Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy for raising this issue. The Deputy will be aware that, last week, the renewed National Development Plan 2021-2030 was launched. It is the largest NDP in the history of the State, amounting to €165 billion, with a focus on funding solutions to strengthen housing, climate ambitions, transport, healthcare, jobs growth in every region and economic renewal for the decade ahead.

While the plan is a whole-of-government approach, Chapter 8: Strengthened Rural Economies and Communities sets out details that will be delivered and administered by my Department. In March, I was delighted to launch Our Rural Future: Rural Development Policy 2021-2025. The NDP will support the achievement of the ambitious objectives set out in that policy.

The budget for my Department in 2021 is €351 million, a 50% increase in the gross budget since the first full year of the Department's life in 2018. Regarding capital funding, this budget includes €87 million for our rural regeneration and development programmes, €44 million for the LEADER programme and €16 million in other rural supports, all of which are vital to the economic and social well-being of rural Ireland.

Over the life of the NDP, my Department's capital allocation will grow from €169 million this year to €192 million next year, €196 million in 2023, €200 million in 2024 and €205 million in 2025, with subsequent years to be added on a rolling basis. While the exact allocations for programmes will be decided as part of the annual budgetary process, this level of funding will ensure increased investment levels for all of the Department's schemes, building on the strong success of these schemes in recent years.

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