The Government is finalising details of a new €150 million community development plan that is designed to provide amenities such as playgrounds, community centres and swimming pools to communities around the country.
The plan, to be unveiled by Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs Éamon Ó Cuív later this year, is an attempt to address the lack of basic facilities in many communities.
The fund will operate through existing programmes, such as Rapid, which targets disadvantaged areas around the country, and Clár, an investment plan for rural areas.
Communities in need of facilities will be identified through an audit of existing amenities and the population levels in a particular area.
Mr Ó Cuív said: "The idea is to create a template to ensure no citizen is without these kinds of services or facilities. It will apply to both old and new communities in all parts of the country."
He accepted the €150 million outlay would only provide a limited number of community facilities. However, he insisted this was an initial sum of money and more could follow over the next five years.
Communities will be invited to apply for funding under the programme, details of which are to be announced in the autumn.
Other plans in the area of community development include the establishment of community development agencies, which would be "one-stop shops" for advice on grant supports, business opportunities and training and development. They would also manage grant spending under the new EU fund for rural development.
Developments are also planned in the area of rural tourism. The possibility of using former railways as recreational trails is to be explored, in partnership with Iarnród Éireann.
An all-Ireland walkways development plan is also due to be introduced, which will map out routes and ensure they are developed to maximise their use.
Steps will be taken to ensure farmers who give permission for their land to be used for walking or recreational purposes will not jeopardise their chances of receiving planning permission for this land, according to Government officials.
In order to further develop farm-based rural tourism and niche visitor attractions, the department - in conjunction with Fáilte Ireland, Leader companies and other bodies - is to draw up a blueprint aimed at breathing new life into the sector.
Separately, the Government is working on plans to expand a community warden scheme that was piloted in five local authority areas in recent years.
Their powers and functions are similar to litter wardens and traffic wardens, except their brief includes interacting with the community through visiting older people, helping tourists and monitoring illegal dumping.
