Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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733. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of times he has met his officials regarding Project Ireland 2040 since its launch; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30544/18]

Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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I meet with my officials on a regular basis on important issues such as Project Ireland 2040. This includes in the run-up to the launch of the National Development Plan and National Planning Framework on 16 February 2018 and the subsequent preparations for the Cabinet discussion and adoption of the four Project Ireland 2040 funds on 29 May 2018. On this latter occasion, I discussed details of the Funds as they relate to the work of my Department. My most recent engagement with Department officials on this issue was on 20 June to discuss preparations for this Friday's event in Westport to mark Project Ireland 2040's contribution to the development of rural Ireland which I am co-hosting with Minister Ring.

Under Project Ireland 2040, the Government is committed to a  €116 billion plan to invest in our public infrastructure, take the entire country forward, balance rural and urban investment, and prepare us for future economic challenges and opportunities. I fully support the plan which will bring a renewed focus to the strengthening of rural communities and rural economies.