Written answers

Tuesday, 18 November 2008

Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs

Community Development

9:00 pm

Photo of Michael RingMichael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 87: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he is satisfied that investment made by his Department in the western region to encourage economic activity in local communities has been targeted effectively and has succeeded in delivering sustained growth to the region; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40838/08]

Photo of Éamon Ó CuívÉamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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My Department operates a range of initiatives, schemes and programmes that support the social and economic development of the western region and the growth of rural business and enterprise. Relevant schemes include the Rural Development Programme, the CLÁR programme, the Rural Social Scheme, the Enterprise Scheme for non-Gaeltacht offshore islands and the Community Services Programme and Rural Recreation Schemes.

The LEADER element of the Rural Development Programme (RDP) 2007–2013, includes particular measures in relation to rural enterprise development. The overall aim of the new LEADER Programme is to improve the quality of life in rural areas and promote the diversification of the rural economy, which I believe is key to achieving sustainable economic growth and stability in rural regions. The Deputy will be aware that I recently announced the outcome of the selection process for Local Action Groups to deliver the LEADER element of the RDP and I expect it to be open to applications from local project promoters shortly.

The funding available for the delivery of LEADER-type activities under the RDP will amount to €425.4 million — almost treble the €150 million available for the 2000-06 period. In relation to the Western Region, the Local Action Groups have between them secured more than €117.5m. This does not include additional allocations, which will benefit Gaeltacht and Island regions. The new programme will also complement the other rural development measures operated by my Department.

In addition to the schemes and programmes operated directly by my Department, the Deputy will also be aware that responsibility for the creation of employment in Gaeltacht areas rests with Údarás na Gaeltachta, a body that comes within the ambit of my Department. The work of this body includes the development of rural enterprises. Following continued investment over the past number of years, Údarás has maintained the overall employment base in the Galway and Mayo Gaeltacht region, with 3,711 people in full time employment and 1,577 in part time employment in client companies at the end of 2007. Information in relation to assistance provided by Údarás na Gaeltachta is published in that organisation's Annual Report and Accounts which, under sections 18 and 19 of the Údarás na Gaeltachta Act 1979, are laid annually before each of the Houses of the Oireachtas. Information is also available on its website at www.udaras.ie.

Finally, the Western Development Commission, another body that comes within the ambit of my Department, has responsibility for fostering and promoting economic and social development, including rural enterprise and job creation in the Western Region. Since its inception in 2000 up to the end of 2007, it has invested over €31m and helped to create or sustain 1,086 jobs in the Region. Further information in relation to the support provided by the WDC is published in that organisation's Annual Report and Accounts, which are also laid annually before each of the Houses of the Oireachtas. Information is also available on its website at www.wdc.ie.

Photo of Michael RingMichael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 88: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the timing and method of distribution of funding to groups approved for assistance under the recently announced Leader programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40837/08]

Photo of Éamon Ó CuívÉamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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The Deputy will be aware that I announced the results of the process for selecting Local Action Groups to deliver the LEADER elements of the Rural Development Programme and the respective funding allocations for the successful Groups on the 4th November last. I hope to be in a position to sign contracts with the Groups in the near future. However, contracts will only be signed with those Groups who are fully cohesed and who have completed the transfer of Rural Social Scheme participants from the old LEADER companies. Provision of funding to the newly selected Groups will be made in the context of finalisation of contracts.

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