Brendan Griffin (Kerry, Fine Gael)
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183. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development if a grant application (details supplied) will be successful; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17762/20]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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This year, the supports provided through programme referred to by the Deputy have been tailored to help rural communities in designated areas respond to the new COVID-19 environment.

Project applications under the Measure of the programme referred to by the Deputy are selected by the Local Authorities for onward submission to my Department for consideration. My Department does not yet appear to have received an application in respect of the group in question.

The Measure referred to will support projects which will enable friends and families to socialise outdoors in safe, accessible, community spaces in the context of the COVID-19 public health guidance. It will include support for items such as picnic benches/tables, outdoor covered seating or BBQ areas, public lighting, bicycle stands, and bandstand/stage areas.

I understand that the proposal referred to by the Deputy relates to the development of an all-weather sports pitch.While the application, if received, will be evaluated on its merits, it is not the intention of the Measure to fund sporting infrastructure of this nature.

Further information in respect of the funding available under the programme is available on the Gov.ie website. The closing date for receipt of applications from the Local Authorities is 28^thAugust 2020.

Seán Canney (Galway East, Independent)
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184. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on a suckler based application for EU protected geographical indication; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17719/20]

Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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A Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) is a product, which must be produced, processed or prepared in a particular geographical area, and where a specific quality, reputation, or other characteristics are attributable to that area. I believe that such schemes can provide a positive economic opportunity for producers and for rural areas.

Officials from my Department have been working with Bord Bia on an application for a PGI for Irish Grass Fed Beef focussing on the reputation of high quality beef produced through Ireland’s grass-based production system, incuding suckler beef. In my view, it is important that the application for PGI seeks to achieve the optimum outcome for Irish farmers.

I am committed to supporting and developing Ireland’s beef sector, which plays an important role in sustaining the rural economy and rural communities across Ireland and I recognise the importance of suckler farming in this regard. The beef sector has many strengths and one way of capitalising on these is through the means available under the EU Geographical Indications schemes, which highlight to consumers the value adding characteristics of a given product carrying a Geographical Indication logo.