Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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32. To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the extent to which she has identified the primary issues deemed to hinder rural development with particular reference to the need to maintain a viable rural population, thereby ensuring the future of schools, post offices and convenience shops; if she has set specific objectives to address the issues; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37377/16]

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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41. To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the extent to which she has identified deficiencies in various services throughout rural Ireland which appear to have contributed to rural decay; the steps she has put in place to address these issues in the short term with a view to ensuring that there is a distinct programme for rural recovery; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37378/16]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 32 and 41 together.

The Programme for a Partnership Governmentcontains a suite of commitments for delivery across Government relating to rural development. The measures detailed in the Programme include the provision of next-generation broadband, addressing the renewal of the post office network, supporting local jobseekers, and the provision of services in areas such as education, health and security. These services fall under the remit of a number of Government Departments and agencies.

I am currently finalising an Action Plan for Rural Development that will act as an overarching structure for the co-ordination and implementation of initiatives across Government which will benefit rural Ireland. In developing the Action Plan, my Department conducted a consultation process with stakeholders to identify issues that are impacting on rural Ireland and to seek inputs to the Plan. The implementation of the Action Plan will contribute significantly to the protection and enhancement of local services and social inclusion in rural areas.

I intend to publish the Action Plan in the coming weeks. In the meantime, I have already introduced a number of practical measures to support rural communities, including through the roll out of initiatives such as the Town and Village Renewal Scheme, the expansion of the REDZ initiative and the reintroduction of the CLÁR Programme. My Department is also working directly on proposals for the renewal of the post office network, as well as measures to facilitate the roll out of high speed broadband in rural areas once Government contracts are awarded next year under the National Broadband Plan.