Rural Policy Framework for Northern Ireland

Part of Ministerial Statement – in the Northern Ireland Assembly at 1:00 pm on 31 January 2022.

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Photo of Maurice Bradley Maurice Bradley DUP 1:00, 31 January 2022

I thank the Minister for his statement. You touched on this, Minister, but I was heartened recently when a number of rural halls in my area received funding via the rural halls refurbishment scheme. While I welcome that capital support, I believe that it needs to go much further. Many volunteers who are involved in rural halls have felt despondent and that their work has been undervalued. The scheme has helped to encourage, build and utilise infrastructure, including that already in place, but a priority should be placed on rebuilding rural communities, especially in light of their isolation as a result of COVID-19. Does the Minister agree that the scheme should be expanded?