Peter Burke (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael)
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11. To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the status of the action plan for rural development and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31139/16]

Peter Burke (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael)
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I welcome the announcement in A Programme for a Partnership Government of a new Department with the Minister at the helm that will have a renewed focus on making rural Ireland more sustainable. It is very important to mirror the action plan for jobs and have a number of key targets set out clearly with clear timelines for implementation. I would be grateful if the Minister could provide an update in respect of the action plan for rural development.

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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Supporting rural development is a key priority for this Government. The programme for a partnership Government contains a series of commitments for delivery across a range of Departments and State agencies to revitalise rural Ireland and ensure that the benefits of economic recovery are felt in all regions. The action plan for rural development will act as an overarching structure for the co-ordination and implementation of initiatives across Government that will benefit rural Ireland and help to generate increased economic activity in rural areas.

Progress is now well under way on the development of the action plan. In September, I wrote to my Cabinet colleagues seeking inputs to the plan. I took the opportunity to brief Members on 29 September on the approach being taken in the development of the action plan and I invited Members to offer practical suggestions for measures that could support economic and social development in rural Ireland. I also invited the Oireachtas Committee on Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs to provide an input to the development of the plan.

Over the last few weeks, my Department conducted an extensive consultation process through a series of workshops around the country, to seek the views of people living and working in rural Ireland on potential measures for inclusion in the action plan. My Department has also held a series of bilateral meetings with key stakeholder groups. My officials are currently working through the many suggestions received arising from the consultation process and my objective is to publish the action plan for rural development before the end of the year.

Peter Burke (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael)
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I would be grateful if the Minister would set out how much funding will be available for the action plan for rural development. I note that there has been significant investment in greenways and sustainable projects in my constituency of Longford-Westmeath. The Minister of State, Deputy Ring, will be aware of our sports capital grants. It is very important that we continue this but in a more co-ordinated fashion through sustainable targets and that we ensure these targets are met. Significant work has been done to provide a road map to an exceptional town in Westmeath called Moate. This town has faced significant challenges because the further west you go, the greater the challenges. It set up its own group and developed a number of sustainable projects within the town. It is very important for the Government to meet people like this. It would be very worthwhile to see that. I would be grateful if the Minister could advise on the budget for it.

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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Funding for rural development programmes within my Department's Estimate for 2017 will amount to €79.27 million. This represents an increase of €18 million or 29% compared to the 2016 baseline of €61.2 million. This will allow for increased activity on key rural development schemes administered by the Department and will also complement the broader work of the Department, much of which has a positive impact on rural Ireland. For example, we have trebled the funding for the town and village regeneration scheme. The figure for 2017 is €12 million. We have secured an additional €8 million for the rural development scheme, including €5 million for the recently re-opened Clár programme. There will be €40 million for the delivery of the Leader rural development programme. I have increased the funding for the preparation for the roll out of broadband across rural Ireland and I should also mention the increase in funding for the Heritage Council which will benefit communities in rural Ireland. Some schemes are running at the moment, including the town and village regeneration scheme. Applications are being examined. There is a total of €10 million in that scheme. Applications to the €5 million rural economic development zone programme will close at the end of this month. A total of €4.5 million has been provided in rural recreation funding.

Peter Burke (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael)
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I welcome the response. I think we are approaching this in the correct manner in having an action plan. Finea in County Westmeath has faced huge challenges. The huge Mr. Crumb factory is located there and cannot get sufficient broadband, which is a huge challenge for it. We need to do the things we spoke about such as a co-ordinated plan to ensure we encourage sustainable employment in the region and in turn revitalise the region. It is very important that we continue on that path. I also welcome the town and village regeneration scheme which tries to promote good sustainable projects. We went through a very tough time but the Minister is co-ordinating it well and I encourage her to keep going on this path. Hopefully, we can learn the lessons of the past and ensure that we have renewed investment in rural Ireland.

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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This action plan for rural development is about joined-up thinking at a higher level and getting Departments to "rural proof" their policies and positively discriminate in favour of rural Ireland.

I have said this on a number of occasions and they will have to focus on rural Ireland. The Deputy mentioned the village of Moate, and I will be happy to visit. It is great to see communities coming together and coming up with their own ideas. The town and village enhancement scheme allows communities to develop local solutions for local issues.

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Unfortunately, the time has elapsed. The clocks were not functioning for much of the debate due to an electronic error. It was no fault of the Deputies or Ministers.

Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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Beaten by the bell. I will get the written answer.