Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 21 May 2026
120. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht in relation to the LEADER programme, the measures that have been funded for climate change mitigation and adaptation; the funding allocated to LEADER in budget 2025; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37330/26]
View answerThe LEADER programme is co-financed by the European Commission under the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) and has been operating successfully in Ireland for 35 years.
It is a multi-annual programme, with overall programme allocations being linked to a programming period set at EU level, rather than an annual basis. The funding allocated in my department's annual budget reflects the current point in the programme period and expected expenditure by the Local Action Groups (LAGs).
The LEADER programme allocation for each sub-regional area is provided to LAGs at the outset of each programme to provide them with greater flexibility to manage their budgets over the programming period. Funding is then paid out by my Department as costs are incurred and claims for payment are submitted. The €180 million budget for the 2023-2027 LEADER programme will be made available by my Department as projects are completed over the programming period.
Funding is not targeted at any particular group or sector or activity. Rather, it is focused on a thematic approach to rural development under the headings of firstly, Economic Development and Job Creation, secondly, Rural Infrastructure and Social Inclusion, and thirdly, Sustainable Development of the Rural Environment and Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation.
Under the third theme, for the 2023-2027 LEADER programme, I can inform the Deputy that currently 209 LEADER projects have been approved countrywide to date to receive LEADER funding valued at close to €7.2 million. This funding supports measures such as energy efficient projects, climate education training, and the circular economy projects. I expect the number of projects approvals to increase over the lifetime of the programme.
I am confident that the LEADER programme can continue to build on its long track record of bottom up led delivery in the coming years.
