Phase 4 February—March 2011

Phase 4 February—March 2011

The information measures will focus on the following objectives:

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  Information for potential applicants and beneficiaries
  
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  Promoting greater general public understanding of the objectives and achievements of the programme in Ireland
  
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  Ensuring recognition of the role of, and financial contribution from, the EAFRD.
  

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  Co-ordinate the communication plan for the programme
  
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  Assist the monitoring committee in the review, update and dissemination of the communication plan
  
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  Publish and circulate of the approved programme and a summary booklet for potential beneficiaries and other interested parties
  
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  Make the programme and the summary booklet available throughout the implementing Departments’ national and local office networks
  
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  Publish the national rural development strategy
  
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  Develop and use information tools including leaflets/posters, advertisements, display stands, advertisements and a website to promote a greater understanding of the programme.
  
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  Ensure the role of, and contributions from, the EAFRD are referenced on the websites of the implementing Departments, information leaflets and in their periodic publications
  
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  Publish information leaflets/forms/guidance documents on each of the support measures in print and electronic form
  
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  Participate in seminar, conferences, information days, rural/agricultural shows to promote a greater understanding of the programme and the implementation and monitoring arrangements in Ireland
  
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  Publish progress reports on the programme in Annual Review and Outlook of the Department of Agriculture and Food and in the respective Annual Reports of the Department of Agriculture and Food and of the Department of Community Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs.
  

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  Publish the relevant support measures in the Schemes and Services Booklet of the Department of Agriculture and Food and in the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs’ guide booklet Many Communities – A Common Focus
  

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  Make reference in the information measures to the responsibility of beneficiaries to display an explanatory plaque if in receipt of programme support for an investment greater than €50,000 and a billboard if greater than €500,000
  

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  Provide updates on Departments’ websites on the programme and specific support measures
  

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  Undertake forward planning of linkages between developments under the communication plan and the European Network for Rural Development.
  

In addition, the managing authority will perform a support role for the implementing Divisions and the DCRGA by the provision of advice on implementing the publicity and information regulation and assistance in the implementation of the communication plan.

The communication plan will be funded by the national exchequer and by the EAFRD. Total funding over the period of the programme is estimated at €1m.

CAP Rural Development Division of the Department of Agriculture and Food is the managing authority under the RDP and has responsibility for the preparation and implementation of the communication plan. This task is shared with the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs (DCRGA). As the DCRGA has responsibility for the measures under Axes 3 and 4 of the programme, it will have a pivotal role in ensuring implementation of the communication plan in relation to these particular measures. All publication and information measures will be co-ordinated between both Departments.

The managing authority will monitor the impact of the information and publicity measures in terms of transparency, awareness of the programme and the role of the EU.

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  On 24 October 2005 a notice was placed in the national media inviting expressions of interest from organisations wishing to be consulted on the draft national rural development strategy and programme.
  
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  Eighty-four replies were received. The organisations involved were regarded as having a legitimate interest and were formally designated as consultative partners on 15 November 2005.
  
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  On 23 December 2005 a consultative document issued to the partners. This sought views as to the priorities, measures and other factors for incorporation into the rural development strategy/programme.
  
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  Seventy-two submissions were received. Their contents were outlined to the consultative partners at a seminar in Tullamore, Co. Offaly on 14 March 2006. The seminar also afforded an opportunity for participants to expand on their submissions and/or to put forward further ideas.
  
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  The consultative process covered measures such as forestry that are not covered by this programme. In the interest of complementarity and completeness the comments made on those measures are, however, included in the following sections.
  

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  There were different views as to the preferred balance between the priorities. While each priority had its advocates, all were viewed as important, with a particular appreciation being shown for the environmental aims of Axis 2.
  
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  In relation to Axis 1, most considered that support should be slanted towards physical capital (farm improvement etc.) rather than human capital (training etc.). The need to address the age structure issue in agriculture was, however, also cited, as was the desirability of supporting, where possible, renewable energy initiatives.
  
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  On Axis 2 there was very strong support for the current rural environment protection scheme. It was seen as important in terms of water quality and biodiversity. Two other current schemes, compensatory allowances and forestry, also had significant support counteracted to some extent by critical comments – the long-term benefit to disadvantaged areas was questioned, as was the forestry species mix and use of certain land. Some put forward Natura 2000 and animal welfare as possible measures.
  
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  In relation to Axis 3 in particular, the need to cross-reference to other policy documents (e.g. spatial strategy, white paper on rural development) and to bear in mind equality and social inclusion issues was highlighted.
  
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  There was strong support for a rural network. The general view was that this must have broad representation and must cover the full scope of the programme.
  

Following the preparation of the draft Rural Development Programme a public consultation process commenced on 7 November 2006. Allied to this a public consultation meeting was held on 28 November 2006.