Bobby Aylward (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
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528. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government if he will identify alternative funding initiatives to those iniatives under Pobal that award rural development grant funding to rurally-based small and medium enterprises, that is initiatives to regenerate new and existing tourist attractions and other similar projects; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39165/15]

Ann Phelan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Labour)
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The LEADER element of the Rural Development Programme 2014–2020 will provide €250 million in financial resources to support the development of sustainable rural communities. Under the new programme, funding will continue to be distributed by Local Action Groups to rural communities in line with the local development strategies that are currently being developed within each sub-regional area in Ireland.

In preparing local development strategies, Local Action Groups have been requested to focus on economic development, enterprise development and job creation and there is potential to fund rural based small and medium enterprises, initiatives to regenerate new and existing tourist attractions, and other similar type projects referred to by the Deputy. Of course, the ultimate decision as to the projects funded under the new programme will be made by individual Local Action Groups, consistent with the local development strategy developed for their area.

In relation to rural based small and medium enterprises and other rural regeneration activities, the Deputy will be aware that I recently announced funding of over €3.7 million as part of the Rural Economic Development Zones pilot scheme. I am confident that this funding, as well as the €30 million which the Government recently announced for the Town and Village Renewal Scheme, will benefit and support the development of rural communities across Ireland.

Regarding alternative funding initiatives to those managed by my own Department, the Deputy will be aware that the Government is providing a range of supports and funding for the type of initiatives he refers to. This includes a range of activities and initiatives funded through my colleagues the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation and the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport.