Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

71. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development the extent to which she expects to be in a position to address issues affecting rural life in the context of the National Development Plan; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50129/21]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The National Development Plan 2021 – 2030 places a particular focus on priority solutions to strengthen housing, climate ambitions, transport, healthcare, jobs growth in every region and economic renewal for the decade ahead. With an investment of €165 billion over its timeframe it will be the largest National Development Plan in the history of the State.

While the Plan is a whole of Government approach, my Department will play a key role in delivering on the Strategic Objectives in Chapter 8: Strengthened Rural Economies and Communities.

Due to the volume and timings in the calls for schemes administered by my Department it is not feasible to provide details of each specific project, however, over the lifetime of the NDP my Department will continue to invest in, and support, rural Ireland and communities across the country.

My Department will do this through a wide range of funding schemes such as the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund, LEADER Programme, Town and Village Renewal Scheme, Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme, Local Improvement Scheme, CLÁR Programme, Islands Capital Programme, Community Enhancement Programme, Libraries Investment Capital funding and the PEACE PLUS Programme.

Earlier in the year, I was delighted to launch Our Rural Futurea new whole-of-Government Rural Development Policy for the next five years, which sets out a range of measures to strengthen the resilience of our rural communities and economies, including addressing the impacts of challenges experienced by people living and working in rural Ireland and maximising opportunities for rural areas. The NDP will support the achievement of the ambitious objectives set out in Our Rural Future and bring tangible benefits to rural communities.