Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 5 November 2020
355. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the degree to which she and her Department have examined issues affecting the rural community with a view to addressing the most salient matters; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34459/20]
Amharc ar fhreagra358. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the most serious issues as perceived by her Department affecting rural Ireland at present; if she expects to be in a position to address these issues in the short and medium term; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34462/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 355 and 358 together.
A vital part of the Department for Rural and Community Development's mission is to support the creation of vibrant and sustainable communities across this country.
My Department is responsible for a number of key national policies that provide, for both urban and rural areas nationwide, an integrated and strategic way of delivering supports, programmes and schemes, coordinating measures to address imbalances or lack of opportunity, making a real difference to people’s lives, including the National Policy on Social Enterprise, the Strategy to Support the Community & Voluntary Sector in Ireland and a new rural development policy which is currently being finalised and which I expect to be published by the end of the year. In the present COVID environment the supports provided by my Department to assist vulnerable communities are more important than ever.
These policies aim to deliver for communities in an integrated and strategic way across Government, with my Department playing a central co-ordinating role. I am confident that these plans will propose actions that will support rural economic development and the local and community development sectors, who continue providing valuable needed services and supports to local communities.
Along with policy initiatives, my Department oversees a number of targeted interventions, funding programmes and supports which address basic issues of social and or economic deprivation in rural communities throughout the country. These have been developed to enable economic growth and development.
Those programmes include the Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme (SICAP), the Community Services Programme, the CLÁR Programme, the Community Enhancement Programme, the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund and funding for public libraries across the country.
I was delighted to secure a 7% increase in my Department's allocation in Budget 2021 to €341 million (gross), ensuring increased supports can be provided to communities in urban and rural areas. Almost €178 million of this will support the economic and social development of rural areas and contribute to regional development under my Department’s Rural Development, Regional Affairs and Islands Programme.
My Department also works closely with Local Community Development Committees (LCDCs), who are a key element of the local authorities’ strengthened role in local and community development.
LCDCs are also responsible for preparing the community elements of 6-year Local Economic and Community Plans (LECPs). These plans focus on rejuvenation measures which will enhance the quality of life and wellbeing of communities in both urban and rural settings.
