Written answers

Thursday, 5 November 2020

Department of Rural and Community Development

Departmental Schemes

Photo of Bernard DurkanBernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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359. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development her plans to address basic issues of social and or economic deprivation in rural communities throughout the country; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34463/20]

Photo of Heather HumphreysHeather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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A vital part of the Department for Rural and Community Development's mission is to support the creation of vibrant and sustainable communities across this country.

My Department has developed strategic interventions, funding programmes and supports which target and address basic issues of social and or economic deprivation in rural communities throughout the country. In the present COVID environment the supports provided by my Department to assist vulnerable communities are more important than ever.

These supports enable economic growth and development and also support communities to address gaps in meeting social needs, including those caused by higher levels of deprivation. Those programmes include the Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme (SICAP), the Community Services Programme, the CLÁR Programme, the Community Enhancement Programme, the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund and funding for public libraries across the country.

I was delighted to secure a 7% increase in my Department's allocation in Budget 2021 to €341 million (gross), ensuring increased supports can be provided to communities in urban and rural areas. Almost €178 million of this will support the economic and social development of rural areas and contribute to regional development under my Department’s Rural Development, Regional Affairs and Islands Programme.

My Department also works closely with Local Community Development Committees (LCDCs), who are a key element of the local authorities’ strengthened role in local development and community development. LCDCs are also responsible for preparing the community elements of 6-year Local Economic and Community Plans (LECPs). These plans focus on measures which will enhance the quality of life and wellbeing of communities in both urban and rural settings.

My Department is also responsible for a number of national policies that provide, for both urban and rural areas nationwide, an integrated and strategic way of delivering supports, programmes and schemes, coordinating measures to address imbalances or lack of opportunity, making a real difference to people’s lives, including the National Policy on Social Enterprise, the Strategy to Support the Community & Voluntary Sector in Ireland and a new rural development policy which is currently being finalised and which I expect to be published by the end of the year.

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