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

I thank Deputy Moynihan for raising this matter. The programme for Government places a strong emphasis on balanced regional development through a range of measures. My Department supports this commitment through targeted investment that supports rural regeneration, facilitates new working opportunities, and fosters regional enterprise growth.

In the 2022 Revised Estimates, my Department was allocated €378 million. This funding ensures that we are in a position to further assist communities seeking funding and other supports for important local activities and projects. The National Development Plan 2021-2030 also places a particular focus on priority solutions to strengthen housing, climate ambitions, transport, health care, and 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.

Our Rural Future is a whole-of-government rural development policy which sets out a range of measures to strengthen the resilience of our rural communities and economies, including addressing the impacts of the challenges experienced by people living and working in rural Ireland and maximising opportunities for rural areas.

The NDP will support the achievement of the ambitious objectives set out in that document. Over the life of the NDP, my Department will continue to invest in and support rural Ireland and communities across the country, supported through the various scheme such as the rural regeneration and development fund, the LEADER programme, the town and village renewal scheme, the outdoor recreation infrastructure scheme, the local improvement scheme, the CLÁR programme, the islands capital programme, the community enhancement programme, the libraries investment capital funding, the PEACE IV programme and the PEACEPLUS programme. Details of funding allocations under specific schemes provided by my Department are available online at www.gov.ie. All of the different funding we have allocated in the past is outlined there. People can make the necessary applications to the various schemes available to help them in their regions.

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