Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 21 January 2026
343. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht given the success of the Leader Programme 2023 -2027, if he will allocate additional funding to the development partnerships/company's; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4674/26]
View answerMy Department is responsible for the LEADER programme, which is part of Ireland’s CAP Strategic Plan covering 2023 to 2027, and which is co-funded by the EU and the Exchequer.
The LEADER programme is administered by Local Action Groups, or LAGs, on behalf of the Department and has been at the heart of rural development in Ireland for over 30 years. It plays an important role in supporting local projects which bring renewed life, jobs and services to our rural communities.
LEADER funding is allocated to LAGs at the beginning of each LEADER programme to provide them with greater flexibility in selecting and approving projects which will have a meaningful impact in their areas.
As you will be aware, €180 million of funding has been committed to the 2023 - 2027 LEADER programme. To date, LAGs across the country have approved LEADER funding for 960 projects valued at almost €47 million, with 19% of the projects completed at a total of over €6.3 million.
I look forward to seeing the outcomes of the current programme emerge over the coming months and years, as these projects are delivered.
Whilst there are no plans to increase the budget allocations under the current programme, funding for the LEADER programme should be considered in the context of the expanding capital allocations made available in recent years under my Department's Rural Development Investment Programme. Under these measures communities across the country have benefited from funding in areas such as town regeneration, the development of community facilities, and the enhancement of outdoor recreation facilities. I am also engaging with my colleagues at cabinet and EU level to advocate for an increased LEADER budget under the next round of Common Agricultural Policy funding.
