I propose to take Questions Nos. 232 and 229 together.
My 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.
At the outset of the 2023-2027 LEADER Programme, Local Action Groups (LAGs) were selected to deliver LEADER following submission of a Local Development Strategy (LDS) setting out how they would implement the programme and utilise the available budget. Funding was then allocated to each area at the beginning of the programme to provide each LAG with greater flexibility in selecting and approving projects which will have a meaningful impact in their areas. Each LAG is expected to manage its budget efficiently across the entire multi annual programming period.
In Kerry, the successful LAG was Kerry Local Community Development Committee, with their implementing partners South Kerry Development Partnership CLG and North, East & West Kerry Development. They have an overall budget allocation of almost €8.2 million to complete work in line with their LDS. The budget comprises of over €6.1 million to support community and business projects, with the remainder covering their animation and administration costs associated with delivering the programme.
To date, the Kerry LAG has approved grant aid funding under their project budget allocation to 115 projects with a value of €5.3 million. Although 16% of projects have been completed to date, 97 projects remain to be completed with funding of €4.2 million remaining to be claimed. At a national level, the completion rate of the almost 1,000 approved projects is 20%.
It is important to note that no LAG area has underutilised its allocation. Information published on my Department’s website shows the number and value of projects approved by each LAG as of 31 December 2025. It should be noted that there are many variables within the data presented, including each LAG implementing their own specific LDS, the budget allocated to each LAG, the diverse range of funding amounts a beneficiary can apply for, and the effort required to engage with hard-to-reach communities.
I fully expect each LAG to utilise its budget over the lifetime of the programme and 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.
Additionally, I am also engaging with my colleagues at cabinet and EU level to advocate for the continued prioritisation of LEADER under the next round of Common Agricultural Policy funding.
