Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 13 June 2023
1406. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the extent to which she remains disposed to the continuation of interaction with urban and rural communities, with a view to identification of their most urgent needs and the nature of supports for the future; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28570/23]
View answer1407. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the extent to which she and her Department have helped urban and/or rural communities throughout County Kildare and the country in general in the past three years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28571/23]
View answer1408. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development to indicate how she continues to identify the best means of assisting recipients of various payments aimed at rural and community groups in order to achieve the maximum benefit; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28572/23]
View answer1411. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the extent to which she continues in dialogue with the various rural and urban communities in County Kildare and throughout the country, with a view to greater understanding of community needs and the best methodology to be adopted in the circumstances; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28575/23]
View answer1412. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the extent to which the interventions by her Department by way of assistance towards urban and rural community groups throughout County Kildare and the country at large has manifested itself in the greater empowerment of those she has assisted; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28576/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 1406 to 1408, inclusive, 1411 and 1412 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. This is done through extensive collaboration and engagement with communities and wider stakeholders.
My Department will continue to invest in and support communities across the country through a 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.
The amount allocated by my Department in the past three years is €323 million in 2020, €333 million in 2021, and €475 million in 2022. Kildare was allocated €7.9 million in 2020, €3.9 million in 2021, and €11.6 million in 2022.
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.
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.
