Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 31 January 2017
382. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the projects in County Tipperary that will be supported by the rural action plan, Realising our Rural Potential: Action Plan for Rural Development; the funding being provided for each; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3873/17]
View answerThe Action Plan for Rural Development provides a framework of supports to improve the lives of people who live and work in rural Ireland. It is the first Plan of its kind to address both the economic and social needs of rural Ireland through a whole-of-Government approach.
The Plan contains over 270 actions, all of which aim to support rural communities throughout the country. These actions are spread over five thematic pillars aimed at:
- Supporting Sustainable Communities,
- Supporting Enterprise and Employment,
- Maximising our Rural Tourism and Recreation Potential,
- Fostering Culture and Creativity in rural communities, and
- Improving Rural Infrastructure and Connectivity.
Initiatives under the Plan will be rolled out by various Government Departments and State agencies, and will benefit all rural communities, including those in Co. Tipperary.
As far as my own Department is concerned, along with Minister Ring I will shortly be launching calls for proposals under the Town and Village Renewal Scheme, the CLÁR programme, the Rural Recreation Scheme and the Built Heritage Investment scheme. There will also be €40 million available this year for the delivery of the LEADER Rural Development Programme.
I will also be increasing access to the arts in rural communities, including through the roll out of a new small grants scheme for upgrades to regional arts and culture centres.
Overall funding for Regional and Rural Programmes in my Department’s Estimate has increased from a figure of €61.2 million in 2016, to €79.2 million in 2017 - an increase of 29%. This will allow for additional activity on key rural development schemes administered by the Department which will also be complemented by the broader work of my Department, much of which has a positive impact on rural Ireland.
