Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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683. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development the number of meetings held of Comhairle na Tuaithe since his Department was set up; the dates of the meetings; the progress made in developing rural and countryside recreation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31927/18]

Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy is aware, my Department was established on 27th July 2017. Since then, I met with the members of Comhairle na Tuaithe on 13th February last, and Comhairle met on two further occasions, on 16th May 2018 and 5th July 2018.

My meeting with Comhairle on 13th February was to hear directly from the members their views on the recommendations of the independent review of Comhairle and the Countryside Recreation Strategy which was finalised in March 2016.  I also head the members' views on the future direction of Comhairle and on the development of the outdoor recreation sector in Ireland generally. That meeting was very constructive in helping me to formulate proposals for the future development of the sector.

My officials presented initial proposals to the Comhairle members at the meeting of 16th May and, through my officials, I received detailed feedback from the members on those proposals. I am currently considering that feedback in the context of a wider focus on the development of the rural recreation sector.  I will make a final decision regarding the future operation of Comhairle na Tuaithe shortly.