· Capital funding of €962 million to support rural and community development projects until 2025
· Investment in DRCD capital programmes to increase by 21% by 2025
· Significant financial support for Rural Programmes to allow for increased investment in remote working hubs, rural regeneration projects and outdoor amenities
· New Fund to upgrade community centres to be established
· Increased overall funding vital in delivering on the objectives of Our Rural Future
Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD, and Minister of State Joe O’Brien TD, yesterday 4th October, welcomed the publication of the National Development Plan (NDP) and the strong Government commitment to rural and community development.
The NDP will provide the Department of Rural and Community Development with capital investment of €962 million over the period 2021-2025.
Over the 5 year period to 2025, it is expected that the capital funding provided for in the NDP will allow:
· A total of €850 million in capital funding for rural development to 2025. This includes over €480 million for rural regeneration and development schemes such as RRDF and Town and Village Renewal and over €220 million to be invested in rural Ireland through the LEADER programme.
· Funding to deliver key capital projects for the Islands, namely, improved pier infrastructure on Inis Oirr, Inis Meain and Machaire Rabhairtaigh, and the provision of a new passenger ferry vessel for Oileán Thoraí.
· Increased investment in community development including a new Capital Scheme to upgrade Community Centres
Speaking today, Minister Humphreys said:
“The National Development Plan will provide the necessary funding to put Our Rural Futureinto action.
“Our Rural Future is the Government’s most ambitious rural development policy in decades. With the support of the funding announced today, over 960 million euro will be provided for rural and community projects over the next five years.
“This funding will deliver on the ambition and vision of Our Rural Future.
“It will allow us to do things like invest in rural regeneration projects, revitalise our town centres, capitalise on remote working opportunities and repurpose old buildings into 21st century use.
“It will allow us to invest heavily in our outdoor amenities such as our walkways, cycleways, lakes and forests. It will also mean that we can continue to invest in our island communities, our LEADER Programme and our PEACE Programme.
“I am determined as Minister to revitalise and re-imagine rural Ireland – making it a better place to live, work and raise a family. I strongly welcome today’s National Development Plan, which will turn the vision of Our Rural Future into a reality for families and communities in rural Ireland”.
Minister of State O’Brien, who has responsibility for Community Development and Charities, added:
“I am particularly pleased to see the significant capital funding increase for community development, amounting to 25% above previous levels. This will ensure continued support for capital investment in community infrastructure, and that we can deliver on a Programme for Government commitment to establish a fund for small grants to upgrade community centres around the country.”
