Shane McEntee (Meath, Fine Gael)
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Question 83: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs his proposals for the rural social scheme; if he will increase the number of places available on this scheme in view of the significant demand for places; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7734/07]

Michael Finneran (Longford-Roscommon, Fianna Fail)
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Question 134: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the main works which have been carried out under the rural social scheme in County Roscommon to date; and the role he envisages the rural social scheme having in developing countryside recreation such as walking and cycling in County Roscommon in the future. [7600/07]

Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 83, 98 and 134 together.

Currently, there is provision for 2,600 participants and a further 130 supervisors on the Rural Social Scheme (RSS). While all of the available places have now been allocated, Implementing Bodies have been encouraged to form a waiting list of suitable eligible applicants, which can then be used to fill vacancies as and when they arise.

Since its introduction, the Scheme has become a key part of many rural communities and is very popular with both participants and local sponsors. While communities benefit from the skills and talents of local farmers and fisher persons, participants also have the opportunity to improve existing, or develop new skills and perform valuable work in their local communities. In this context, the Deputies should note that funding for the RSS for the period 2007-2013 is included in the National Development Plan which clearly confirms the Government's continued and on-going commitment to the Scheme in the coming years.

In relation to countryside recreation, the RSS provides the personnel and capital for projects relating to the maintenance and enhancement of way marked ways, agreed walks, bog roads etc. In general this work involves (i) erecting and maintaining walkway furniture such as fencing, footpaths, stiles, footbridges, drainage channels, signs, benches and facilities for disposal of litter etc; and (ii) carrying out path repair and upgrading.

In this context, an amount of €0.6m was made available to Fáilte Ireland under the RSS for the development of 40 looped walks in 2006. A further €1.5m will be available in 2007 for capital work under the Scheme and my Department will be writing to the Implementing Bodies very shortly advising them of funding available this year. I envisage that the RSS will continue to play a significant role in the development of countryside recreation into the future.

With regard to Co. Roscommon, the RSS in North, North East and North West Roscommon areas is implemented by Arigna Catchment Area Community Company Ltd and in Mid and South Roscommon by Mid South Roscommon Rural Development Company Ltd. The following are the types of works currently on-going in the county under the Scheme:

Maintenance and enhancement of way marked ways and agreed walks in the county and local villages;

Maintenance of local community centres, halls, community sports centres, football pitches and facilities, cemeteries, heritage centres, local monastic sites and parks;

Provision of clerical and technical support to local community and voluntary groups;

The administration of the Rural Information Bureau; and

Working with pre-school groups.

There are currently 5 groups working on waymarked ways and agreed walks in the county — three covering North / North East and North West Roscommon and two covering Mid and South Roscommon.

In Co. Mayo, the RSS is implemented by Comhar Iorrais Leader Teo, Comhdháil Oileáin na hÉireann, Meitheal Forbartha na Gaeltachta, South West Mayo Development Company Ltd, Údarás na Gaeltachta, Moy Valley Resources and IRD Kiltimagh. The following are the types of works currently on-going in that county under the Scheme:

Maintenance and enhancement of way marked ways and agreed walks in the county and local villages;

Maintenance of local community centres, churches, halls, school grounds, community sports centres, football pitches and facilities, tennis courts, river banks, woodland areas, piers and beaches;

Administration and secretarial duties for parishes, women's groups, community councils, community development offices, community radio;

Care of the elderly and needy in the community;

Provision of information in the Citizen Information Centre;

Working with play/toddler groups;

Graveyard mapping;

Provision of advice on Warmer Homes, insulation and draft proofing;

Croagh Patrick — Stewards for reek Sunday and maintenance of car park;

Lakeside enhancement; and

Refurbishing of monuments and museum exhibition.