Clare to get €1.2 million for rural development

The Clare Local Development Company Limited will receive a windfall of more than €1.2 million, it was announced this week.

The Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs announced funding totalling €1,221,091 has been allocated to the company under the Rural Development Programme 2007 to 2013.
Minister of State Tony Killeen said the funds would enable the Local Development Company to administer grants to worthwhile projects that will make a big difference to their communities.
“The Rural Development Programme presents individuals and organisations in every corner of Clare with an ideal opportunity to invest in their own communities,” he said.
“The range of activities funded under this programme are varied and include diversification into non-agricultural activities, support for business creation, encouragement of tourism activities, basic services for the economy and rural population, village renewal and development, conservation, and upgrading of rural training and information,” the junior agriculture minister continued.
“Despite the economic challenges facing the country, I believe that this is a time of great opportunity for rural areas. With the increasing urbanisation of society, there is renewed interest in rural recreation, marine-associated activities and indigenous small food production.
“I believe that the €1.2m that is available for allocation immediately in Clare can be of enormous benefit to rural communities and has the potential to give those communities the opportunity to take a significant step towards economic recovery before the end of the year.”
Meanwhile, the North Clare TD said he warmly welcomed the recent decision of the European Commission to allow certain capital projects under the Rural Development Programme to receive extra funding from local authorities. 
“This applies to capital projects under three measures – village renewal and development, basic services for the economy and rural population, and conservation and upgrading of the rural heritage – and allows for up to 95% of the project’s funding to be provided.
“This is extremely positive, as it means that Clare Local Development Company Limited, communities and Clare local authorities will be able to take on projects of a larger scale and greater variety,” Deputy Killeen concluded.
The Rural Development Programme is co-funded by the Government and the European Union. Under the Rural Development Programme 2007-2013, record funding of €425.4 million will be provided. This is almost treble the amount available in the last programme from 2000 to 2006, and the largest ever package for rural development. Allied to the private investment that it will attract, this funding should ensure a spend of over €1 billion in rural Ireland.