Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 31 January 2017
383. Deputy Frank O'Rourke asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the specific measures that the Government will action, as part of the Government's recently announced plan for rural Ireland, in relation to rural County Kildare and the towns that will be included as part of the action plan; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3981/17]
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. Supporting towns and villages is just one element of a much more comprehensive Plan aimed at addressing both the economic and social needs of rural Ireland through a whole-of-Government approach. As part of Budget 2017, I have secured funding of €12 million for an enhanced Town and Village Renewal scheme this year. This represents a trebling of the original 2016 baseline allocation of €4 million for the scheme.
The Town and Village Renewal Scheme for 2017 will be launched shortly and towns and villages to be considered under the scheme, including in County Kildare, will be selected through an application and assessment process. The scheme will be funded by my Department and administered by Local Authorities. Full details of the scheme and the application process will be made available when the scheme is launched.
Rural towns and villages across the country will also benefit from a range of other measures in the Action Plan for Rural Development, including in relation to supports for community projects, tourism projects, sports and cultural activities and job creation. Initiatives in these different areas will be launched on a phased basis by the relevant Government Departments and agencies.
