Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 15 December 2020
699. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the extent to which her Department has identified specific local initiatives throughout the country worthy of support by her Department since its inception; her ongoing proposals in this regard; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43512/20]
View answer701. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the extent to which her Department has identified specific local initiatives in County Kildare worthy of support by her Department since its inception; her ongoing proposals in this regard; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43514/20]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 699 and 701 together.
A vital part of my Department's mission is to support the creation of vibrant and sustainable communities across this country, including in Co Kildare. In support of that mission there are a number of key objectives:
- creating conditions to support increased economic opportunities and local employment in all areas of the country
- delivering schemes and programmes that support the revitalisation of towns and villages
- improving access to services and social networks that ensure a high quality of life
- enabling communities disadvantaged by location or social issues to reach their full potential
- supporting communities to have a voice to shape their own future.
My Department is currently finalising a new Statement of Strategy in the context of the current challenging environment, and the Strategy will set out the ways in which we aim to deliver positive outcomes for rural Ireland and all communities in that context.
In respect of delivering enhanced opportunities throughout Ireland and supporting worthy local initiatives, I am satisfied that the various funding supports and policies delivered by my Department are having an important and positive impact across the country.
My Department is responsible for a number of key national policies that provide, for both urban and rural areas nationwide, an integrated and strategic way of delivering supports, programmes and schemes, coordinating measures to address imbalances or lack of opportunity, making a real difference to people’s lives. Those Policies include the National Policy on Social Enterprise, the Strategy to Support the Community & Voluntary Sector in Ireland and a new rural development policy which is currently being finalised and which I expect to be published shortly. In the present COVID environment the supports provided by my Department to assist vulnerable communities are more important than ever.
My Department also works closely with Local Community Development Committees (LCDCs), who are responsible for preparing the community elements of 6-year Local Economic and Community Plans (LECPs). These plans focus on rejuvenation measures which will enhance the quality of life and wellbeing of communities in both urban and rural settings.
In addition, my Department continues to work with colleagues across Government to drive positive rural and community development and to deliver policies and initiatives that consider the economic and social recovery needs of all communities, regardless of location.
I am determined that the important work of my Department will continue to deliver available funding and supports that lead to positive visible impacts for all of our communities.
