Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 16 October 2018
599. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the schemes his Department run which may allocate funding for benches at key vantage points in rural Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41872/18]
View answerMy Department has no dedicated scheme which specifically funds benches at key vantage points in rural areas. This would generally be a matter for the Local Authorities.
However, my Department runs a number of schemes which may include the provision of public seating as part of a larger project. For example, the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme provides funding for the development of new outdoor recreational infrastructure or the necessary maintenance or enhancement of existing outdoor recreational infrastructure in rural areas across Ireland. Over €23 million has been allocated to almost 500 projects under this scheme since 2016 to improve walking trails, greenways and other recreational amenities.
My Department also funds the Town and Village Renewal Scheme which is administered by the Local Authorities. Towns and villages can apply through their Local Authorities for funding under the scheme to support the rejuvenation of the town or village, including for improvements to the public realm. More than 670 projects have been approved for funding of €53 million under this scheme since 2016.
The Department also provide funding for the Community Enhancement Programme which is administered by Local Community Development Committees (LCDC) in each Local Authority area. Under this programme, community groups can apply to their LCDC for funding to enhance facilities in their area. This programme was launched in 2018 and it is planned to run the programme again in 2019.
Details regarding all funding schemes operated by my Department can be found on my Department's website, www.drcd.gov.ie.
