Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 8 July 2025
936. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht the supports available to an organisation in County Kerry (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37561/25]
View answerThere are a number of schemes within my Department for which funding may be available to support the type of project referred to within the Deputy’s correspondence i.e. improved access to a facility. The schemes include LEADER, the Local Improvement Scheme (LIS) and the CLÁR Programme.
The LEADER programme has for many years supported community facilities, and improved accessibility to such facilities, once they are compatible with the Operating Rules and the Local Development Strategy for the relevant LEADER area. It should be noted that works that normally come within the remit of local authorities and/or are included in the development plan of a local authority are ineligible for LEADER funding.
LEADER projects are selected and approved by the Local Action Group (LAG), and my Department has no role in approving projects. Prospective applicants can discuss a potential project for the community with their LAG, through their Implementing Partner. I can inform the Deputy that the Implementing Partner for the Kerry LAG in the Derrynane region is South Kerry Development Partnership CLG who can be contacted by phone 066-947 2724 or by e-mail info@skdp.net.
The CLÁR programme provides funding for small-scale projects in designated rural areas that have experienced significant levels of de-population over a defined period. It supports a wide range of community facilities and amenities. While the deadline for CLÁR 2025 has now passed, details for the next iteration of the scheme will be published on my Departments website and that of Kerry County Council.
LIS supports the improvement of non-public rural roads and laneways that are not typically maintained by local authorities. The scheme has eligibility criteria in place regarding the ownership, use and access to the roads which would need to be met by the Deputy’s constituent.
The LIS and CLÁR Programme are administered by local authorities, I would therefore advise the Deputy’s constituent to contact Kerry County Council for further information regarding the potential eligibility of the project for these schemes and to explore any other available options.
