Written Answers Nos. 318-322
318. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the degree to which she has directly or indirectly assisted rural community groups throughout County Kildare in the past twelve months; her intentions in this regard in the future; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9441/23]
Amharc ar fhreagra320. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the number of projects assisted by her Department in County Kildare and throughout the country in the past twelve months; her intentions in this regard in the next twelve months; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9443/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 318 and 320 together.
A vital part of my Department's mission is to support the creation of vibrant and sustainable communities across this country. In the 2022 Further Revised Estimates, my Department was allocated €388.7 million. This funding ensures that we are in a position to further assist communities in Kildare and throughout the country seeking funding and other supports for important local activities and projects.
The Programme for Government places a strong emphasis on balanced regional development through a range of measures. My Department supports this commitment through targeted investment that supports rural regeneration, facilitates new working opportunities and fosters regional enterprise growth.
We will continue to invest in, and support, communities in Kildare and across the country through our wide range of 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, Connected Hubs initiative, Libraries Investment Capital funding, PEACE IV Programme and the PEACE PLUS Programme.
My Department also provides strategic interventions, funding programmes and supports which target and address issues of social and or economic deprivation in rural and urban communities throughout the country.
In 2022, over €11.55 million of funding was allocated to County Kildare.
I am confident that the funding supports and policies provided by my Department will continue to deliver tangible benefits for both urban and rural communities, supporting economic development, and enabling the local and community development sectors to continue to provide valuable much needed services and supports to all communities throughout the country.
