Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I know Deputy Aylward does not want to hear this but my Department's funding allocation is increasing from €291 million in 2019 to €308 million in 2020. To date the rural regeneration scheme has provided €148 million, plenty of which went into Deputy Aylward's county, for 110 projects worth a total of €212 million. Almost 2,500 LEADER projects will have been approved by the end of 2019 and we expect 80% of the €164 million allocated for projects will be approved. The spend to date under the town and village renewal scheme is €11.2 million, while funding under CLÁR is €14.8 million. The community services programme has disbursed €49 million while €43 million has been spent under SICAP. A total of €4.5 million has been spent to date under the community enhancement programme. There was never as much money going into rural Ireland. This Department is working well and is delivering. I assure Deputy Aylward that rural Ireland is vibrant and alive, with great people working and living in our rural communities.

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