I would like to thank you for your presence at today's press conference, which aims to provide information on the implementation of the National Strategy for Mountain Communities, as well as on the revised housing plans and allowances to support the residents of rural, mountainous, marginal and disadvantaged areas.
Two complementary policies aimed at revitalising these areas and making them attractive places to live permanently and do business for young families, investors and entrepreneurs.
In this context, in July 2019, the Government adopted the Integrated National Strategy for the Development of the Troodos Mountain Communities, which was a first sample to be followed by others and for the first time since the establishment of the Republic of Cyprus, aims to revitalize and develop each community, each geographical area, with Troodos as a pilot project as originally announced.
In particular, at this stage, as the Strategy is constantly being enriched and upgraded, it is envisaged to implement 350 actions by the end of 2030, with a total budget of more than €525 million.
And it is with great satisfaction that I welcome the fact that 194 actions, at a total cost of €367 million, have either been completed or are in the process of being implemented.
I will not go into detail on these actions, as the Commissioner responsible and, on housing policy issues, the Minister of Interior will inform you about them.
But allow me to focus on the targets we have set until the end of 2022 for the implementation of flagship policies and projects of the National Strategy.
With regard to actions of a horizontal and institutional nature, it is expected that by the end of 2022 the following will be completed:
1. The inclusion of the mountain communities of the Paphos and Larnaca Districts and the rest of the Limassol District in the National Strategy for the Development of Mountain Communities. Including Nicosia. As it is known, the National Strategy for the Development of the Mountain Communities of Troodos, would be the pilot leg of a broader policy which, with the above decision, now covers all provinces.
2. The establishment of the mountain principle and the upland policy.
3. The new Troodos Policy Statement, which constitutes the staff spatial planning.
4. The recognition of cottage industry as a branch of secondary production.
5. The identification of specific conditions and specifications for the development and operation of visitable - multifunctional farms.
One of the actions of the strategy for the development of rural tourism, which will be specifically mentioned by the Deputy Minister of Tourism, who is not present today due to his absence in Sweden.
I would just like to mention that the Cyprus for Tomorrow Programme includes four projects which will contribute significantly to the intended development of mountain communities in terms of rural tourism.
I would just like to mention that the Cyprus for Tomorrow Programme includes four projects which will contribute significantly to the intended development of mountain communities in terms of rural tourism. You understand the magnitude and importance of the visitor traffic that the mountain communities will gain through the various policies and actions.
6. The Environmental Impact Assessment for the Development of the Troodos Mountain Communities.
These actions are considered to be of strategic importance, as they aim both to define the framework of principles and the general objectives of the mountain policy and to enrich the unique tourist product of Troodos, promote alternative forms of rural activity and increase the number of visitors.
As regards development projects, the following are expected to be completed or to start being implemented by the end of 2022:
1. Tender for the construction of a heliport in Linou to meet firefighting, search and rescue needs.
2. Call for tender for the creation of a Regional Popular Market in Karvouna.
3. Start of operation, as of today, of an ambulance station in Kampos.
4. Strengthening of the Ambulance Station in Pedoulas.
5. Acceleration of procedures for the creation of the Troodos Industrial Area in Linou.
6. Establishment of a branch of the Ministry of State for Research, Innovation and Digital Policy in Platres.
7. Preparation of a study for the creation of a third uphill lane between Gerasa - Kalo Chorio. It is noted that the implementation of relevant improvement works has already been promoted.
8+9. Call for tenders, through the BOT method, for the upgrading of the National High Sports Centre "Glaucos Clerides" in Agros and the creation of a High Sports Training Centre in Prodromos.
10. Operation of an Agriculture Branch at Soleas Lyceum which, due to the interest shown by students, will hopefully start from the next school year.
11. Regarding the Troodos Hospital, it is expected that the projects of the Pulmonology Clinic and upgrading of the First Aid facilities will be completed soon. We are nearing the end of the construction works and, in consultation with the Minister of Health, they will be staffed in such a way that Troodos Hospital will truly be a regional hospital for the mountain communities.
12. Call for tender for the establishment of a Fire Station in Pedoulas, after the many adventures we have had in finding a suitable site. It has been found and we are moving forward to realize this goal as well.
13. Call for tender for the construction of a new Lania Police Station.
Complementary and reinforcing our efforts to curb urbanisation and support not only the residents of Troodos, but also the wider countryside, mountainous, marginal and disadvantaged areas, are the relevant housing schemes and the Government's subsidy policy.
As you are well aware, in July 2019 we announced a series of housing plans aimed at giving a substantial boost to the development prospects of these areas, while in February 2021 new communities were included in the plans, thereby expanding the potential beneficiaries.
To date, €20 million in housing applications have been approved, and with the completion of the assessment of pending applications, the total financial support is expected to exceed €25 million.
At the same time, following consultations, the identification of some drawbacks of the initially announced policy, and suggestions from local authorities, organised groups and citizens, the need to modify the plans in order to make them even more attractive and flexible for further attracting interest for permanent residence or activity, especially in mountainous and disadvantaged areas, has become apparent.
In response to these suggestions, but also to the active interest of the Government, it was decided to.
Ø Revision of the criteria for inclusion in the plans, resulting in an increase in the number of communities whose residents can benefit, which now amounts to 277.
Ø Inclusion in the plans of additional outlying areas, both in municipalities and in Pyla. I am referring to our outlying areas, which are being enlarged to allow for further utilisation of the policy.
In addition, in order to immediately cover all applications received, the relevant budget, compared to the previous year, has been tripled, and now stands at €15 million.
As regards the plan to provide financial assistance to support residents living in mountain communities with an altitude of more than 600 metres, and the granting of emergency aid, details will be reported by the Minister of the Interior
At the same time, it has been decided to change the methodology for calculating the altitude, so that 119 communities with a population of more than 25 will benefit.000 inhabitants.
At the same time, it was decided to change the criteria for granting financial aid to remote communities - i.e. depending on the distance from the centre of the metropolitan municipalities - resulting in 130 communities with a population of more than 27 inhabitants benefiting.
At the same time, it was decided to change the criteria for granting financial aid to remote communities - i.e. depending on the distance from the centre of the metropolitan municipalities - resulting in 130 communities with a population of more than 27 inhabitants benefiting.000 inhabitants.
All changes and provisions of the revised plans will be communicated to you immediately by the Minister of Interior.
My references are limited only to the policy actions I have developed, because in addition there are a number of other specific grant and incentive schemes referring to the strengthening of entrepreneurship and job creation or a series of policies that are expected to be announced soon, such as the Revision of the Rural Policy Statement and the Integrated Rural Development Plan.
My references are limited only to the policy actions I have developed, because in addition there are a number of other specific grant and incentive schemes referring to the strengthening of entrepreneurship and job creation or a series of policies that are expected to be announced soon, such as the Revision of the Rural Policy Statement and the Integrated Rural Development Plan. The amount, which is increased by €125 million compared to the previous three-year period 2019-2021.
This is without counting major road projects that have been long-standing and long-standing demands of rural and mountain residents, totalling €350 million. I am referring to projects concerning the Limassol - Saita road, the Pafos - Polis Chrysochous, Nicosia - Paleochori and Astromeritis - Evrychou motorways and the Nicosia peripheral motorway.
In conclusion, what I want to assure and reiterate is that we will continue to implement with the same determination the integrated national strategy, which is the first time it has been drawn up since the establishment of the Republic of Cyprus, so that through the plans we can give real support to the mountainous regions, remote and suffering areas, not only to prevent their depopulation, but also to give further impetus to their economic, social, agricultural, tourist and cultural development prospects.
The floor will then be given to the Minister of Interior and the Commissioner for Mountain Communities who will analyse the general guidelines I have given.
(PM/MG/IC)
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