Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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222. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development the funding that will be made available to a tourist amenity (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24179/18]

Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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I have received a number of enquiries in recent months about the amenity referred to by the Deputy.  I previously indicated that the Donegal LEADER Local Action Group (LAG), through its Implementing Partner, was engaging with the community in the affected area with a view to identifying whether LEADER support might be of assistance to this facility. 

However, I understand that it has now been clarified that the beneficial owner of the facility in question is the Local Authority, which is a public body.  Public bodies are not eligible to apply for funding under the LEADER programme.  However, the Local Action Group, through its Implementing Partner, continues to be available to explore other options in respect of this and other amenities in the area. 

I will shortly be announcing the launch of the 2018 Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme which provides funding for the development of new outdoor recreational infrastructure or the necessary maintenance, enhancement or promotion of existing outdoor recreational infrastructure in Ireland.  The scheme will accept applications from Local Authorities, State bodies and Local Development Companies on a competitive bid basis.  I will be particularly welcoming collaborative approaches to initiatives under the scheme.  The relevant bodies in Co. Donegal may wish to examine the details of the scheme when it is launched to see if it has the potential to support the amenity - or parts of the amenity - in question.