Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 10 February 2026
872. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will commit to advocating for a ringfenced budget for the LEADER programme in the next Common Agricultural Policy negotiations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9157/26]
View answer873. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the actions being taken to retain local decision-making in the LEADER funding model under the proposed Common Agricultural Policy changes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9158/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 872 and 873 together.
The Government is committed to the LEADER programme, which is operated by the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, and which has a long track record of supporting rural communities through locally-led development and strong local decision-making.
Under the Commission’s proposals for the CAP post-2027, LEADER remains a mandatory intervention. While it is not proposed for funding from the proposed ring-fenced CAP allocation, it will still need to be funded from Member States’ overall National and Regional Partnership fund. Ireland is examining this carefully to ensure that LEADER can continue to operate effectively and with sufficient support.
As negotiations progress, Ireland will continue to advocate for a CAP framework that recognises the importance of rural development measures, and provides the necessary flexibility and certainty for their delivery.
In relation to local decision-making, Ireland’s priority is that the core bottom-up model of LEADER is fully protected. The strength of the programme lies in decisions being taken at local level, responding to local needs and priorities.
My Department is working closely with the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht to keep it informed of developments in the CAP negotiations, and to ensure that its perspectives are fully taken into account in shaping Ireland's position.
Negotiations remain at an early stage, and Ireland will continue to engage actively to safeguard LEADER’s role as a key support for rural resilience and community-led development.
