Smaller local communities’ needs ignored claims TD

THE Government cannot ignore the needs of rural north county Dublin any longer, a local TD has warned. 

Deputy Alan Farrell (FG) claimed that for too long, certain areas have been forgotten in the context of support for rural Ireland. 

“This is wholly unacceptable,” he said.

However, the Department of the Arts, Heritage and Gaeltacht (DAHG) argued that under the ‘Programme for a Partnership Government’, a strong focus has been placed on supporting all communities in rural Ireland, including rural communities in north county Dublin. 

Deputy Farrell, a TD for Dublin Fingal, said: “Our smaller communities, including Ballyboughal, Garristown, Oldtown and the Naul, can no longer be forgotten in the context of supporting rural Ireland. 

“Fingal is home to a substantial rural community, and is important to our national economy, particularly in the agri-food sector with such a large proportion of Ireland’s fresh produce coming from the north county.

“It seems clear to me that when investment is made in Dublin, the needs of rural north county Dublin are forgotten, and I see no difference when the focus is placed upon rural Ireland. This, in my opinion, is a complete disgrace.”

Deputy Farrell said for too long he has received information on investment in rural Ireland which has not included north county Dublin. 

“This cannot be allowed to continue any longer,” he stated.

“I am frustrated at this, as I am sure are many residents of our rural communities.

“Ballybougal, Garristown, Oldtown, the Naul, and their environs must receive the Government support they deserve.”  

Deputy Farrell added: “It is not acceptable for some departments to view them in the urban context while others view them in the rural context and all forget about their needs.” 

In a statement, a spokesman for the DAHG said the LEADER programme is an important component of the funding provided by his department to support rural development. 

“Under the 2007-2013 LEADER programme, €4,399,216 was provided to Fingal LEADER Partnership between 2011 and 2015 for the delivery of the programme across rural areas in county Dublin, including north county Dublin,” he said.  

“Under the 2014-2020 LEADER programme, Fingal LEADER Partnership is the Implementing Partner for the Local Development Strategy which has been approved to cover the rural areas under the remit of Fingal, Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown and South Dublin County Councils.  

“As part of this strategy, Ballyboughal, Garristown, Oldtown, and the Naul will be targeted for assistance under LEADER.  

“The total amount of funding allocated for the Dublin rural sub-regional area under the 2014-2020 LEADER Programme is €6.37 million.”

The spokesman pointed out that just recently DAHG Minister Heather Humphreys announced the details of 172 towns and villages that were approved for funding under the 2016 Town and Village Renewal Scheme.  

“Under this scheme, Fingal County Council has been approved for €380,000 in funding to support projects in seven towns and villages in north county Dublin,” he added.

“Departmental officials will be in contact with Fingal County Council shortly to finalise arrangements to enter a funding agreement for the proposed projects.”