90. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if she expects to be in a position to assist urban or rural organisations seeking to address social or economic equality in their respective areas, now and throughout 2025; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40585/24]

101. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development how she proposes to liaise with youth groups in urban or rural settings with a view to addressing their issues of concern, now and throughout 2025; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40586/24]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 90 and 101 together.

I am delighted to confirm that I have secured a 9% increase in my Department’s funding under Budget 2025. This brings my Department’s allocation to €472 million, giving it additional resources to assist organisations in urban and rural areas, and community groups seeking to address social and economic inequality, including supporting young people.

This record allocation of €472 million will provide €212 million for rural development. This funding will continue to breathe new life into towns and villages and support the social and economic development of rural and urban communities. My Department supports rural regeneration, facilitates new working opportunities and fosters regional enterprise growth through a wide range of schemes including the the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund, the LEADER Programme, the Town and Village Renewal Scheme, the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme, and the Islands Capital Programme.

I understand young people may have unique perspectives on rural development and their lives in rural Ireland, and for that reason one of the key commitments of the Government’s five-year strategy for rural Ireland - ‘Our Rural Future’, is the establishment of a Rural Youth Assembly. This measure builds on the direct engagement with young people, that commenced during the development of the policy, and has continued since the policy was launched in March 2021. The Assembly is co-hosted by my Department and the National Participation Office in the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth. It comprises of young people between the ages of 12-24 who discuss the challenges and opportunities associated with living in rural Ireland. More information about the Rural Youth Assembly and its work can be found on my Department’s website www.gov.ie/drcd.

My Department also provides strategic interventions through supports and funding programmes which target and address issues of social and economic deprivation in communities throughout the country. Budget 2025 has made €260 million available for these community development activities.

The two main schemes in this area, the Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme (SICAP), and the Community Services Programme (CSP), will have combined core funding of over €100 million for 2025. SICAP is Ireland’s primary social inclusion funding intervention to help those in the greatest need access supports to enable participation in communities. The CSP provides employment opportunities for people in disadvantaged areas, and those most distant from the labour market, whilst also ensuring the provision of vital community services throughout the country.

My Department will continue to engage with rural and urban stakeholders, young and old, to identify issues impacting on communities and to respond to emerging needs.