Dara Calleary
Mayo · Fianna Fáil · Ireland
“Agriculture is the backbone. We have all been in the Mansion House today, or everyone has said they were anyway. Energy security is key and crucial. Everybody wants energy security but nobody wants wind energy. We have to strike a balance and get a real discussion, but food security is most important.”
“While we have gaps there, we are addressing them. The Minister, Deputy Carroll MacNeill, has announced the minor injury units, which will take the pressure off major hospitals and ensure services are available.”
“Recent figures from the CSO show that there is a 5.8% increase in the number of people living in rural areas between 2016 and 2022. In areas classified as highly rural and remote, the increase was 6.4%.”
“Enterprise Ireland is investing in Irish-owned, Irish-founded companies. Similarly, 59% of IDA investments were located outside the Dublin region. We will continue to work, looking at the progress we can make through the IDA, Enterprise Ireland and, as Senator O'Loughlin said, through supporting our local enterprise offices.”
“That is something we do daily and they are used where is necessary. The plan will be supported by ambitious, clear, practical and measurable actions. I have spoken to some of the funding programmes available within my Department.”
“Táim tar éis cuairt a thabhairt ar gach ceantar Gaeltachta chun plé fairsing a dhéanamh leis na pobail sin chun a fháil amach uathu féin cén cineál tacaíochta ar féidir a chur ar fáil dóibh chun cabhrú leo. Táim chun leanúint ar aghaidh leis an obair sin sa bhuiséad le teacht agus na buiséid eile.”
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“My officials and I have met sporting organisations, including the GAA demographics committee, rural development groups, local authorities, regional assemblies and many others to ensure the widest range of inputs into the policy-making process. It was also vital to ensure that the voices of young people were included in the consultation process. With this in mind, the 2025 edition of the Rural Youth Assembly, itself an initiative born out of the first Our Rural Future policy, was focused on exploring the priorities of those growing up in rural Ireland. It was important that we included some objective analysis of the current rural policy environment. The OECD was commissioned to undertake a review of the Irish context and, over the course of a number of months, it engaged with more than 500 rural stakeholders and Government officials.”
“Second, informed by the survey results, a series of eight public and stakeholder events, including one trí Ghaeilge, were held around the country and online to discuss in more depth issues such as the rural economy, balanced regional development, and the revitalisation of rural places. Finally, an open, public written consultation was held to seek the views of stakeholders and citizens on a draft policy paper that outlined the key areas of focus for the new policy that have emerged from the earlier engagements. More than 270 responses were received to this call, bringing the total number of participants in the consultation process to well over 2,000. Further bilateral engagements have taken place with key stakeholder organisations.”
“The development of the new policy has been firmly rooted in consultation. Only by talking to and, more importantly, listening to people in rural Ireland can we fully understand what needs to be done, how to do it and when it should be done. With this in mind, an extensive national stakeholder and public consultation process has been in place for a year now. It was based on three linked stages. First, an online survey sought responses to more than 40 questions covering the wide range of opportunities and challenges that would face rural communities and economies over the next five years.”
“The new policy will be based on a number of central principles that reflect our experience over recent years and also take into account best international practice. The new policy will take a people-centred approach to rural development, placing people who live in rural Ireland at the very centre of our policy development and implementation. It will take a place-based approach that recognises that not all rural areas are the same. It will clearly recognise the interdependence of our urban and rural areas. It is not a matter of rural development or urban development. Both can live together and our approach sees support for rural areas as central to national well-being. The new policy will also continue our focus on a whole-of-government approach. An integrated approach across all levels of government is essential to realising our ambition.”
“While it is vital that these new policy frameworks are in place, it remains crucial that we in government continue to back up our policies with sustained and targeted investment. Within my own Department, for example, the rural development investment programme, which includes schemes such as the rural regeneration and development fund, the town and village renewal scheme, the outdoor recreation investment scheme, CLÁR, and LEADER, has delivered unprecedented levels of investment in recent years, which I will come back to in more detail shortly. What is important now is that we build on what we have delivered and achieved under the first Our Rural Future policy. That is why I have prioritised the development of the new Our Rural Future policy for the period 2026 to 2031.”
“The town centre first approach is now being implemented in rural towns and villages all across the country, backed up by significant levels of investment from across Government. Our ambitious national islands policy, Our Living Islands, was also launched under the umbrella of Our Rural Future. I am glad to say that implementation of the actions within that policy is now being progressed. These policy frameworks clearly demonstrate our commitment to rural Ireland, and our desire to support the narrative surrounding rural areas as centres of opportunity, growth and potential. We have continued to prioritise rural investment in the new programme for Government, and in the specific pledge to build on the momentum achieved under Our Rural Future by publishing and implementing the next iteration of the policy from 2026.”
“For example, we have delivered the first ever national outdoor recreation strategy which allowed us to fully realise the potential that is inherent in the outdoor recreation sector. Expenditure in the economy linked to outdoor recreation amounted to €2.2 billion in 2024. I am determined to ensure that rural areas can continue to derive the economic, social, health and environmental benefits that will arise from our continued investment in this vital sector. I was delighted to be able to launch the outdoor recreational plans for counties Sligo and Mayo over the past weekend. In 2022, my Department, in conjunction with the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, launched the town centre first policy.”
“In addition, there have been major policy initiatives developed over the lifetime of Our Rural Future 2021-2025, including revisions to the national planning framework and national development plan; the launch of Food Vision 2030, which aims to make Ireland a world leader in sustainable food systems; and the national tourism policy statement, which will work to ensure that every region in Ireland can continue to benefit from growth in tourism. My own Department has also been at the forefront in ensuring that a robust policy framework underpins our ambition and our investment. I thank all of the officials in my Department for their work and commitment to this mission.”
“Such investment is improving connectivity between towns and villages, supporting access to employment, education and healthcare - issues that are absolutely central to quality of life in rural Ireland. Rural enterprise and support for the development of the rural economy was a further central plank of our approach over the past five years. With this in mind, the policy provided the framework for the delivery of targeted growth and support for regional employment and enterprise growth. Initiatives such as the roll-out of the regional enterprise plans model, the work of LEADER groups in supporting local business, and targeted support from local enterprise offices and enterprise agencies, have collectively supported rural businesses to grow, innovate and attract investment.”
“Based on almost €3 billion of public funds, the plan is delivering high-speed broadband to people all across the country, with an average of 4,500 premises per month being connected during 2025. The main infrastructure build is on schedule to be completed at the end of this year on time and under budget. I have no doubt that this kind of investment is making a real difference in the day to day lives of people in rural Ireland. Similarly, Our Rural Future recognised the importance of issues such as rural transport. More than €700 million has been allocated in 2026 for maintenance and improvements to regional and local roads, while the Connecting Ireland rural mobility plan has delivered more than 180 new or enhanced services since its launch in 2022, substantially increasing passenger journeys and access to rural bus services.”
“By drawing together supports and initiatives from across Government, a comprehensive national framework was put in place to deliver clear and tangible benefits to our rural communities over the lifetime of the first Our Rural Future policy. One of the most high-profile commitments contained in the policy was the delivery of the national broadband plan, which was designed to ensure that rural Ireland would benefit from rapidly evolving developments in digital connectivity. Delivered by the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport alongside National Broadband Ireland, the investment in our broadband infrastructure represents one of the most ambitious and forward-thinking initiatives ever undertaken by the State. I am glad to say that we are delivering on this level of ambition and investment.”
“Without sustained support and investment in our rural areas, we cannot deliver on the economic, social, cultural and environmental development that will underpin the quality of life of all our citizens. As such, rural development remains a key priority for this Government and it is imperative that we ensure that our towns, villages and more remote rural communities are able to maximise their potential now and into the future. In bringing this commitment to life, Our Rural Future represented a milestone when it was published in 2021. It set out a whole-of-government approach to rural development that has provided significant investment and supports, strengthened local economies and improved the lives of many people in rural communities across Ireland.”
“Gabhaim buíochas leis an Teach as an deis seo chun labhairt faoi Ár dTodhchaí Thuaithe and the consultation process that is coming to an end in relation to the development of Our Rural Future, the new national development policy. I will provide the House with an update on what we have delivered under the policy over the past five years but I also want to hear, as we finalise the consultation process on the new Our Rural Future, ideas and thoughts. I thank all who have already submitted to the process. It is important to state at the outset that my approach and the approach of this Government is founded on a deep commitment to and ambition for rural Ireland. Our vision for rural Ireland clearly puts thriving, vibrant and inclusive rural communities at the very heart of our national development.”
“I move: That, notwithstanding anything in the Order of the Dáil of 5th February, 2025, setting out the rota in which Questions to members of the Government are to be asked, Questions for oral answer following those set down to the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, shall be set down to Ministers in the following temporary sequence: Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitisation Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade Minister for Finance Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht whereupon the sequence established by the Order of 5th February, 2025, shall continue with Questions to the Minister for Education and Youth.”
“I move: That, notwithstanding anything in the Order of the Dáil of 5th February, 2025, or in the Order of the Dáil of 24th March, 2026, setting out the rota in which Questions to members of the Government are to be asked, Questions for oral answer following those set down to the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment, shall be set down to Ministers in the following temporary sequence: Minister for Health Minister for Education and Youth Minister for Children, Disability and Equality Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment Minister for Social Protection Minister for Transport Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport Minister for Defence whereupon the sequence established by the Order of 5th February, 2025, shall continue with Questions to the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage.”
“It is important we hear them but in hearing them, we have to be honest about the challenges that are ahead. This is the biggest energy shock, not just in respect of supply but also in respect of cost, in over 50 years. The conversation must be honest. Yes, it is important that we support and stand with people but we must be honest as well.”
“Interventions are important and necessary but we cannot be false with people and tell them that we can get them through every challenge they face. I not only have confidence in this Government but, more importantly, have confidence in our country and the people of the country. We have faced challenges previously. We have faced a succession of challenges over the past ten years, in particular, which have put enormous pressure on people's incomes and businesses. We will continue to work with them to get through those challenges. Tá muinín agam, ní hamháin as an tír seo, ach as muintir na tíre. Tá sé tábhachtach go seasaimid ar son agus leis na daoine sa tír seo, go háirithe ag an bpointe seo. It is important that we stand with and support people.”
“We very much acknowledge the pressures that people, small businesses and many communities are under at the moment. Families are working hard and doing everything right but continue to experience huge uncertainty and challenge. We hear that and have acted, not just with the package this week and the other package a number of weeks ago, but also in the budget. Some 470,000 people now receive the fuel allowance. For the first time, working families receive the fuel allowance. We have increased that payment by four weeks this year. We have also supported farmers, contractors and transport companies against the worst of the excesses. However, we must also be honest and say that we cannot support them through every challenge that will face them.”
“They should be identifying in their development plans space for recreation and community centre activities. We have the funding streams in place. They should work with us to do that. We will be happy to engage - we are engaging with local authorities. I praise what is happening in Cork with the proactive local authority working with us. We work with them to provide the funding. If they provide the sites, we work with them in relation to the funding.”
“I was out yesterday with Deputy Currie and the Minister, Deputy Chambers, in Castleknock at the community centre to see the work it is doing with community employment and Tús. A community centre is not just a building; it is a hub and a magnet for activity. It is really the heart of activities. That is why we want to support the programme to ensure facilities are improved in existing centres as well as new ones. Some 190 CCIF projects have been approved in Cork since 2022. The Cathaoirleach Gníomhach, the Minister of State, Deputy Buttimer, and I were in Rylane in December to see the sod-turning of a new build. I endorse what Deputy Burke said in relation to local authorities and their responsibilities particularly in areas that are growing. We had this discussion earlier, which the Minister of State, Deputy Buttimer, led.”
“Eight of those projects have construction workers on site and the remaining projects are going through tender and design. I hope that, subject to budget, we will be in a position in 2027 - the Minister of State, Deputy Buttimer shares this priority - to focus again on new builds and on new communities such as those referred to by Deputy Burke. It will be competitive. One of the biggest topics we hear about in terms of community centre investment is the need for new builds. We will have a very competitive process. New communities that do not have facilities and need the kinds of facilities that a community centre can give and the kind of hub that a community centre can give will be the focus. Subject to budget, I can assure the Deputy that will be the focus for the 2027 scheme.”
“I know from speaking to those involved that one of the motivations behind the approach taken during Heather Humphreys' time in office was the need to help the exact kind of community that Deputy Burke has spoken about. There was massive development back in the seventies and eighties. Perhaps there are three of us in the Chamber who are old enough to remember AnCO. I will not say which three people I am thinking of. Through AnCO and through the skills of the people involved at the time, many community centres were built across the country in the seventies and eighties. When it became very apparent that they needed substantial investment in terms of energy and facilities, that was the initial intention of the CCIF. Some €30 million was then approved for 12 new community centres in nine counties.”
“I hope, subject to budget allocations, to have a new-build allocation in 2027. Our priority at the moment is to complete the 12 projects that were announced in 2024 and we are working through that as we speak. There is such a demand for refurbishment. The indications we have to date are that some of the community centres that have had investment in refurbishment have seen activity levels increase by up to 90% and we want to continue to do this.”
“Category 1 will provide funding up to €25,000 and category 2 will provide funding of up to €100,000. The scheme will open for online applications at the end of May and all successful projects will be announced before the end of the year. I encourage any community group interested in enhancing its community centre to use the coming weeks to decide on its funding priorities and begin preparing its applications. To that effect, there are a range of resources available to assist potential applicants. There will also be a number of information sessions provided, the first of which will be held on 8 April. Full details of these resources, information sessions and the fund are now available on the Department's website. In regard to new builds, we are currently trying to complete the programme of new builds that was announced in 2024.”
“I thank Deputy Burke for his question. The community centre investment fund, CCIF, was introduced by the former Minister, Heather Humphreys, to provide high-quality community facilities that are available to all groups in both urban and rural communities. Through the CCIF, to date some €111 million has been allocated for the enhancement and refurbishment of existing community centres and the construction of new centres where such a need has been identified. This is an unprecedented level of investment but there continues to be a need for further investment. The programme for Government makes a commitment to do this. I am delighted to say that this morning, my Department launched the 2026 CCIF, which will support the refurbishment of existing community centres. There are two categories of funding under the 2026 scheme.”
“Tá tuiscint ag gach cuid den Rialtas ar cé chomh tábhachtach is atá an taithí seo agus cé chomh tábhachtach is atá an Ghaeltacht. Tá an t-ádh linn go bhfuil an tAire caiteachais phoiblí ina iarAire Stáit sa Roinn seo. Tuigeann sé cé chomh tábhachtach is atá sé. Bhí sé sin an-tábhachtach agus muid ag iarraidh buiséad na Roinne a ardú. Ní fiú ardú mór sa bhuiséad muna bhfuil sé á chaitheamh ar an nGaeltacht. Tá sé ar intinn agam é a úsáid chun infheistíocht a dhéanamh, go háirithe sa saghas taithí is fearr, is é sin taithí shaoil sa Ghaeltacht le teaghlach Gaeltachta le haghaidh dhá nó trí seachtaine. Beidh mé ag obair le CONCOS ar an infheistíocht sin agus ar an scéim sin a chosaint.”
“Is taithí an-tábhachtach é do scoláirí dul go dtí an Ghaeltacht agus a bheith ina gcónaí inti. Táim ag obair chun an taithí sin a chosaint agus a fhorbairt.”
“Tá sé soiléir ón ardú a bhí ann anuraidh go bhfuilimid dáiríre faoi seo. Táimid dáiríre faoin 29,000 scoláire agus beagnach 530 teaghlach Gaeilge a aithint. Táimid ag obair leis na mná tí agus leis na coláistí. Anuraidh, d'fhógair mé scéim aonuaire do theaghlaigh sheanbhunaithe chun tacú tuilleadh leis an gcostas chun troscán nua a cheannach. Is deontas suas le €2,000, nó 80% den chostas, a bhí i gceist leis sin. Fuair níos mó ná 200 teaghlach an tacaíocht seo. Is slí eile é sin ina bhfuilimid ag cuidiú. Táimid ag staidéar le haghaidh na bliana seo. Mar a dúirt an Teachta, tá suim mhór sna coláistí samhraidh. Táimid ag ceapadh go mbeidh 29,000 scoláire ag dul chucu i mbliana. Táimid ag staidéar é sin. Táimid ag obair le CONCOS. Tuigim go mór an brú costais atá orainn. Táim an-dírithe ar an taithí sin a chosaint.”
“Anuas air sin ar fad, tá ardú tagtha ar na tionscnaimh eile a cheadaítear faoi scéim na bhfoghlaimeoirí Gaeilge, lena n-áirítear an scéim DEIS Gaeltachta. Cuireadh maoiniú €900,000 ar fáil don scéim DEIS Gaeltachta in 2025. Is ardú suntasach é seo ar an gciste DEIS Gaeltachta ó 2024, le leithdháileadh de €400,000. Tá ardú tagtha chomh maith ar an bhfóirdheontas a íoctar faoi na beartais scéim Erasmus Gaeltachta. Leis na beartais seo, tá muid súil le gach cineál cabhrach a chur ar fáil do theaghlaigh sa Gaeltacht. Mar atá leagtha amach sa chlár Rialtais, leanfaidh mé ag tacú leis an earnáil seo le linn théarma an Rialtais. Mar is eol don Teachta, fuair mé an t-ardú is mó i mbuiséad Roinn na Gaeltachta sa bhuiséad is déanaí. Rachaidh an t-ardú sin i dtreo infheistíocht i scéimeanna cosúil leis an gceann seo.”
“Cuireann mo Roinn cúnamh suntasach ar fáil ar bhonn leanúnach faoi scéim na bhfoghlaimeoirí Gaeilge agus tá an tacaíocht seo á cur ar fáil le tamall de bhlianta anuas chun tacú tuilleadh le hearnáil na gcoláistí Gaeilge. Tá ardú ceadaithe ar an bhfóirdheontas a íoctar le teaghlaigh Ghaeltachta agus coláistí cónaithe a chuireann lóistín ar fáil le roinnt blianta anuas. Go deimhin, anuraidh cheadaigh mé an cheathrú ardú ó 2022 ar an bhfóirdheontas nuair a d'ardaigh mé an deontas aon-oíche do theaghlaigh ó €13 go €14.50, agus an deontas aon-oíche do bhrúnna agus coláistí cónaithe ó €9.50 go €10.50. Is ionann é seo ar fad agus ardú 45% ar an ráta fóirdheontais a íoctar le teaghlaigh agus méadú i gcomhthéacs na mbrúnna agus coláistí cónaithe ó 2022 i leith.”
“Tá scéim na bhfoghlaimeoirí Gaeilge á riar ag mo Roinn ar mhaithe le tacú le deiseanna sealbhaithe agus saibhrithe teanga sna réigiúin Ghaeltachta do fhoghlaimeoirí, idir scoláirí dara leibhéal, mic léinn tríú leibhéal agus daoine fásta ó áiteanna ar fud na tíre. Tagann an scéim le cuspóirí an Rialtais i leith na Gaeilge, mar atá leagtha amach sa Straitéis 20 Bliain don Ghaeilge 2010-2030, agus is í an scéim an príomhbhealach ina dtacaíonn mo Roinn le hearnáil na gcoláistí Gaeilge. Is ar na teaghlaigh Ghaeltachta a chuireann lóistín ar fail don chóras a bhíonn cúnamh na Roinne dírithe, mar is iad na teaghlaigh sin cnámh droma an chórais.”
“It is a bottom-up approach and it is important we protect that ethos. I reiterate the necessity of every Deputy being involved with their MEP colleagues in ensuring LEADER is prioritised in the MFF discussions.”
“I do not disagree with the Deputy's analysis. That would be a good investment of EU funds. LEADER is not the only show in town. Since 2020 my Department has allocated in the region of €65 million in funding to Offaly. In 2025 alone we invested €1 million under the LIS, €1.2 million under the town and village renewal scheme, €1.4 million under the community service programme, €420,000 under CLÁR and €440,000 under ORIS. We are investing €12 million under the RRDF to redevelop a site in Edenderry as an art space, community library and youth space. We were with the Deputy in Moneygall for the community centre investment fund investment of €1.8 million. It shows the impact of LEADER, which was the forerunner of many of these funding programmes. The important thing is it has community involvement.”
“We must ensure, within those competing demands, that LEADER is progressed. It has a really strong basis. As I said, we marked 35 years of LEADER the weekend before last. The impact it has had has been transformative and we need to make sure we continue with it and it continues to grow.”
“I agree with the Deputy. When the Minister of State and I visited Moneygall, the local development company put on a fantastic display. During the ploughing championships last year, it really showcased what LEADER can do across a county and the interventions it can make. On the future of LEADER, we are working, as I said, with the Minister, Deputy Heydon, and his Department. The CAP consultative committee includes my Department and other rural stakeholders. I am also engaging with Irish MEPs to discuss a range of issues. I encourage Deputy Clendennen and every other Deputy to engage with MEPs in their respective groups to ensure LEADER is properly funded within the next multi-annual financial framework. We are under no illusions. The CAP budget is under particular pressure given the competing demands.”
“I continue to advocate for a strong and well-funded LEADER programme. l am working closely with the Minister, Deputy Heydon, on the future of LEADER in the context of the CAP talks at the moment. I am confident the bottom-up approach of LEADER can continue to support valuable projects in Offaly for years to come.”
“This total allocation is broken down over a number of programming periods with the most recent allocation in Offaly totalling €6.2 million in respect of the current 2023-27 LEADER programme. In keeping with the multi-annual nature of LEADER, all allocations are made at the start of each programming period and funds are drawn down from my Department as projects are completed. This approach ensures local action groups have the flexibility to manage LEADER support flexibly and in line with specific local needs. To date, 49 projects have been approved in Offaly under the current programme and I expect further projects to come on line as we progress through the programming period. LEADER has a commendable track record in delivering locally driven projects that have delivered real benefits in Offaly and all across the country.”
“I thank the Deputy for his question. LEADER, as he knows, is a community-led approach to local development that has been operating for just over 35 years. We marked the 35th anniversary of LEADER just last weekend. It was introduced by the EU under the then Commissioner Ray MacSharry. The programme has evolved through successive programming periods and in 2007 it was mainstreamed into the Common Agricultural Policy and became a key intervention within Ireland’s rural development programme. Since 2007 the total amount of EU and Exchequer funding allocated to LEADER on a national level has been over €876 million. Of this, the local action group in Offaly has received a total allocation of approximately €27.5 million.”
“That examines all of the applications to ensure the costings are adequate and relevant to the current market. We also have systematic engagement to ensure delivery. There is no point in the Minister of State and I announcing projects such as that in Charleville unless they happen. We will be with the Deputy in Baile Bhuirne in April for the opening of the Coláiste Íosagáin campus, which is a significant investment. It also shows what can be done in rural Ireland with support from the RRDF and other bodies coming together.”
“That is exactly the kind of project we want to do under the RRDF. It is a project that would not have been done previously and for larger towns of 9,000 plus, there is the URDF and its successor scheme. It is important that project is done in conjunction with the community and that there is community engagement in it. One of our challenges with projects such as this is that sometimes the communities may not have been involved at the outset and as the project rolls out, there can be challenges with parking spaces and other issues people need to be informed about. We have a significant investment in what we call our capital delivery team that works with local authorities to deliver on this projects. We also have our own quantity surveyor in the Department.”
“I have funding for counties such as Cork, which are hungry and anxious to succeed. I encourage every Deputy, particularly those in rural areas, to engage with the current call and with information programmes on that. There may be communities that want to engage in a major programme and the facilities are there to do that. I also thank the Deputy for his support and for the committee's support for these projects. It is important that we have cross-party support. We get that from the committee.”
“I thank the Deputy for that overview. I acknowledge that Cork County Council and the team that deals with our Department's delivery of projects, is one of the stronger performing local authorities. The delivery by our partners on the ground can be a frustration generally in relation to RRDF. It is not in Cork. To that effect, we are engaging with local authorities and delivery bodies around the country on delivery of RRDF projects. As we have an open call, the advice needs to go out. It is all very well preparing an application. We have been having the discussion this morning about the pressures of preparing an application. We also have to be able to deliver the application if it is successful. We are engaging with local authorities on that. We may have to make some tough calls on projects that have been on the books a long time.”
“There are 17 active RRDF projects, which includes four projects in Castletownroche, Crosshaven, Skibbereen and Fermoy, which were successful in the latest category 2 call for proposals announced in October 2025. Last month, we were delighted to announce a call for proposals for category 1 applications. This call will focus on strategic, large-scale build projects that are ready to commence. These projects must have a lasting impact on the towns and villages and deliver on the objectives of Our Rural Future, which is our rural policy. We are inviting applications for well-developed proposals from our local authorities and other State-funded lead bodies that work in partnership with local communities and stakeholders. Full details of the call are available on my Department's website.”
“The rural regeneration and development fund is the major capital investment programme to support large-scale ambitious projects to achieve sustainable economic and social development in rural areas. To date, the fund has allocated over €614 million to 273 projects across the country, which includes over €43 million since 2018 allocated to 27 projects located throughout County Cork. These projects are being delivered by the local authority and other publicly funded bodies including our local development companies and Údarás na Gaeltachta. Ten of the 27 projects have been completed in County Cork to date. Examples include the first phase of the Kanturk regeneration plan and the Ballydesmond village public realm and place-making enhancement project.”
“It will more likely be a 2027 initiative, but we will engage with the Deputy on it. I point her and the groups she is working with to some of the good work being done in rural parts of Fingal to get examples of protecting traditional villages amidst the growth of the city.”
“The more the Deputy can engage under town centre first principles, the stronger the case, and we will work with her. The Minister of State, as a Deputy in a city constituency with similar villages, is strong on this. Working collectively, we will work with the Deputy, Fingal County Council and our colleagues. If it can be done under the town centre first principles, something we align funding to in a lot of rural areas, the more it can be done with community ownership. I welcome the initiatives undertaken in Castleknock and the other areas. If there is community ownership rather than it coming top down from the local authority or from this House, then all the better. We will engage with the Deputy. We are currently reviewing the town and village renewal scheme for 2026.”
“Given that Castleknock is in the Fingal area, there is huge potential particularly in the more rural parts of Dublin West, of which there are some.”
“I agree with the Deputy. While the primary focus of the rural development scheme is going to remain on rural areas we have funded projects in Fingal and in south Dublin under the outdoor recreation scheme. Under the town and village scheme in Fingal, we were able to fund the development of new walking and cycling facilities and associated streetscape enhancement measures. In Balrothery, Donabate, Rush and Ballyboughal we approved over €218,000 for village centre seating enhanced public lighting and the creation of a wayfinding strategy to include a new Fingal camino route. Where local authorities in Dublin engage with us and with the ethos of the schemes we are more than happy to engage with them.”
“I would be happy to engage with the Deputy, with South Dublin County Council and with our colleagues in Fingal County Council around how we are able to do that and the kinds of projects that we fund, which goes back to our previous discussion on enhancing town centres .”
“I also of note that, under the umbrella of the town centre first policy, funding is also available to local authorities to support larger and more urban settlements. This includes the Thrive scheme and the towns and cities regeneration investment fund, which was recently announced by my colleague the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage. This fund, which is currently open for applications from those towns with populations of over 9,000, builds on the success of the previous URDF. We have also been in a position to fund some of the rural parts of Dublin, in Fingal in particular, through the town and village scheme and through the outdoor recreation investment scheme, ORIS.”