The Deputy will be aware that last week the renewed National Development Plan 2021 – 2030 was launched by the Taoiseach, Tánaiste, Minister Ryan and Minister McGrath. The publication outlines the largest National Development Plan ever delivered in the history of the State - €165 billion - with a particular focus on priority solutions to strengthen housing, climate ambitions, transport, healthcare, jobs growth in every region and economic renewal for the decade ahead. This plan will prepare Ireland for population growth of approximately 1 million between 2016 and 2040, and help us to deal with the ongoing challenges of COVID-19 and Brexit.
While the Plan is a whole of Government approach, Chapter 8: Strengthened Rural Economies and Communities sets out details that will be delivered and administered by my Department. Earlier in the year, I was delighted to launch Our Rural Future – the Rural Development Policy 2021-2025 and the NDP will support the achievement of the ambitious objectives set out in that document.
Over the life of the NDP my Department will continue to invest in and support Rural Ireland and communities across the country. Due to the volume and timings in the calls for schemes administered by my Department it is not feasible to give details of each specific project, supported through the various schemes such as the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund, LEADER Programme, Town and Village Renewal Scheme, Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme, Local Improvement Scheme, CLÁR Programme, Islands Capital Programme, Community Enhancement Programme, Libraries Investment Capital funding and the PEACE PLUS Programme. However, I can assure the Deputy that investment will continue apace over the lifetime of the NDP.
