Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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Budget 2024 provides the Department of Rural and Community Development with a gross allocation of €431 million. This will provide €210 million for capital investment, with the remaining €221 million for current expenditure. These allocations represent a core funding increase of €4 million for capital and €12 million for current, compared to 2023. The capital increase reflects the expenditure ceilings set out in the National Development Plan. This will continue to support vibrant, inclusive and sustainable communities across Ireland with investment in regional, rural and local communities, investment in our islands, as well as a wide range of initiatives promoting social inclusion.

In delivering on our remit my Department liaises with stakeholders in communities around the county on an ongoing basis, including through the Local Authorities, Local Community Development Committees, Public Participation Networks and the Local Development Companies, to ensure that supports provided are timely and appropriate to the needs of those communities.

While the schemes administered by my Department have a consistent ongoing focus, they are regularly adapted and supplemented in response to emerging needs. Such examples are the Community Call Initiative, the Covid-19 Stability Scheme, the Accelerated Town and Village Renewal Scheme, the Community and Voluntary Energy Support Scheme and the Community Recognition Fund.

My Department will continue to engage with rural and urban stakeholders to identify issues impacting on communities and respond to emerging needs. I am confident that the funding supports and policies provided by my Department will continue to deliver tangible benefits for both urban and rural communities.