Tony McLoughlin (Sligo-Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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206. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development the feedback he is receiving from the community and voluntary sector during the recent roadshow; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15551/19]

Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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My Department is currently running a series of Rural Opportunity briefings which seek to highlight the opportunities available to those in rural communities through the funding programmes provided across Government and to showcase some of the best examples of how funding has been used in order to inspire individuals and communities to take their own ideas or projects forward. 

Two briefings have taken place to date, in Thomastown, Co. Kilkenny on March 22nd and Granard, Co. Longford on March 27th, with a further two events currently scheduled for Corofin in Clare on April 10th and Donegal town on April 12th.

The two events staged to date have been attended by a total of well over 200 people representing key rural, voluntary, community and sectoral stakeholders.  Attendees have heard from individuals and organisations who have successfully delivered projects in rural areas, having successfully leveraged Government supports, which have helped to foster enterprise, tourism, quality of life, culture and promote the Irish language. In addition, officials from my Department and and other key funding agencies have been present to provide guidance and assistance to attendees interested in accessing funding for rural projects.

The response to the briefings to date has been overwhelmingly positive, both at the events and through our associated social media outreach, and I am looking forward to hearing from and engaging with communities and other organisations at future events.