Paul Murphy
Ceist:14. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if she will recognise the importance of the post office network for rural towns and villages. [33152/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThursday, 5 November 2020
Ceisteanna (14)
Freagraí scríofa
My colleague, the Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications, has policy responsibility for the postal sector, however, I am aware of the particular value placed by local communities, especially those in rural areas, on services such as those provided by the local post office.
Rural and regional development is at the heart of the Programme for Government. My Department is currently finalising a new five year rural development policy. This policy will recognise that strong rural economies and communities are vital in supporting and safeguarding the sustainability of vibrant towns and villages across the country.
Significant investment in rural Ireland is taking place across Government and my Department will continue to support communities across rural Ireland through a range of funding schemes and supports.
Budget 2021 has allocated a total of €341 million to my Department. Much of this funding will support the economic and social development of rural areas under my Department’s Rural Development, Regional Affairs and Islands Programme.
Funding is available for rural areas in my Department through: the €1 billion allocated to the rural regeneration and development fund, the CLÁR Programme, the Community Enhancement Programme, the Town and Village Renewal Scheme and funding for our Public Libraries.
Funding is also delivered through the Community Services Programme, LEADER Programme and the Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme where supports are tailored to the specific needs of individual areas.
To conclude, I want to acknowledge An Post and the postmasters around the country who have continued to provide vital services to their communities throughout the Covid-19 pandemic and they should be commended for that.