Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 28 September 2017
259. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if he will liaise with Donegal County Council to ensure funding is provided to rebuild the key community and tourism amenities of Swan Park, Buncrana and Glenevin waterfall that were devastated by the recent floods in the area. [41218/17]
View answerI would like to acknowledge the devastation caused by the recent floods in Donegal and the damage caused to the two areas mentioned, Swan Park and Glenevin Waterfall. My Department previously supported the development of Swan Park through the REDZ 2015 Pilot Scheme.
Unfortunately, funding schemes within my Department which might have been of assistance for the reconstruction of facilities at Swan Park and Glenevin Waterfall have closed for 2017. Successful projects under the Outdoor Recreational Infrastructure Scheme were announced earlier this year and successful applicants under the Town and Village Renewal Scheme will be announced shortly, following an appraisal process.
I understand, however, that the Leader Local Action Group (LAG) in Donegal, through its Implementing Partner, will engage with the local community with a view to identifying where Leader support may be of assistance in relation to these projects, as appropriate.
Leader is a multi-annual programme administered by my Department which will provide €250 million in support for rural development up to 2020. The programme is delivered in 28 Leader areas around the country by Local Action Groups, in collaboration with implementing partners. Decisions on project funding are made by the Local Action Groups.
