Pat Carey (Dublin North West, Fianna Fail)

The rural development programme will be delivered very much at local level. It is there and significant funding is assigned to it. For example, €16.66 million has been assigned for diversification into non-agricultural activities for farm families. A total of €48.26 million has been assigned to support business creation and development, while €45.4 million has been assigned to encourage tourism activities. Over €49 million has been assigned for basic services for the economy and rural population, €54.2 million has been assigned for village renewal and development, €51.7 million has been assigned for conservation and upgrading of the rural heritage, €29.45 million has been assigned for training and information on adapted and new skills, nearly €11 million has been assigned for implementing co-operation projects and €34.63 million has been assigned for skills acquisition and animation.

Through the local structures, which we are very close to seeing put in place, it will take very little time before we see a roll-out of very significant and interesting projects. Last week, I had an opportunity in Donegal, Galway, Mayo and Clare to look at some really interesting projects that have added hugely to what Deputy Wall describes as the vibrant rural communities. I am extremely hopeful and have a high level of expectation that we will see a considerable amount of high-quality development in the very near future once the programme begins to be rolled out.

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