Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 13 July 2022
592. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if her Department has examined the benefits of town councils when formulating the Our Rural Future 2021-2025; if their absence has had negative effects on rural towns since 2014; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38579/22]
View answerOur Rural Future 2021-2025 is the most ambitious and transformational policy for rural development in Ireland for decades. The policy contains more than 150 measures for delivery across the whole of Government, with the underlying theme of economic, environmental and societal sustainability.
The policy has a vision of ensuring vibrant and thriving rural towns and villages, with a key objective to maximise opportunities for individuals, communities and businesses in rural areas. It recognises that rural areas play an integral role in the economic, social and cultural recovery and wellbeing of the country.
Our Rural Future was developed following an extensive period of consultation, which included engagement with Government departments, local authorities, rural stakeholders, and the general public amongst other groups. The issue of Town Councils did not emerge from those consultation processes as a key issue for those in rural areas. Rather, other issues such as the centrality of communities were cited more strongly as being key to sustainable and inclusive development of rural areas. Our Rural Future was developed accordingly, to prioritise investment in the facilities and infrastructure required to support those communities to maximise their potential.
I understand from my colleague the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage that there are currently no plans to re-introduce Town Councils. However, in line the with the commitments contained in the Programme for Government, the Minister has signalled his intent to consider the introduction of further measures to strengthen the system of municipal districts.
Meanwhile, my Department will continue to invest significantly in rural towns and villages, through programmes such as the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund and the Town and Village Renewal Scheme, each of which provide funding to support the development of rural towns and communities as more attractive places to live, work and raise a family.
