Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 8 November 2018
18. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the extent to which he continues to address the stigmatisation of rural or urban communities in view of the fact that such communities are in decline (details supplied); his plans to address the emerging image of rural communities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45951/18]
View answer257. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the degree to which he expects to address the issues of concern in both urban and rural areas which fall under the remit of his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46434/18]
View answer258. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if, in the context of the allocation of funding throughout 2019, he expects to further improve conditions in both urban and rural settings throughout the country with particular reference to concerns expressed in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46435/18]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 18, 257 and 258 together.
As Minister with responsibility for Rural and Community Development I note the substantial progress made to improve the quality of life for persons and communities throughout Ireland, both rural and urban, and it is my intention that the supports available through my Department will continue to improve conditions in these communities into the future.
My primary focus is to support the creation of vibrant, inclusive and sustainable communities across this country. This can be achieved through the implementation of programmes and initiatives that facilitate and encourage economic development through the creation of jobs and the infrastructure required to support those jobs, and to provide other facilities that support our communities to become and remain desirable places to live, work and raise families.
Key to this is the need to promote a new narrative around rural Ireland, that it is in fact a dynamic place that is adaptable to the changes taking place in a modern economy. Every day and in every town and village I visit, I see great examples of the dynamism and the ability to adapt to economic and social changes that are happening right across Ireland.
The Action Plan for Rural Development, the Framework Policy for Local and Community Development in Ireland, and Project Ireland 2040 are the key policy initiatives that set out the ways in which Government aims to address disadvantage and how we can support both rural and urban communities across Ireland.
The Action Plan is coordinated and monitored by my Department and is the most comprehensive Government plan ever produced to support economic and social development in rural areas. The measures within it are being delivered across a range of Government Departments, State agencies and other organisations over the period to 2020.
Project Ireland 2040 laid out the Government’s plans for the country’s long-term development, and a key commitment within it regarding rural Ireland is the provision of €1 billion for the new Rural Regeneration and Development Fund which will enable towns, villages and outlying rural areas to grow sustainably and support delivery of the strategic objectives of the National Planning Framework.
The Fund will be a key driver in supporting the revitalisation of rural Ireland, delivering a significant and sustainable impact for rural communities and helping to address issues such as de-population in small rural towns, villages and rural areas.
Additionally, my Department continues to provide direct supports to both urban and rural communities through a range of schemes and programmes, including the Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme, the Dublin North East Inner City Initiative, LEADER programme, Community Enhancement Programme, CLÁR Programme and the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme and the Town and Village Renewal Scheme.
