Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 1 May 2025
386. Deputy Conor D. McGuinness asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the breakdown of annual allocations and actual expenditure under the LEADER rural development programme for each year since 2020; and if he will comment on any variations or underspend. [21883/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe current LEADER Programme runs to 2027 and is now up and running across the country. It supports a broad range of enterprises and community groups to develop projects which improve the quality of life and economic activity in rural areas. It is delivered through Local Action Groups (LAGs) across rural Ireland which facilitates a community-led, bottom-up approach to rural development.
The LEADER programme is a multi-annual programme, with allocations in particular being linked to a programming period, rather than an annual basis. The total amount of funding allocated to LEADER for the period of 2021-2027 is €250 million, made up of €70 million for the Transitional LEADER programme for the years 2021 and 2022, and €180 million allocated for the LEADER programme 2023-2027.
The funding allocations for each sub-regional area was provided to Local Action Groups at the outset of each programme to provide them with greater flexibility managing 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 annual outturn in relation to LEADER as reported in the Department’s Appropriation Accounts is set out in the table below:
|
- |
2023 €‘000 |
2022 €‘000 |
2021 €‘000 |
2020 €‘000 |
|
LEADER Outturn |
51,020 |
51,984 |
55,954 |
45,439 |
Details in relation to projects approved for funding are published on my Department's website at: www.gov.ie/LEADER
