Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

We appreciate the voluntary work that is done and the services provided in rural Ireland by voluntary groups. Without them, there would not be many of the services. The Deputy's question was general but he also focused on Newmarket-on-Fergus, which is fine.

There is no doubting the challenges faced by rural towns and villages, especially in the face of a changing retail environment and as people move away from town centre living. The Government is acutely aware of the need to support and revitalise towns and villages. This is a central objective of our investment in Project Ireland 2040 that is being backed up by an investment of €1 billion under the rural regeneration and development fund. It is worth highlighting the significant investment taking place in towns and villages and the many positive stories emerging throughout the country.

Since 2016, I have announced €68 million for more than 830 projects under the town and village renewal scheme, the sole purpose of which is the revitalisation of towns and villages. This year alone, I have announced funding of €15 million for 156 projects under the scheme, six of which are based in County Clare and will receive funding of more than €720,000. I have also approved funding of €86 million under the first call for proposals under the rural regeneration and development fund. Last month, I announced the successful projects from the second call, with 26 projects approved for funding of €62 million. In total, I have announced funding of €9.2 million from the rural regeneration and development fund for ten projects located in County Clare. This is a considerable investment in our towns and villages that will have benefits for decades. We are also focused on identifying policy solutions to the challenges facing our towns and villages. For example, my Department has supported a pilot scheme to encourage six rural towns and villages. Funding has been made available to each of the towns to assist in developing innovative proposals to encourage town centre living. It is envisaged that the lessons learned through the pilot scheme can help to inform the approach to supporting and investing in rural towns and villages in the future.

As for Newmarket-on-Fergus in particular, additional funds have been sought from my Department for a specific project that has significant potential for the community there. I have directly engaged with the group involved to explore the options available to it. The group is already in receipt of significant support through my Department, including grants of €500,000 from LEADER and €200,000 from the town and village renewal scheme. The group is also in receipt of €300,000 each year under the community services programme managed by my Department.

These are just some of the steps being taken by my Department and the Government. I assure the Deputy that I will continue to pursue all options available to me to support towns and villages throughout the country, including Newmarket-on-Fergus.

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