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Parking Provision

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 5 April 2022

Tuesday, 5 April 2022

Questions (100)

Brian Stanley

Question:

100. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the funding that is currently available for carpark facilities at amenities in rural areas such as a facility (details supplied) in County Laois. [17930/22]

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Written answers

My Department provides a wide range of investment programmes to support the development of rural areas, including through the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund, the LEADER Programme, the Town & Village Renewal Scheme, the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme and the CLÁR programme. I would encourage potential applicants to engage with their local authority or LEADER Local Action Group to discuss the investment programme that is most suitable to their needs.

As regards the specific project referred to by the Deputy, the CLÁR programme provides funding under a number of different measures for small-scale infrastructural projects in designated rural areas that have experienced significant levels of de-population over a defined period. Applications are currently being accepted via local authorities for funding up to a maximum of €50,000 for community facilities, including car parking, under Measure 1 of the CLÁR programme. However, I understand that the location referred to by the Deputy may not be located in a CLÁR area.

The 2022 Outdoor Recreation Scheme was launched on 18th February last and provides funding to support access to outdoor infrastructure. Funding for car park access may be considered under that scheme where it improves access to recreational infrastructure and where it is part of the wider development of the linked outdoor amenity.

Funding may also be available through the LEADER Programme for the type of project referred to by the Deputy. LEADER is a multi-annual programme which is delivered through 29 Local Action Groups (LAGs) around the country.

Support under the LEADER programme is provided under a broad range of themes, including Economic Development, Enterprise Development and Job Creation. This theme focuses on driving continued local economic development, including diversification of the rural economy, and the creation of employment opportunities for the local community.

In order for a project to be eligible for LEADER funding, it must be compatible with the actions outlined in the approved Local Development Strategy for the relevant LEADER area, and it must comply with the Operating Rules and EU Regulations in place for the programme. Prospective applicants should, in the first instance, contact their relevant LAG, through its Implementing Partner, to discuss the eligibility of the project and the funding that may be available. The list of all Local Action Groups, their Implementing Partners and their contact details, is available on the Gov.ie website at: www.gov.ie/en/publication/c45498-local-action-groups.

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