Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 2 May 2017
51. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs when the rural recreation programme will open for applications; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20344/17]
View answerMy question is to ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs when the rural recreation programme will open for applications; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
I am pleased to be able to inform the House that I have launched the 2017 outdoor recreation infrastructure scheme, with funding of €11 million to be allocated to projects across rural Ireland. The outdoor recreation infrastructure scheme will support the development of new outdoor recreational infrastructure and the maintenance, enhancement or promotion of existing infrastructure in rural areas. The scheme forms part of the Government’s action plan for rural development and reinforces the Government’s commitment to supporting rural Ireland. Funding will be available for a range of initiatives, from small-scale local projects to large-scale strategic projects. Full details of the scheme will be issued to all local authorities in the coming days.
The facilities and amenities funded through this scheme will create better experiences for visitors to rural areas, enhance the tourism offering and support economic development in rural areas. Improved recreational facilities will also enhance the quality of life for people who live in or close to the supported areas. Successful applications will be announced by the end of June and projects will be expected to commence shortly thereafter.
I welcome the announcement by the Minister of State. This is another prime example of the Government investing in rural Ireland. That has to be welcomed. I note, in the action plan for rural development, in excess of €50 million over the lifetime of the plan is to be invested in sports, recreational and cultural facilities. I know we have a greenway in my own constituency which got huge funding. This investment makes rural Ireland more sustainable. There are a number of projects off that greenway which breathe life into towns and villages along it. There are also projects in County Longford that, in the previous allocation for the rural recreational programme, got funding and have provided a huge benefit to make rural Ireland more sustainable. That is the path that we need to continue. We need to ensure that the funding gets to those key projects that will make rural Ireland more sustainable.
The Deputy is quite correct about the infrastructure that can be put in place for walks and trails and particular blueways. We work with Coillte and many other State agencies which provide services for walks and greenways. I am delighted that we have increased the funding again this year. The Deputy is quite correct that we have too many knockers of rural Ireland. There are many schemes going on and development taking place, and I have to say that many of these schemes are doing an excellent job, particularly in rural Ireland, to get people back to work. This walk scheme in particular has worked well, and there are many people involved in tourism. There are full-time jobs, people working hard and glad to be in the tourism sector.
I am delighted that this scheme is up and running again, and what we want now is for the local authorities to get applications in, and we as a Department will make the decisions. We want to get the money rolled out as quickly as possible.
