Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 2 May 2017
761. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs her priorities and plans in regard to the provision of strategic investment rural areas in view of ensuring a high quality of life and locally available employment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20808/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn January this year, I launched Realising our Rural Potential, the Government's Action Plan for Rural Development. The Plan provides a framework for the coordinated delivery of over 270 actions by a range of Government Departments, State agencies and other bodies to support the economic and social development of rural Ireland.
The Action Plan includes commitments across a range of policy areas to support employment and improve the quality of life for people living in rural areas. A key component of the Plan is to support the creation of jobs throughout the regions to ensure that people who live in rural areas have increased opportunities for employment locally. The Plan aims to deliver 135,000 extra jobs outside of Dublin by 2020.
The Plan also includes commitments to invest in flood defences, sports, culture and recreation facilities, town and village renewal, rural tourism projects, community development, and broadband infrastructure.
The Action Plan also sets out a number of actions which will protect and enhance vital services in rural communities.
The actions set out in the Action Plan for Rural Development are the start of an on-going process which will be built on continuously to unlock the potential of rural Ireland and improve the lives of people who live and work in rural communities. Full details of the Action Plan are available on www.ruralireland.ie.
