Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 9 December 2021
369. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the extent to which she continues to encourage investment in the manufacturing and services sectors in areas of social and economic deprivation with particular reference to the use of digital hubs thus alleviating traffic congestion; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [61045/21]
View answer372. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the extent to which she anticipates the creation of suitable locations for investment in jobs through the various schemes available through her Department with particular reference to the need to address areas of social or economic deprivation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [61048/21]
View answer376. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the number of community development initiatives funded by her Department throughout Ireland in the past 12 months; her expectations in this regard in the forthcoming year; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [61052/21]
View answer384. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the extent to which her Department has directly or indirectly assisted persons throughout urban and rural Ireland in the course of the past year; the degree to which particular issues may have arisen; her plans to address outstanding issues by way of extension to existing schemes or the introduction of new provisions; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [61115/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 369, 372, 376 and 384 together.
My Department’s policies and funding programmes aim to deliver sustainable outcomes that positively impact the quality of life of those living and working in our communities. Funding is available to eligible community groups and organisations throughout the country.
The amount allocated by my Department for urban and rural development and renewal purposes in the past three years to-date is, €133 million in 2017, €251 million in 2018, €315 million in 2019, €313 million in 2020, and €267 million to date in 2021.
Details of funding allocations under specific schemes provided by my Department are available online at www.gov.ie/en/organisation/department-of-rural-and-community-development/.
The Deputy will also be aware of the recent publication of the renewed National Development Plan (NDP) 2021 – 2030 which commits to delivery of significant investment - €165 billion – over the coming decade. While the Plan is a whole of Government approach, Chapter 8: Strengthened Rural Economies and Communities sets out details on that which will be delivered and administered by my Department.
Earlier in the year, I was delighted to launch Our Rural Future a whole-of-Government Rural Development Policy for 2021-2025, supported by 150 policy commitments aimed at addressing challenges facing communities and delivering new opportunities for people living in rural areas. The NDP will support the achievement of the ambitious objectives set out in that document.
Over the life of the NDP my Department will continue to invest in and support Rural Ireland and communities across the country through various schemes such as the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund, LEADER Programme, Town and Village Renewal Scheme, Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme, Local Improvement Scheme, CLÁR Programme, Islands Capital Programme, Community Enhancement Programme, Libraries Investment Capital funding and the PEACE PLUS Programme. However, I can assure the Deputy that investment will continue apace over the lifetime of the NDP.
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 continue to work collaboratively with my Government colleagues to monitor the issues which impact our urban and rural communities and to support the creation of vibrant and sustainable communities across this country.
