Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 27 June 2023
53. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform for an overview of the progress made to date under national strategic outcome No. 3 of the National Development Plan 2021-2030; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30878/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government has committed €165 billion funding for capital investment, as set out in the NDP published in October 2021. This expenditure was considered and agreed in order to support those sectors that would be key in delivering the ten National Strategic Outcomes (NSOs) identified in the National Planning Framework (NPF).
The NDP contains expenditure commitments for NSO 3 which relates to strengthening rural economies and communities. 2022 saw clear progress against this goal including through a number of initiatives such as: the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund which provided funding of €21.5 million to 27 projects in early 2022 including the Fermoy Town Centre Renewal project, the Edenderry Regeneration project, the Monksland project in Roscommon, and the Dungarvan Digital Transformation Hub project. In November 2022, a further €115 million was approved for applicants in locations such as Ballyjamesduff, Macroom, Ramelton, Carrick-on-Suir and Athy.
In addition to this, the Town and Village Renewal Scheme provided funding for medium and small scale projects that aim to make our rural towns and villages more attractive and sustainable. Over €22 million was allocated in 2022 to over 75 Town and Village projects.
Furthermore, funding of over €19.8 million was approved for 259 projects in the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme for the development, maintenance, enhancement or promotion of outdoor recreational infrastructure in countryside areas.
Fáilte Ireland and Coillte continued to partner on progressing the International Mountain Biking Proposition for Rural Ireland with an additional 25km of new trails added in 2022 bringing the total amount of new trails developed to 64km and a total trail network of 185km.
Work on 36 Destination and Experience Development Plans continued all tailored to support the sustainable development of tourism in Ireland’s Ancient East, the Wild Atlantic Way, Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands, and Dublin with almost €6 million awarded to 12 towns.
Furthermore, I welcome the positive progress being made under the National Broadband Plan. Under the National Broadband Plan (NBP), I note that, as of 26 May 2023, design work is completed in townlands across every county in Ireland. Over 154,800 premises are now available to order or pre-order a high-speed broadband connection from National Broadband Ireland, with over 140,000 premises passed and available for immediate connection.
I am aware that very significant progress and effort is being made by local authorities over the last number of years to strengthen and build resilience in rural towns and communities and deliver on the objectives of Project Ireland 2040.
