Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 16 December 2025
1191. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht to consider using GAA club facilities in rural areas for additional social enterprises and tourism projects to strengthen local rural communities (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [72352/25]
View answerThe Government’s Our Rural Future policy contains a wide range of measures aimed at ensuring that all rural areas are attractive places for people to study, live, work and raise their families. Within my own Department, there has been significant funding increases in recent years across the range of capital investment schemes including those referenced by the Deputy such as the CLÁR programme, the Community Centre Investment Fund and the Community Recognition Fund. These have all supported GAA clubs across the county with funding for the provision of enhanced accessibility and improved facilities.
The Programme for Government includes a commitment to publish and implement a new Our Rural Future policy from 2026 and the process of developing this strategy is well underway. My Department is undertaking an extensive programme of consultations which will help shape the new policy. Indeed I have recently met with the GAA to discuss issues related to rural development and our shared ambitions for rural Ireland. While the facilities and initiatives available through GAA clubs vary across the county and are a matter for the county boards and local clubs, together with my Government colleagues, we will continue to support the improvement of such facilities to build resilience and capacity within rural areas.
