Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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167. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development the extent to which his Department can assist in the promotion of local historic sites or buildings heretofore undeveloped for education or tourism purposes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19295/18]

Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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My Department's Town and Village Renewal Scheme has, since 2016, provided funding in excess of €31 million to over 450 projects in rural towns and villages throughout the country. Funding under this scheme has been provided for tourism initiatives and works in and around historic sites in collaboration with the Heritage Council and other agencies.

Last week I announced a further round of funding under the scheme which will see up to an additional 200 towns and villages benefit from an allocation of €15 million over the next 15 to 18 months. Full particulars regarding the application process and scheme criteria have been provided to the Local Authorities who will administer the scheme.

In addition to the Town and Village Renewal Scheme, there are a number of other programmes within my Department's remit that may be able to provide assistance for the type of activity referred to by the Deputy.

The RAPID Programme provides capital grants to support groups which are tackling social exclusion and helps improve the quality of life for residents in disadvantaged urban areas.

The Communities Facilities Scheme targets disadvantaged urban and rural areas and aims to fund projects that seek to enhance communities, address disadvantage and improve social cohesion at a local level. The promotion of local undeveloped historic sites or buildings for education or tourism purposes may be considered for funding under these schemes.

Funding may also be available under my Department's LEADER Programme to support the type of activity referred by the Deputy. LEADER is a multi-annual EU co-funded programme to support rural development. Ireland has an allocation of €250 million under the programme over the period 2014-2020, including both national and EU funding. LEADER is delivered through Local Action Groups in 28 LEADER areas around the country.

In order for a project to be eligible for LEADER funding, it must be compatible with the actions outlined in the approved Local Development Strategy in the area concerned, and it must comply with the Operating Rules and EU Regulations in place for the programme. The decision to approve a project, or otherwise, is a matter for the Local Action Group in the relevant area.

Applications for funding can be made directly to the relevant Local Action Groups. Contact details for all Local Action Groups are available on my Department's website at www.drcd.gov.ie/rural/development/leader.