Jim Daly (Cork South West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I am responding on behalf of the Minister for Rural and Community Development who cannot be present due to other commitments.

I acknowledge the devastation caused by the floods in County Donegal at the end of August, particularly the damage to Swan Park and Glenevin Waterfall. I understand the Department of Rural and Community Development supported the development of Swan Park in 2015 through the pilot scheme for rural economic development zones. We were all shocked at the extent of the damage to roads, bridges and property caused by the flooding in County Donegal in such a short period. In response to these events, the Government immediately activated its humanitarian assistance scheme to assist people whose homes were damaged by flooding and who were not in a position to meet the costs relating to essential needs, household items and, in some instances, structural repairs. I understand that temporary emergency support was provided for small businesses, community groups and sports clubs. The Senator has acknowledged the Government's response in these areas. I appreciate his concern about the amenities at Swan Park and Glenevin Waterfall.

I am advised that, unfortunately, the Department of Rural and Community Development schemes which might have been of relevance closed for applications earlier in the year. The closing date for county-based initiatives under the outdoor recreational infrastructure scheme was the end of May and applications under the town and village renewal scheme closed at the end of June. Funding for 2017 under these schemes has been committed at this stage. The Minister previously suggested in response to a parliamentary question that the Leader local action group in County Donegal could engage with the local community with a view to identifying whether Leader support could assist these projects. Senator Mac Lochlainn has said he is not satisfied that Leader support is sufficient. I suggest that if funding were available under Leader, it might help to leverage other sources of funding from the private or public sectors. The approval of projects under the Leader programme is ultimately a matter for local action groups. I encourage a further exploration with the local action group in County Donegal regarding the options available to support the repair of the amenities at Swan Park and Glenevin Waterfall.