Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The Department implements a suite of measures aimed at providing direct financial support for the sustainable development of rural areas. These programmes were highlighted in the Action Plan for Rural Development, which focused on supporting sustainable communities, enterprises, employment and creativity while maximising our rural tourism and recreation potential and improving rural infrastructure in communities.

The national rural development programme measures include the town and village renewal scheme, the CLÁR programme, the outdoor recreation infrastructure scheme and the local improvement scheme. The objective of the town and village renewal scheme is to encourage projects that have a sustainable and visible impact on the town or village and its environs and which can demonstrate significant job creation potential. The 2017 CLÁR programme provides support across four measures, including support for schools and commercial safety measures, play areas, targeted community infrastructure and the first responder scheme. The outdoor recreation infrastructure scheme provides funding for the development of new outdoor recreation infrastructure or the necessary maintenance, enhancement or promotion of existing outdoor recreation infrastructure in Ireland. The scheme was implemented in 2016 and 2017.

It has facilitated the development of numerous greenways, blueways, walks and other trails throughout the country. The LIS has provided supports for improvement works on private and non-public roads. There is underlying demand for further LIS funding. No dedicated funding stream has been available for such works for several years.

To date, submissions in respect of the schemes outlined have not been sought for 2018 because the criteria for this year are being reviewed. The Deputy should note that I recently wrote to all local authorities advising them of an initial schedule of scheme launch dates for the LIS, the CLÁR programme, the town and village renewal scheme and the rural recreation scheme. Submissions will be sought from the relevant bodies as the schemes are launched. It is intended that these schemes will continue to support important local, regional and national projects in 2018 and beyond.

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