I propose to take Questions Nos. 415 and 416 together.
The Government's Action Plan for Rural Development was launched on 23 rd January 2017. It is the first plan of its kind to take a cohesive and coordinated approach across the whole of Government to both economic and rural development.
The Action Plan collates both new and existing rural development policies and initiatives from across Government under one cover, and the monitoring mechanisms set out in the Plan will drive their implementation. This approach will ensure that rural development policies are cohesive, effective and fully implemented for the benefit of rural communities.
The actions contained in the Plan represent firm commitments from Government Departments and agencies. Funding for the actions will be reflected in the Estimate of the relevant Department. Many of the funding components are new, or have only been announced in recent weeks, in anticipation of the Action Plan being published. Examples of new investments include:
- Up to €60 million over the next three years to rejuvenate over 600 rural towns and villages.
- A doubling of funding for flood risk schemes to €100 million per annum by 2021.
- €6 million for investment in the development of Blueways.
- €10 million to be invested in our National Parks and Nature Reserves.
- A €10 million (50%) increase in funding under the SEAI’s Better Energy Communities Programme, which will total €30 million for 2017.
- A new Community CCTV grant scheme will be introduced by the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality, while significant investment in the Seniors Alert Scheme will also be made by the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government.
It is important to bear in mind, however, that many of the commitments in the Action Plan involve new policy initiatives which will not necessarily require additional funding to have a positive impact.
As far as my own Department is concerned, I do not foresee the need for a supplementary Estimate this year. Funding for regional and rural programmes in my Department’s Estimate has increased from €61.2 million in 2016, to €79.2 million in 2017 – an increase of 29%. The increased funding will be complemented by the work of other areas of my Department, much of which has a positive impact on rural Ireland.
