Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 868: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the progress made on the programme for Government proposal to double funding for the CLÁR programme to enable rural infrastructure deficits to be tackled; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47842/08]

Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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My Department's recent progress report in relation to the Programme for Government can be accessed on the Department of the Taoiseach's website at http://193.178.1.117/attached

In relation to the specific commitment referred to by the Deputy, the position is that due to the current challenging economic climate, I am not in a position to make progress in relation to it at this time. The Deputy will, of course, be aware that the Programme for Government, which is operational until 2012, has a further three years to run and the matter will remain under review.

In overall terms, I am satisfied that significant investment in rural development will continue within the ambit of my Department. This will include the provision of significant funding in 2009 in relation to CLÁR, the development of Rural Recreation and the Rural Social Scheme. In addition, the LEADER elements of the new Rural Development Programme will invest €425m in rural areas and the rural economy over the lifetime of the Programme. This should leverage some €600m in other investment, leading to a €1 billion package of investment for rural development over the coming years. Significant measures under the Programme will also help rural tourism. Conservation and upgrade of the rural heritage, as well as village renewal and development.

Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 869: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the progress made on the programme for Government proposal to establish community and development agencies as a one stop shop for advice on grant supports, business opportunities, training and development, as well as to manage grant spending under the new EU fund for rural development; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47843/08]

Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 883: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the progress made on the programme for Government proposal to ensure that islands through Comhdháil Oileán na hÉireann will have their own dedicated LEADER partnership company; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47865/08]

Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 869 and 883 together.

We have made major progress in respect of both of the matters raised by the Deputy. We now have local development companies covering all parts of the country through which communities and individuals can more readily access services, including, where appropriate, rural development services, and funding. The relevant body for the islands, Comhar na nOileáin Teoranta, was incorporated on 8 November 2007 and is operational.

Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 870: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the progress made on the programme for Government proposal to conduct an enterprise audit to review the use of existing and redundant agricultural buildings and manufacturing plants in rural areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47844/08]

Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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I understand that arrangements for an enterprise audit to review the use of existing and redundant agricultural buildings and manufacturing plants in rural areas are currently being made. The Departments of Enterprise, Trade and Employment and Agriculture, Fisheries and Food are the Departments with the main responsibility in this area and my Department will co-ordinate appropriately with them in this matter.