Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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456. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development the extent to which he has received applications in 2018 for assistance from various groups throughout the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38873/18]

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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458. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development the extent to which he expects to be in a position to offer grant aid to rural communities involved in various projects to enhance rural life; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38875/18]

Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 456 and 458 together.

My Department funds a range of programmes and schemes that provide financial assistance to eligible groups throughout the country. These schemes provide much needed funding, support and assistance to communities at local level.

These include the LEADER and CLÁR programmes; the recently launched Community Enhancement Programme, to which I announced the allocation of a further €8million in funding last week; the Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme (SICAP); the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme; the Town and Village Renewal Scheme; and the Community Services Programme.

All schemes delivered by my Department are open to applications from eligible parties during the relevant application timeframes set for each scheme/programme.

Full details of how to register or apply for financial assistance under these schemes can be obtained online [www.drcd.gov.ie], together with more detailed information on all various funding programmes and schemes administered through my Department.