Local Infrastructure Priority (Sub-Programme)

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4.6 Impacts of Local Infrastructure Priority (Sub-Programme)

4.6.4 Impact on Rural Development

The Non-National Roads Measure is designed to improve access to remote and rural areas which suffer from the effects of peripherality and isolation. Implementation of the Measure will improve access to and from these areas for local enterprises, tourists, workers and those seeking access to employment, training, educational and social opportunities. It will also make the areas served more attractive as places in which to live and work. In these ways it will promote rural development.

The Rural Water Measure will also support rural development. The provision of clean water to rural dwellers will improve the quality of their lives and make these areas more attractive as places in which to live and work, and to visit. Furthermore, it will improve the capacity of rural areas to exploit economic opportunities which require the availability of clean water, e.g. tourism.

The Waste Management Measure will benefit all sections of rural society. While major waste management facilities will tend to be located near major urban centres to facilitate cost effectiveness and efficiency, the networks of smaller supporting facilities, which will attract assistance under this Measure, will be more dispersed throughout the Region and will, therefore, tend to facilitate overall rural development.

The Urban and Village Renewal Measure will have a positive effect on rural development by improving the quality of the built environment in the small towns and villages which are social and economic centres for rural dwellers.

It is anticipated that the Regional Airports Measure will have a positive effect on rural development by improving accessibility to the region for tourism or business purposes.

Regional harbours and ports play a key role in the local economies in which they are situated. They are the locus of economic activity for remote coastal communities with few alternative sources of employment and play a vital part in supporting local industry by providing a sustainable transport mode for imports and exports, maintaining fishery fleets and acting as marine tourism centres. Planned co-financed investment under this programme will ensure the continued survival of these ports which is essential for the promotion of balanced regional development. Outside of the key strategic ports, the availability of adequate facilities in small regional ports to handle trade in their natural hinterlands is an essential support to local industries. Regional ports provide a local economic focus supporting local suppliers and industry by facilitating the shipping of goods inwards and outwards. Their economic value can often be indirect in terms of commercial activity and spend. The implementation of this Measure will address capacity and infrastructural deficiencies constraining growth, while maximising the use of existing assets. The investment provided under the Regional Seaports Measure will also create opportunities for the development of marine tourism and water-based activities and improve access for coastal and island communities in a manner which will contribute towards a more balanced geographical distribution of economic activity in the Region.

The Culture Recreation and Sports Measure will provide access to sporting, recreational and cultural activities and opportunities on a wider regional basis. Target areas will become more attractive as places in which to live and work, and to visit, thus sustaining vibrant communities in more remote areas and attracting enterprise. In this regard, it is to be noted that there has been a very significant increase in cultural and heritage tourism which is a key growth sector for the BMW region with over 600,000 overseas visitors to Ireland annually indicating a special or particular interest in heritage and culture. The Measure will therefore have a positive impact on poverty and rural development. In addition, a requirement in relation to the management policy of any funded facility will be specific provision for access for socially disadvantaged people.

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