A new Rural Development Programme has been described as a "shot in the arm" for rural communities across Co. Clare.

Tony Killeen, Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food with special responsibility for Fisheries, made the announcement saying that under the programme, funding of €425.4m will be provided - almost treble the amount available in the last Programme (2000 - 2006).

"The largest ever package for rural development will be channelled through Local Action Groups to support and facilitate the continued development of rural communities all over Ireland, including many across Clare," explained Minister Killeen.

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The Clare TD added: "Advertisements placed in national papers this week have called for proposals from Local Action Groups to administer this funding. Each of the chosen groups will distribute funding to community groups and individuals in rural areas for the range of activities to be funded under this Programme."

The Junior Agriculture Minister said that the Programme would provide individuals and organisations in every corner of Clare with an ideal opportunity to invest in their own communities.

"The range of activities to be 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 heritage and training and information," Minister Killeen concluded.

Of the €425.4m, €234m will come from the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development and €191m from national exchequer.

The Programme will be delivered through the LEADER approach, an innovative 'bottom up' approach that encourages rural areas to explore ways to become or remain competitive, to make the most of their assets and to overcome whatever challenges they may face.

(JM)