Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 6 November 2018
1007. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the details of the applications made by Kildare County Council in 2018 for the rural recreation fund or other similar schemes; the status of such applications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45615/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme (formerly the Rural Recreation Scheme) is part of the Government’s Action Plan for Rural Development and provides funding for the development of new outdoor recreational infrastructure or the necessary maintenance, enhancement or promotion of existing outdoor recreational infrastructure in Ireland.
On 28 May last, I announced details of an indicative allocation of €12 million for the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme under three separate measures:
- Measure 1: Small maintenance/promotion of existing infrastructure (maximum grant €20,000)
- Measure 2: Medium scale repair/upgrade and development of new small/medium infrastructure (maximum grant €200,000), and
- Measure 3: Repair/upgrade and development of larger, more strategic projects (grant of between €200,001 and €500,000).
One application was submitted by Kildare County Council under Measure 1 of the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme. However, this application was unsuccessful as it did not comply with the eligibility criteria indicated in the scheme guidelines.
Kildare County Council also submitted one application under Measure 2 of the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme. It did not submit any application under Measure 3. Applications under Measure 2 are currently being assessed by my officials and I hope to be in a position to announce the successful projects shortly.
Kildare County Council has submitted applications this year under other schemes operated by my Department, including the Town and Village Renewal Scheme and the Local Improvement Scheme. Details of the various schemes operated by my Department and the projects which received funding under these schemes are available on my Department's website, ww.drcd.gov.ie.
