Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 16 January 2018
1554. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the extent to which he expects to become involved with offering support to local community groups involved in the arts or recreation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2037/18]
View answerThe Action Plan for Rural Development contains 276 action for delivery across a range of Government Departments, State Agencies and other organisations to support the economic and social progress of rural Ireland.
Pillar 3 of the Action Plan for Rural Development includes a series of actions to maximise Ireland’s rural tourism and recreation potential in recognition of the contribution that tourism makes to the rural economy. Actions under this Pillar are implemented across a number of Government Departments and will support sustainable jobs through targeted tourism initiatives, promoting Activity Tourism, and developing and promoting our natural and built heritage.
My Department delivers a number of initiatives that support the development of recreational infrastructure, including the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme and the Walks Scheme. My Department will continue to deliver these initiatives into 2018. While these schemes are delivered mainly through the Local Authorities, they involve local communities and groups as part of the project development and implementation process.
Pillar 4 of the Action Plan commits to Fostering Culture and Creativity in Rural Communities and sets the objectives of increasing access to the arts, further developing and enhancing culture and creativity in rural Ireland through the Creative Ireland programme, and promoting the Irish language as a key resource. The Action Plan outlines 29 specific actions to be progressed to achieve these objectives. The relevant actions are led by a range of Government Departments and agencies including the Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, the Arts Council and Local Authorities.
Progress Reports on the Action Plan for Rural Development are published on a six-monthly basis and published on my Department's website. The second Progress Report, covering the second half of 2017, is currently being compiled and will be published shortly.
