Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 29 March 2017
122. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs when she expects applications to open for the rural renewal schemes, specifically CLÁR; the amount of funding allocated to each of the schemes; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15676/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Action Plan for Rural Development, which was launched on 23 January last, contains a number of measures which have the objective of supporting the rejuvenation of rural Ireland, including the Town and Village Renewal Scheme, the Rural Recreation Infrastructure scheme, and the CLÁR programme. The aim of all of these measures is to make rural Ireland, including its towns, villages and townlands, more attractive places in which to live and work, and to increase their tourism potential.
As part of Budget 2017, I have secured the following levels of funding for CLÁR, Town and Village Renewal, and Rural Recreation Infrastructure:
- CLÁR Programme: €5 million
- Town and Village Renewal Scheme: €12 million
- Rural Recreation Infrastructure Scheme: €7 million
Minister of State Michael Ring, will be launching the 2017 CLÁR programme very shortly, and I will be launching the Town and Village Renewal Scheme in the coming weeks. Details of the Rural Recreation Infrastructure Scheme will also be announced soon.
To ensure the maximum impact of the rural support schemes, I am also exploring how best we can align them with other initiatives across Government which also support the rejuvenation of rural areas.
The Deputy should also note that the LEADER programme is now open for applications in all counties and contact details for the relevant delivery bodies can be found on my Department’s website, at the following link: http://www.ahrrga.gov.ie/app/uploads/2017/01/contact-details-of-local-action-groups.pdf.
