Fiona O'Loughlin (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

626. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development if, in the context of the allocation of funding throughout 2019, he expects to further improve conditions in both urban and rural settings throughout the country, with particular reference to concerns expressed in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50182/18]

Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I refer the Deputy to the reply to her parliamentary question 2018, in which I outlined the key objectives of my Department in relation to improving the quality of life in urban and rural communities and the main policy and programme supports currently being delivered by my Department.

In relation to next year’s funding allocations, Budget 2019 has provided a 51% increase in Capital funding, and an 11% increase in Current funding, resulting in a total gross allocation of €293million for the Department. This is a 27 per cent (€62 million) increase on 2018 and reflects the scale of the Government's ambition and policy commitments to continue to support a diverse range of initiatives aimed at strengthening rural economies and communities.

Budget 2019 sees the beginning of the process of investment under the €1 billion Rural Regeneration and Development Fund (RRDF). This provides unprecedented opportunities to support the revitalisation of rural Ireland. Importantly, the first projects to be supported under the Fund will begin in 2019 and an allocation of €55 million has been made available for this purpose. I announced the first round of category 1 RRDF funding allocations on 23 November 2018 and will make further announcements early in 2019.

Additional funding of €3.3million was secured for Library Development, bringing the total to €7.2million for 2019, while funding for the Walks Programme will double to €4million. An extra €2.4million of supports will be provided for measures under the Dormant Accounts Action Plan.

I also welcome the increased funding provided for communities in the West and in border areas through the Western Development Commission and the PEACE Programme respectively.

The Revised Estimates will be published in December and will set out the definitive allocations for the coming year.

I am very pleased that increased investment to support rural and community development throughout this country is at the heart of the Government’s plans in 2019. The significant increase in funding outlined in the Budget reflects the commitment to advancing economic and social progress in rural Ireland and to the development of vibrant and sustainable communities across Ireland.