Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 14 October 2021
240. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the extent to which her Department is concerned regarding rural depopulation leading to closure of rural schools, post offices and Garda stations all of which have a major contribution to make in the social and economic life of communities; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50284/21]
View answerAs the Deputy is aware, the Minister for Education has responsibility for the education sector and schools, the Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications has policy responsibility for the postal sector and the Minister for Justice and Equality has policy responsibility for An Garda Síochána.
However, I am acutely aware of the value placed by rural communities on services such as those provided by post offices, the Gardaí and schools. Ensuring access to services for rural communities is an issue that cuts across almost all Government Departments. Reflecting that whole-of-Government focus, rural and regional development is also at the heart of the Programme for Government.
Significant investment in rural Ireland is taking place across Government and my Department continues to support communities across rural Ireland, and to address rural depopulation, through a range of funding schemes and supports.
Funding is available for rural areas in my Department through: the €1 billion allocated to the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund, the CLÁR Programme, the Community Enhancement Programme, the Town and Village Renewal Scheme and funding for our Public Libraries. Funding is also delivered through the Community Services Programme, LEADER Programme and the Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme where supports are tailored to the specific needs of individual areas.
Earlier this year I launched an ambitious new five year rural development policy – Our Rural Future. This policy recognises that strong rural economies and communities are vital in supporting and safeguarding the sustainability of vibrant towns and villages across the country. It also recognises that rural areas are critical to our national economic, social and environmental wellbeing. Our Rural Future contains over 150 commitments for delivery right across Government over its lifetime, including specific measures aimed at enhancing public services in rural areas.
