Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Supporting rural development is a key priority for this Government. The programme for a partnership Government contains a series of commitments for delivery across a range of Departments and State agencies to revitalise rural Ireland and ensure that the benefits of economic recovery are felt in all regions. The action plan for rural development will act as an overarching structure for the co-ordination and implementation of initiatives across Government that will benefit rural Ireland and help to generate increased economic activity in rural areas.

Progress is now well under way on the development of the action plan. In September, I wrote to my Cabinet colleagues seeking inputs to the plan. I took the opportunity to brief Members on 29 September on the approach being taken in the development of the action plan and I invited Members to offer practical suggestions for measures that could support economic and social development in rural Ireland. I also invited the Oireachtas Committee on Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs to provide an input to the development of the plan.

Over the last few weeks, my Department conducted an extensive consultation process through a series of workshops around the country, to seek the views of people living and working in rural Ireland on potential measures for inclusion in the action plan. My Department has also held a series of bilateral meetings with key stakeholder groups. My officials are currently working through the many suggestions received arising from the consultation process and my objective is to publish the action plan for rural development before the end of the year.

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