Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 17 January 2018
203. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development his key priorities of in relation to the forthcoming capital review; the projects submitted for priority inclusion in the review; the status of negotiations with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform in relation to the review; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2296/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department of Public Expenditure and Reform is currently preparing a new 10 year National Capital Investment Plan for the period 2018-2027, which will be published alongside, and in support of, the forthcoming National Planning Framework.
The National Investment Plan will align with the strategic objectives to be set out in the National Planning Framework. The objectives which were outlined in the draft of the Framework which was published for public consultation in September 2017 strongly support regional, rural and community development.
The capital programmes currently administered by my Department such as LEADER, the Town and Village Renewal Scheme, the Rural Recreation Programme and Libraries Investment are strong drivers of rural and community development and I would expect to see them referenced in the National Investment Plan. However, I would also be supportive of targeted projects delivered by other Government Departments in areas such as transport, broadband investment and enterprise support which will also make an important contribution to rural and regional development.
My Department has been in on-going contact with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform in relation to the National Investment Plan and will continue to work with that Department and the Plan is finalised.
