Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 25 April 2023
71. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the number of schemes operated by her Department likely to contribute to urban and or rural communities by way of support; if she anticipates an expansion of such schemes in 2023; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19271/23]
View answerMy Department's mission is to promote rural and community development and to support vibrant, inclusive and sustainable communities throughout Ireland. We do this by delivering a wide range of strategic interventions and investments throughout the country.
In 2022 my Department had a budget allocation of €379 million which supported rural and community development, including investment in infrastructure and initiatives assisting the retention and attraction of jobs throughout the regions. This is continuing this year with an increased allocation of €429 million. I can assure the Deputy that all my Department’s schemes are designed to support and contribute to urban and rural communities across the country, including Kildare.
The Town and Village Renewal Scheme is one such measure that supports the revitalisation of rural Ireland. Last year, I was delighted to provide total funding of €28.5 million across the various strands of the Scheme to support a wide range of projects across rural Ireland.
This year schemes such as the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund, with funding of €60 million, and the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme, with an allocation of €16 million, will all ensure continued support for our communities.
Similarly, I was delighted to introduce significant new supports for the development of community centres across the country in 2022; this will be continued this year and will be targeted primarily at new build community centres. The new Community Recognition Fund will also invest €50 million in rural and urban communities.
The Deputy is also familiar with other programmes such as CLÁR, the Local Improvement Scheme, and the Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme which also continue to deliver important supports for communities across the country each year.
