Ann Phelan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Labour)
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The LEADER elements of the Rural Development Programme 2014–2020 will provide €250 million in financial resources to support the development of sustainable rural communities. Under the programme, funding will be distributed by Local Action Groups to rural communities in line with the local development strategies developed within each sub-regional area in Ireland. The broadband sub-theme of the Rural Development Programme supports local actions that complement national initiatives aimed at developing a comprehensive rural broadband infrastructure only.

In addition to this, my Department has introduced a number of measures to support rural Ireland, including the Rural Economic Development Zone (REDZ)pilot scheme and the new Town and Village Enhancement scheme which is due to be rolled out in the near future. It will see an investment package of €30 million to support the revitalisation of towns and villages with a view to improving the living and working environment in communities and enhancing their potential to support increased economic activity into the future.

The scheme will be multi-annual in nature andit is proposed to allocate €5m to the scheme each year from 2016 to 2021. It will be delivered by Local Authorities in conjunction with local communities as part of a concerted effort to support the development of rural towns and villages.

It should be noted that the LEADER broadband sub-theme, the REDZ’s pilot and the new Town and Village Enhancement scheme are not intended to subsidise internet usage charges or to cover broadband infrastructure, which is covered under the National Broadband Plan.