Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 8 July 2025
938. Deputy Seán Fleming asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht the reasons which prevent organisations combining Leader and Sports Capital Programme on a single project notwithstanding there can be different phases and stages in projects and separate funding might be required for each of these stages; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37718/25]
View answerThe LEADER Programme supports a broad range of private enterprises and community groups in delivering projects across rural Ireland. The Programme is delivered by a network of Local Action Groups (LAGs) selected to implement Local Development Strategies for their respective geographical areas.
In line with the LEADER Operating Rules, when evaluating project applications the LAGs should primarily focus on supporting projects where LEADER is the main funding source. For LEADER funding to be considered eligible by the LAGs to work in tandem with other public funding streams such as the sports capital funding, separate projects, or parts of projects, should be identified at the outset to be supported through each of these public funds. The project or the part of the project being considered for LEADER funding must be stand-alone and operable in its own right in order to be deemed eligible. Therefore while LEADER funding cannot be used with the sports capital to fund the same part of a project, it can work in tandem with other public funding streams. The Operating Rules are in place to underpin assurance and value for money in the expenditure of public funds, and to ensure that appropriate governance is also in place to effectively manage the EU co-funding which is central to the LEADER programme.
Prospective applicants should, in the first instance, contact their relevant LAG, through its Implementing Partner, to discuss the eligibility of the project and the funding that may be available. The list of all LAGs, their Implementing Partners and contact details, is available on the Department's website: www.gov.ie/LEADER.
