Written answers

Thursday, 8 November 2018

Department of Rural and Community Development

Rural Development Policy

Photo of Martin KennyMartin Kenny (Sligo-Leitrim, Sinn Fein)
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2. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development his views on whether adequate provisions have been made to protect rural Ireland from further decline in view of budget 2019; if budget 2019 was rural proofed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46356/18]

Photo of Michael RingMichael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Rural Ireland makes a huge contribution to our national identity, our society and our economy and it will continue to play an important role in our national development.  That is why support for rural development and rural communities was prioritised in Budget 2019.

The budget greatly increased the funding allocation for my Department, from €231 million in 2018 to €293 million in 2019. This represents an increase of 27% in the overall level of funding and clearly demonstrates the commitment of Government to supporting rural and community development throughout Ireland.

The level of funding provided will allow me to continue support for successful programmes such as town and village renewal, CLAR, the LEADER programme and the walks programme.

The large increase in capital allocations will also allow me to provide €55 million in capital funding to progress the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund in 2019, which was announced as part of Project Ireland 2040.  

The Rural Regeneration and Development Fund will support rural economic development and help build strong rural communities. It provides an unprecedented opportunity to revitalise rural Ireland. Applications for funding closed at the end of September and there has been very strong interest with 290 applications received. I expect to be in a position to make an initial announcement in relation to successful applications later this month.

The economic and social development of rural Ireland was a priority for Government in developing the Budget. My own Department saw one of the biggest percentage increases of any Department in its 2019 budget.  As a result the outcome is very positive for rural Ireland.

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