Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 133: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the number of community based projects which received support from his Department in each of the past five years; the extent to which this is expected to alter in 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9255/09]

Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

It has not been possible within the time available to compile the information sought. I am arranging for this work to be compiled and the material provided directly to the Deputy as a matter of priority.

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 134: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs his proposals to increase support to community based groups involved in alleviating the social impact of the economic downturn in both urban and rural communities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9256/09]

Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Against the background of the current economic reality and of the pressure on the public finances, my priority is to make every effort that front-line services provided through my Department, especially those focused on the needs of the most socially deprived communities, are prioritised. With regard to alleviating the social impact of the economic downturn in both urban and rural communities, my Department has a range of programmes, schemes and measures supportive of the rural economy, tackling unemployment among the disadvantaged and enterprise development.

As the Deputy will be aware, the new Rural Development Programme (RDP) 2007-2013 includes particular measures in relation to rural enterprise development and the diversification of the rural economy. Funding under the LEADER elements of the RDP for the period 2007-2013 will amount to €425.4 million — almost treble the €150 million available for LEADER activities for the 2000-06 period. The measures under the RDP are expected to result in over 12,000 new jobs during the lifetime of the programme.

Rural recreation, rural tourism and marine leisure offer opportunities for attracting more visitors to Ireland's regions and thus positive impacts for local economies including employment. This Department promotes the countryside as a recreational resource and has introduced a number of initiatives to boost walking tourism, including the appointment of walk managers and the establishment of a countryside forum, Comhairle na Tuaithe. In 2007, Fáilte Ireland estimated that 511,000 overseas visitors participated in walking activities in Ireland, who spent some €339 million in total.

The Services for the Unemployed Measure of the Local Development Social Inclusion Programme (LDSIP) specifically supports individuals into employment and self-employment through education, training, work experience, job placement, enterprise and the social economy. During 2008 27807 adults were supported under the services for the unemployed measure. As the Deputy will be aware, the Community Services Programme provides employment opportunities for people from disadvantaged groups, including people with disabilities, long-term unemployed, travellers, lone parents and rehabilitated drug misusers. Nearly 2,400 people are employed in the 372 Projects currently approved for funding. By the end of 2009, I estimate that more than 2,600 people will be engaged by CSP supported projects.

The Rural Social Scheme currently provides employment for some 2,700 persons, mainly low and medium income farmers and fishermen. The work undertaken on the Scheme benefits communities and can help generate economic renewal at a local level and alleviate the social impact of the economic downturn. In addition to the above, I would draw the Deputy's attention to the work of Údarás na Gaeltachta. Údarás na Gaeltachta are working to reverse the downward employment trend in the Gaeltacht (with a target of 800 new jobs annually) and effect the transition from a declining manufacturing sector to employment in services, including Irish-language centred employment. The organisation also provides supports for community based projects in the areas of language development, child care, youth services and rural development.