Tony McLoughlin (Sligo-Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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36. To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht her plans for the rural recreation scheme in 2017; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37153/16]

Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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The Rural Recreation Scheme provides funding for the development and maintenance of recreational infrastructure, which has a positive impact on attracting domestic and overseas visitors to these facilities right across the country.

In 2016, my Department provided funding to a variety of organisations who applied for funding for the development, enhancement, maintenance and promotion of recreational infrastructure projects. Funding of €7.5 million has been approved for a total of 120 projects under the 2016 scheme.

It is my intention to announce a further call for proposals under the Rural Recreation Scheme in 2017. I have secured an additional €8 million in funding for the National Rural Development Schemes under Budget 2017, to ensure that these schemes continue to have a positive impact on the economic, social and cultural development of rural Ireland. These schemes include the Rural Recreation Scheme and the CLÁR initiative and are part of the Government’s programme to support the rejuvenation of rural Ireland.