Thomas Pringle (Donegal South West, Independent)
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586. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government the progress he has made in implementing the recommendations of the Commission for the Economic Development of Rural Areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42829/15]

Ann Phelan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Labour)
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The Commission for the Economic Development of Rural Areas (CEDRA) identified the need to take a more tailored approach to planning at both a regional and local level and recognised that this approach should not be restricted by current administrative boundaries.

Minister Kelly and I are fully committed to supporting the development of rural Ireland and, in this regard, we are also committed to advancing the implementation of the CEDRA Report recommendations. To facilitate this, I established the CEDRA Interdepartmental Group (IDG), comprising senior representatives of all relevant Government Departments. The IDG is currently working in a coordinated way to ensure that each Department’s policy development and implementation fully considers the needs of rural communities. In this context, the focus is on maximising the financial resources already available for rural development and ensuring that these resources are directed in a way that best supports the sustainable economic development of rural areas.

In order to maintain strong links with people in rural Ireland who are involved in or have a strong interest in the economic development of rural areas and communities, both Minister Kelly and I have also established an Expert Advisory Group to monitor progress and provide advice in respect of the implementation of the recommendations in the CEDRA report.

In addition, work is at an advanced stage on the preparation of a Charter for Rural Ireland, which will establish frameworks and practices to support the rejuvenation of the rural economy.

In line with the recommendations of the CEDRA report, I recently announced a Rural Economic Development Zone (REDZ) pilot scheme and I have made an amount of €3.8 million available to support the implementation of this pilot, which consists of 51 projects. This pilot scheme will complement the LEADER element of the Rural Development Programme 2014-2020, which will provide €250 million in financial resources to support the development of sustainable rural communities over the coming period.

The Deputy will also be aware that in line with the objectives of the CEDRA report, I also recently announced an additional €30 million investment package for rural Ireland, which will be rolled out over the coming months. This funding will support the revitalisation of towns and villages with a view to improving the living and working environment in these communities and enhancing their potential to support increased economic activity into the future.