Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The feedback I received at each of these events was overwhelmingly positive. The rural opportunity roadshow and campaign was a cross-Government initiative led by my Department. It was designed to highlight the opportunities available for rural communities to access funding for projects in their areas through the range of programmes provided across Government. The events took place at rural venues in Thomastown, County Kilkenny; Granard, County Longford; Corofin, County Clare; Drimarone, County Donegal; and Castletownroche, County Cork. Representatives from community groups and stakeholders in rural areas were invited to the events and we had an excellent response, with over 120 attendees at each event.

At the events I shared the stage with representatives from communities and business in rural Ireland who successfully availed of Government supports for projects in their area. These case studies showed how the supports available have made a positive impact in rural Ireland in terms of community development, job creation and tourism and cultural development.  More important, they communicated to those in attendance how such supports could be secured and they hopefully inspired other communities and individuals to develop their own community, tourism or business projects.  In order to spread this message as widely as possible, my Department also created a video which showcased other successful projects funded by Government already delivering in rural Ireland.  This video has been pushed out on social media and has already been viewed over 630,000 times on Twitter.

After each event, officials from my Department, along with other Departments and State agencies, met with attendees.  They provided guidance and advice to those seeking information on the range of rural supports available. In that regard, the rural opportunity campaign complemented the helping hands workshops being rolled out by my Department and Pobal, with the help of local authorities and local development companies.  These workshops set out to assist less experienced community groups and organisations in accessing funding schemes and programmes.  The rural opportunity campaign, combined with the assistance provided by the helping hands workshops, will inspire and assist communities all across rural Ireland. With the aid of the supports available across Government, these communities can make their vision and ambition a reality.

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