Written answers

Tuesday, 14 February 2017

Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht

Rural Development Plan

Photo of Bobby AylwardBobby Aylward (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
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333. To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if the approved local action groups delivering Leader will be requested to take a role in delivering some of the actions outlined in the action plan for rural development that complement Leader to ensure efficiency and avoid wasteful duplication, in view of the fact that the plan includes explicit references to the EU co-funded Leader programme 2014-2020 and the plan mirrors much of the national framework for the current Leader programme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7147/17]

Photo of Heather HumphreysHeather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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The Government's Action Plan for Rural Development which was launched on 23 January will act as an overarching structure for the co-ordination and implementation of initiatives across Government which will benefit rural Ireland. The Plan has a much broader remit than the LEADER programme and contains over 270 actions to be delivered by a range of Government Departments, State agencies and other bodies to support the economic and social development of rural areas.

The LEADER programme 2014-2020 is currently being delivered by 28 Local Action Groups (LAGs) throughout the country. The Action Plan for Rural Development acknowledges that these LAGs have a vital role to play in the development and revitalisation of rural Ireland through the delivery of the LEADER programme.

There are also a number of other actions in the Plan which will be implemented by organisations that deliver LEADER as part of the LAGs. These include, for example, actions relating to the Rural Recreational Scheme, the Town and Village Renewal Scheme, and the CLÁR programme.

One of the Government’s key objectives is to ensure a more coordinated approach to the economic and social development of rural Ireland. The Action Plan for Rural Development provides the framework for this improved coordination. My Department will be working closely with the relevant Departments, agencies and other providers over the coming months to achieve improved coordination and cooperation through the delivery of the Plan.

Photo of Éamon Ó CuívÉamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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334. To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the process that will be followed to examine the potential to promote rural areas of Ireland as the destination of choice for US colleges that wish to avail of a rural-based learning or study-abroad experience, as promised in the action plan for rural development; the lead Department in progressing this proposal; the examination that has taken place to date of possible sources of State funding for such projects; the timeframe envisaged to bring this examination to a conclusion; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7171/17]

Photo of Heather HumphreysHeather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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Action 165 of Realising our Rural Potential, the Government's Action Plan for Rural Development, sets out a commitment to examine the potential to promote rural Ireland as the destination of choice for US colleges wishing to avail of a rural based learning or study abroad experience.

The action in question was initiated by Connemara West plc, a community development company based in Letterfrack. It will be a matter for that organisation, rather than a Government Department, to examine the potential of the proposal, including any funding implications. In providing their input to the Action Plan for Rural Development, Connemara West plc indicated that this particular initiative will be progressed on an ongoing basis.

In accordance with the monitoring mechanisms set out in the Action Plan, my Department will be requesting regular reports from Connemara West plc in relation to progress on the implementation of this action.

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