting the development and revitalisation of rural Ireland, through advancing the implementation of the recommendations in the report of the Commission for the Economic Development of Rural Areas, also known as the CEDRA report. As the Deputy will be aware, the first recommendation of the CEDRA report relates to the preparation of a clear and committed Rural Economic Development Policy Statement, which outlines how Government intends to support integrated rural economic development to 2025. The publication of the proposed Charter for Rural Ireland, to which the Deputy refers, is the first step in that process. Through the proposed Charter for Rural Ireland, it is intended to make a specific and public commitment to support rural Ireland’s regeneration and to underpin the future sustainable development of Ireland’s rural communities. I expect that this Charter will be brought to Government for approval shortly.
In relation to the Deputy’s query regarding the consultation process that was carried out when preparing the Charter, I can advise the Deputy that the work of CEDRA, including its final report , which included submissions from various interested parties, was used as a starting point for the development of the Charter. My Department also consulted with the CEDRA Expert Advisory Group and the CEDRA Inter-departmental Group, which comprises senior officials from various Departments whose work and remit impact on rural Ireland.
The focus of the Charter is on establishing frameworks and practices to support the rejuvenation of the rural economy and rural society. The objective of the Charter is to ensure that systems are in place to support enterprise creation and development, maintain and restore the rural cultural heritage, support and protect existing towns and other settlements, facilitate safe and secure rural communities and foster an increased quality of life for all rural dwellers. I am confident that the Charter for Rural Ireland, when delivered, will have a very positive impact on all rural areas, including in County Donegal.
