Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 25 April 2023
663. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the extent to which she continues to liaise with various community groups in Kildare north and throughout the country with a view to assisting them with their requirements under the appropriate headings; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19581/23]
View answer666. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the extent to which she continues to engage with rural and community groups with a view to identifying the most pertinent needs of the respective communities; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19584/23]
View answer667. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the extent to which she continues to adopt rural and community programmes specifically aimed at the particular needs of relevant communities; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19585/23]
View answer668. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development her proposals if any to expand eligibility and the number of schemes aimed at assisting communities in urban or rural settings; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19586/23]
View answer671. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if she intends to expand the mission statement of her Department to meet particular areas that did not previously qualify for assistance; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19589/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 663, 666 to 668, inclusive, and 671 together.
My Department's mission remains to promote rural and community development and to support vibrant, inclusive and sustainable communities throughout Ireland.
My Department continues to liaise with stakeholders in communities around the county including through the Local Authorities, Local Community Development Committees, Public Participation Networks and the Local Development Companies to ensure that supports provided are timely and appropriate to the needs of those communities.
While the schemes administered by my Department have a consistent, ongoing focus, they are regularly adapted and supplemented in response to emerging needs identified through the aforementioned stakeholder engagement. Such examples are the Community Call Initiative, the Covid-19 Stability Scheme, the Accelerated Town and Village Renewal Scheme, the Community and Voluntary Energy Support Scheme and the recently announced Community Recognition Fund.
My Department is currently preparing a new Statement of Strategy for 2023-2025 which will guide the delivery of an ambitious programme of work over the coming years, with the aim of making a significant and lasting difference to rural Ireland and communities throughout the country.
My Department will continue to engage with rural and urban stakeholders to identify issues impacting on communities and respond to emerging needs. I am confident that the funding supports and policies provided by my Department will continue to deliver tangible benefits for both urban and rural communities.
