Rural Development Directorate Rural Development Strategy and Forum The Clare Rural Development Strategy 2026 was launched on 7th September 2017 by Michael Ring, T.D., Minister for Rural and Community Development, at a ceremony hosted by the Clare Rural Development Forum in Kilmaley Community Day-Care Centre. The 10-year blueprint targets the creation of 4,000 jobs over the lifetime of the plan, the development of community-run Multi-Service Centres, innovative rural transport initiatives such as a type of ‘Rural Uber’ and the employment by Clare County Council of Rural Community Development Officers, who will be supporting local and community groups in the county.
Local Community Development Committee During 2017, the Local Community Development Committee (LCDC) managed the delivery of the 3-year programme to a successful conclusion and also concluded a tender process for a new €5.2m five year programme up to 2022. A number of funding supports were also managed and approved by the LCDC during the year and these included the Communities Facilities Scheme, the RAPID Programme and the Healthy Ireland Fund. The LCDC also finalised a CRM for the tracking of the Local Economic and Community Plan Actions and continues to monitor implementation.
Public Participation Network (PPN) A Service Level Agreement for 2017 was finalised between the PPN and Clare County Council and an annual work plan agreed for the year. The Secretariat supported by a Co-ordinator drives the work of the PPN. The 2017 operational costs of the PPN were met from a department grant of €50,000 and a contribution from Clare County Council of €30,000.
73
