Martin Heydon (Kildare South, Fine Gael)
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75. To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the position regarding the 2017 rural recreation programme; her views on the potential to develop new tourism amenities such as a location (details supplied) in County Kildare through this programme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27573/17]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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The 2017 Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme was launched on 28^thApril 2017 as part of the Government’s Action Plan for Rural Development. The scheme will provide funding for the development of new outdoor recreational infrastructure or the necessary maintenance, enhancement or promotion of existing outdoor recreational infrastructure in Ireland. Building on the 2016 Rural Recreation Scheme, the 2017 scheme has been enhanced and will provide funding of €11 million over a period of 15 months under the following measures:

Measure 1: Small Scale Maintenance/Promotion and Marketing

Measure 2: Medium Scale Repair/Upgrade and New Trail Development

Measure 3: Large Scale Repair/Upgrade and New Strategy Trail Development

The closing date for receipt of applications under Measures 1 and 2 was 31^stMay 2017 and the closing date for Measure 3 applications was 16^thJune 2017.

Projects such as the amenity mentioned by the Deputy would be eligible for funding under Measure 3. However, no application has been received in respect of the amenity in question under the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme on this occasion.

Nonetheless, I am aware that there are a number of towns and villages along the amenity that provide a range of services and facilities to visitors and I believe that continued development of the amenity will serve to support the economic development of the area as a whole.