Alan Dillon (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister, Deputy Humphreys, and the Minister of State, Deputy Joe O'Brien, for facilitating this debate on rural and community development. Revitalising our communities will be more important than ever in the months ahead, and I am delighted to have the opportunity to raise some important issues in this regard.

First, I welcome the appointment of the new board to the Western Development Commission last week. The commission does excellent work in economic and social development in the western region. I wish the incoming board every success in progressing its objectives. I was particularly impressed by its "More to Life" campaign in recent months, which highlighted the benefits of living in the west of Ireland, including the high quality of life and the lower costs of living compared to other parts of the country. Part of the campaign included some incredibly emotive videos demonstrating the best the west of Ireland has to offer and how it excels as a place in which to live and work. At a more strategic level, it is important that the commission is fully supported in progressing the vital Atlantic economic corridor initiative. It might also be useful to consider an expansion of the DigiWest Hub Project to provide local work spaces with high-speed telecommunications. The courthouse in Swinford is one project in receipt of funding for development as a hub. It might be useful to provide an update on the project and whether it can seek further funding.

With €341 million allocated in budget 2021 to community and rural development, it is clear that the Government is serious about its commitment to rural towns, villages and communities. In terms of local community development committees in Mayo, there are a number of implementing partners such as the South West Mayo Development Company located in Newport and Balla and the Mayo North East Partnership Company in Foxford. There is also the work by Moy Valley Resources IRD in Kiltimagh. I raised this issue with the Minister recently during Oral Questions, and I welcome her commitment to ensuring there is a transitional LEADER programme when the current 2014 to 2020 programme concludes. It is important to recognise her work today, while we ensure continued funding in the years ahead.

Another Member of the House invited the Minister, Deputy Humphreys, to Ballina to meet her departmental officials who are based there and administer the programme. I, too, extend the same invitation when it is practical to do so, and invite her to visit Castlebar and other areas of the constituency where funding from her Department is being put to good use.

One example I wish to highlight, as construction of the extension nears conclusion, is the Castlebar voluntary social services. It was a recent recipient of more than €41,000 in Covid stability funding and has been doing phenomenal work in recent months, especially on the meals on wheels programme. Once completed, its new and improved facility will be state of the art. The then Minister for Health, Deputy Harris, visited the service in 2016. I hope a Minister can visit the new building once it is complete to see the results of what I consider to be a regional centre of excellence and a leader in this area.

I also wish to raise the issue of the 2020 town and village renewal scheme and the accelerated measures in response to Covid-19. It is welcome that local authorities can seek up to 90% grant aid on projected costs up to a maximum level of €25,000 per project, with the possibility to increase that to €40,000 per funding round for high-impact projects. This has enormous potential to deliver public funding to the real economy in communities where even some basic works to widen footpaths or erect new street lighting can make an incredible difference to local residents. I note that at least 15 projects in Mayo have benefited so far this year, with funding of more than €460,000 under these supports. I hope to see many more such projects, as the funding also benefits smaller communities with projects, for example, in Killala, Crossboyne, Knockmore, Lahardane, Bofeenaun, Islandeady and Parke, as well as tranches of funding for large communities and towns.

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