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Rural Schemes

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 14 October 2021

Thursday, 14 October 2021

Questions (239, 241, 244)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

239. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the extent to which she expects to engage with urban and rural communities with the objective of improving their quality of life; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50283/21]

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Bernard Durkan

Question:

241. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the extent to which she expects to further enhance the quality of life for rural or urban communities with particular reference to the need for inclusivity leading to stability; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50285/21]

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Bernard Durkan

Question:

244. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the extent to which she continues to liaise with women's groups in urban and rural Ireland with a view to offering social and or economic support; the degree to which she has studied the beneficial effects of such interaction; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50288/21]

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Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 239, 241 and 244 together.

A vital part of my Department's mission is to support vibrant and sustainable communities across this country, and in doing so to deliver on a wide range of strategic interventions, funding programmes and policies to support urban and rural communities.

Groups or organisations qualify for support schemes or programmes provided by my Department where they meet the requisite eligibility criteria. Funding includes the Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme (SICAP), the Community Services Programme, the CLÁR Programme, the Community Enhancement Programme, and the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund.

My Department is also responsible for a number of national policies containing measures to improve the lives of people throughout the country. These include the National Policy on Social Enterprise, and Sustainable, Inclusive and Empowered Communities: 5 Year Strategy to Support the Community and Voluntary Sector 2019-2024 .

In March I launched Our Rural Future , a new whole-of-Government rural development policy. The policy is an ambitious blueprint for the social and economic development of rural Ireland over the next five years. It has the potential to have a transformative effect on rural communities and positive impacts on the lives of people living and working in rural areas. The policy is supported by 150 commitments across Government, which will address the challenges facing communities and deliver new opportunities for people living in rural areas.

All my Department’s policies are underpinned by extensive consultation with a wide range of stakeholders including rural and urban stakeholder groups, community groups, young people, women’s groups, Government Departments and State Agencies.

This engagement process provides important insights into issues impacting on rural and urban communities and in identifying areas for response relevant to the work of my Department. Ongoing dialogue is maintained by my Department with rural and urban stakeholders in order to identify and respond to issues impacting on individuals and communities.

I will also continue to collaborate with my Government colleagues and will monitor the issues which impact our urban and rural communities in order to respond to emerging needs.

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