Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 10 October 2024
341. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the extent to which she proposes to extend support for various communities under the Leader Programme in the current year, directly or through other agencies; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40899/24]
View answerThe LEADER Programme is a key intervention of Our Rural Future, the Government’s Policy for rural development which aims to deliver a range of actions to rural communities over the lifetime of the policy. It supports a broad range of activities which aim to respond to the diversity of the local needs of our rural areas.
The programme includes specific funding themes to support Economic Development and Job Creation, Rural Infrastructure and Social Inclusion, and Sustainable Development of Rural Environment, Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation. Community groups and rural-based businesses can apply for funding under these themes.
Nationally, over 5,800 projects have been approved for funding in excess of €240 million since 2016 when the 2014-2020 LEADER programme became operational. To date, payments of approximately €220 million have been made in respect of these projects. My Department is currently working to conclude this programme.
The 2023-2027 LEADER Programme, which has a budget of €180 million, has commenced and LAGs are in the early stages of implementation of the 2023-2027 LEADER programme which involves engaging with their respective communities and developing project applications.
I look forward to the programme gathering pace and I am confident that LEADER will continue to play an important role in the future development of our rural areas.
