Dáil debates

Thursday, 14 June 2018

Other Questions

Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme

11:20 am

Photo of John CurranJohn Curran (Dublin Mid West, Fianna Fail)
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8. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development the number of applications for the 2016 and 2017 outdoor recreation infrastructure scheme, the criteria used in project selection and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25900/18]

Photo of John CurranJohn Curran (Dublin Mid West, Fianna Fail)
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The Minister recently announced funding for the outdoor recreation infrastructure scheme, which has been up and running for the past couple of years. Can he give an indication of the types of projects that have been funded to date and, specifically, in the context of the current scheme, as advertised? What will be the selection criteria for the projects that fit into that scheme?

Photo of Michael RingMichael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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The outdoor recreation infrastructure scheme provides funding for the development of new outdoor recreational infrastructure and for the maintenance, enhancement or promotion of existing outdoor recreational infrastructure. The scheme facilitates the development of numerous greenways, blueways, walks and other trails across the country.

In 2016, 117 projects throughout Ireland were selected for funding of €7.4 million from a total of 221 expressions of interest received from local authorities, local development companies and State agencies during 2015. Under the 2017 scheme, 251 projects were approved for funding of €13.6 million from a total of 376 applications which were received by my Department from local authorities and State agencies.

The applications under both the 2016 and 2017 schemes were assessed under the following general headings: the collaborative nature of the application; the element of match funding available; the provision of detailed costings of all elements of the project; and the amount of added recreational value that the project would bring to the community, the region or nationally.

I launched the 2018 outdoor recreation infrastructure scheme on 1 June last, with an allocation of €12 million to continue to support important local, regional and national rural recreation projects this year and into 2019. Details of all projects funded under the outdoor recreation infrastructure scheme in 2016 and 2017 and the scheme outline for 2018 can be found on the rural recreation pages of my Department's website.

Photo of John CurranJohn Curran (Dublin Mid West, Fianna Fail)
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This is a very good scheme of which I am very supportive. I tabled this question because I had some slight concerns following the Minister's announcement. I am very conscious of the fact that he represents rural Ireland so well. When he launched this scheme, it was noticeable that he spoke about improving recreational facilities significantly to enhance the quality of life of people who live close to the projects and to support sustainable economic development in rural areas. He went on to say that increasing tourism is a key pillar of the action plan for rural redevelopment. My concern is to ensure that these projects would not all be rurally based. There is a very significant need for these projects in urban areas to enhance tourism but also for people's well-being in terms of healthy lifestyles. In respect of the Minister's emphasis on rural Ireland, which I understand because there is nobody better than the Minister when it comes to looking after rural Ireland, it should not be the case that people in Dublin and other urban areas do not have facilities such as the Great Western Greenway in the Minister's county. I want an assurance from the Minister that while he referred to rural Ireland in his press release, urban areas will be treated equally in the context of this grant.

Photo of Michael RingMichael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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The outdoor recreation infrastructure scheme is the name of the scheme. It is an all-Ireland scheme. It is for everybody - town, village, rural area or city. On this occasion I am looking at allowing Leader companies come in with regard to the smaller schemes. I will leave the two bigger schemes to the local authorities. The Deputy is quite correct. These have been a tremendous success. They have added value, particularly to the tourism product throughout the country. I have visited towns and villages - cities not so much - in respect of the scheme but it does not matter whether an application worthy of support relates to Dublin, Mayo, Cork or Kerry. I know we gave major funding. I will ask the Department to let the Deputy know whether we have funded anything in the Dublin area. I cannot remember off the top of my head but I know we made a major investment of €1 million into walks in and around Cork city.

Photo of John CurranJohn Curran (Dublin Mid West, Fianna Fail)
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I have to bring the Minister to some of the urban areas. Last year, South Dublin County Council ran what one might describe as a participatory budget competition whereby the local communities were able to promote ideas and vote on them. One of the issues they voted on and where they recommended that money be spent involved the restoration of what is called the Silver Bridge. It is also known as Guinness Bridge or Farmleigh Bridge. It crosses the Liffey from Waterstown Park in Palmerstown to Farmleigh. It joins the two parks - Phoenix Park and Waterstown Park. It has huge potential. The funding that is available for that involves a feasibility study relating to restoring the bridge, connecting the two parks and developing a greenway and facility along the Liffey. I would hope that projects like that would be considered in terms of this scheme. While it is right in the heart of Dublin, it addresses the issue of tourism and the greater issue of healthy living and exercise. I hope projects like that would be considered in the same way as rural projects.

Photo of Michael RingMichael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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When I was in the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport, there were some schemes there, particularly for cities and bigger towns. I want to make it clear to the Deputy that the outdoor recreation infrastructure scheme opened on 1 June, the closing date is 27 July and it is open to everybody. Every application will be considered on its merits. I will set out the guidelines. It is a three-phase scheme. Measure 1 is for small-scale small maintenance or promotion of existing infrastructure where the maximum grant payable is €20,000. Measure 2 involves medium-scale repair or upgrade and new trail development where maximum amount payable is up to €200,000. Measure 3 involves larger-scale repair or upgrade and new strategy trails and development where the maximum amount payable is €500,000. I am talking to some State agencies at the moment to see whether they will come and support me with further funding but this funding is there. This is funding from my Department. I will talk to the State agencies to see whether they might top up some of these schemes. Local authorities can make ten applications for smaller schemes, four for medium schemes and one for a big scheme so they must prioritise the scheme or schemes they want - one large scheme, four medium schemes or ten smaller schemes. If a project is worthy of support and the application meets the criteria set out by the Department, it will be considered regardless of whether it involves a rural or urban area.