Ann Phelan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Labour) | Oireachtas source

The Government has recently commenced a public consultation on a proposed framework policy for local and community development. The purpose of the policy is to underpin a whole-of-government approach to the planning, oversight and delivery of local and community development programmes at national or local level. When approved, it will provide a framework for supporting and investing in community development actions and approaches that empower communities to participate in and influence decision-making processes and bring about change for the benefit of people within those communities. This will benefit all communities in Ireland, rural as well as urban.

Support for the development of rural communities is a diverse area of activity which involves ongoing and detailed interaction between Departments and other stakeholders, and I am committed to ensuring that this interaction is constructive and delivers for rural Ireland.

Coming from a rural area, I am only too well aware of the enormous challenges facing rural communities, particularly in the aftermath of the recent financial crisis. However, I am also aware of the amazing potential within rural communities, both from the people and their place, to contribute to the recovery that is clearly now under way. I am determined that the systems established at national level and, particularly, at local level will ensure that rural communities will be fully supported in addressing challenges and achieving their potential.