Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 13 June 2023
101. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the extent to which she and her Department propose to ensure the widest possible availability of schemes likely to be of major assistance to communities throughout the country, including interaction on a north/south basis or otherwise; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28331/23]
View answer106. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the extent to which she continues to interact directly with local communities with a view to maximising benefits to both urban and rural areas; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28330/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 101 and 106 together.
A vital part of my Department's mission is to support vibrant and sustainable communities across this country. My Department provides targeted investment and supports in both rural and urban communities, which enables rural regeneration, facilitates new working opportunities and fosters regional enterprise growth.
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/or rural communities across the country.
This funding ensures that we are in a position to further assist communities throughout the country seeking funding and other supports for important local activities and projects.
We will continue to invest in and support communities across the country through our wide range of schemes such as the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund, LEADER Programme, Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme, Town and Village Renewal Scheme, Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme, Local Improvement Scheme, CLÁR Programme, Islands Capital Programme, Community Enhancement Programme, the Community Centre Investment Fund, Connected Hubs initiative, Libraries Investment Capital funding, PEACE IV Programme and the PEACE PLUS Programme.
All funding schemes operated by my Department are open to applications from eligible groups during the application timeframes set for each scheme or programme. Further information on all schemes and programmes, including details of successful applications, can be found on my Department's website www.drcd.gov.ie
With particular regard to communities in Northern Ireland and the border counties of Ireland, I am very pleased that my Department shares responsibility for the PEACE IV Programme and forthcoming PEACEPlus Programme. Both of these programmes support peace and reconciliation and promote the social and economic stability of all communities in this region. These programmes will continue to deliver significant improvements for all communities, with support and funding provided by my Department.
It is anticipated that the launch of the PEACE Plus programme will take place shortly with a value of over €1.1 billion. This new programme represents an opportunity to continue to fund peace building interventions alongside activities which help to make the region a more prosperous, healthier place to live through funding areas of mutual interest on a cross-border basis.
