The Government’s Action Plan for Rural Development, which was launched on 23rd January last, provides a policy framework for a coordinated approach to rural development across Government.
The Plan contains a number of measures which have the objective of rejuvenating Ireland’s rural towns and villages to make them more attractive places in which to live and work, and to increase their tourism potential.
A number of the measures come under the remit of the Rural Affairs Division based in my Department, and include the Town and Village Renewal Scheme, the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme, LEADER and CLÁR. All of these schemes seek to address the issues encountered by rural areas which have suffered during the economic downturn. The Town and Village Renewal Scheme, in particular, is aimed at improving the commercial, social and economic attractiveness of rural towns and villages. My Department is also developing a pilot initiative to increase residential occupancy in rural town and village centres. It is hoped that this pilot can be launched later this year.
The Local Authorities are closely involved in the delivery of all of the initiatives referred to. A key requirement of many of the schemes operated by my Department is that projects proposed for funding by the Local Authorities are identified in co-operation with relevant local stakeholders, with particular reference to the Local Economic and Community Plans of the Local Authorities. The LEADER programme has its own community-led local development structure which is based around Local Development Strategies.
My Department engages with the Local Authorities on an on-going basis and my officials are available at all times to provide guidance for Local Authorities with regard to applications and to assist with any queries arising.
