Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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The report of the Commission for the Economic Development of Rural Areas (CEDRA) suggested that there was significant economic potential in rural areas and recommended a number of actions by government departments to support the long-term development of rural Ireland.

The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine established the Rural Innovation & Development Fund (RIDF) to address some of the issues highlighted in the report.

Funding is provided by my Department under the RIDF for projects supporting agri-food tourism initiatives.

The most recent Call for Proposals for funding for Agri Food Tourism initiatives was issued on the 23rd of January 2024 with a closing date of 12 noon on the 23rd February.

Within the aforementioned report, rural areas are defined as all areas located beyond the administrative boundaries of the 5 largest cities, namely: Dublin, Cork, Galway, Limerick and Waterford. On this basis, I have made funding of up to €25,000 available to applicants who are situated outside the administrative boundaries of Dublin, Cork, Galway, Limerick and Waterford cities.