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Action Plan for Rural Development

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 3 April 2019

Wednesday, 3 April 2019

Questions (98)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

98. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the degree to which he is satisfied regarding the benefit accruing to the community and rural sector arising from the various grant awards; his views on whether there is an opportunity for extension of benefit through the system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15446/19]

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Written answers

As Minister with responsibility for Rural and Community Development I note the substantial progress made by my Department to improve the quality of life for persons and communities throughout Ireland, both rural and urban.

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 support our communities to become and remain desirable places to live, work and raise families. 

The Action Plan for Rural Development and the Framework Policy for Local and Community Development in Ireland have been 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 and improve the quality of life for those who live and work in these communities. 

The current Action Plan runs to the end of 2019 and consideration is now being given to future rural development policy.  An implementation plan for the Framework Policy for Local and Community Development in Ireland, published in 2016, is also currently at an advanced stage, as is Ireland’s first National Social Enterprise Policy.

I am confident that these plans will propose actions that will support rural economic development and the local and community development sectors to continue providing valuable needed services and supports that will benefit both urban and rural communities.

In addition, Project Ireland 2040 will help breathe new life into communities across the country, providing access to recreational and leisure facilities, by increasing the attractiveness of communities to visitors and, most importantly, by supporting job creation and employment for people in both urban and rural areas. 

This includes the €1 billion being invested through my Department in towns and villages across Ireland through the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund. Some €86 million has already been allocated to projects under the Fund across the country and I look forward to seeing the benefits of these projects to communities when they are completed.

My Department is also committed to the successful delivery of a range of other schemes and programmes which are greatly benefiting rural and urban communities. Programmes such as LEADER, CLÁR, the Town and Village Renewal Scheme, the Local Improvement Scheme, the Outdoor Recreation Scheme, the Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme, the Community Enhancement Programme and the Community Services Programme have delivered funding and supports to numerous projects, many of which are identified and driven by local community organisations.

My Department is committed to reviewing all of its schemes on an ongoing basis to ensure the benefits are maximised for local communities.

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