Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 22 February 2024
80. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if Cork North-Central is in receipt of funding for projects supporting agrifood tourism initiatives; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8375/24]
View answerThe report of the Commission for the Economic Development of Rural Areas (CEDRA) suggested that there was significant economic potential in rural areas and recommended a number of actions by government departments to support the long-term development of rural Ireland.
The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine established the Rural Innovation & Development Fund (RIDF) to address some of the issues highlighted in the report.
Funding is provided by my Department under the RIDF for projects supporting agri-food tourism initiatives.
The most recent Call for Proposals for funding for Agri Food Tourism initiatives was issued on the 23rd of January 2024 with a closing date of 12 noon on the 23rd February.
Within the aforementioned report, rural areas are defined as all areas located beyond the administrative boundaries of the 5 largest cities, namely: Dublin, Cork, Galway, Limerick and Waterford. On this basis, I have made funding of up to €25,000 available to applicants who are situated outside the administrative boundaries of Dublin, Cork, Galway, Limerick and Waterford cities.
