Written Answers Nos. 52-72
52. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht if consideration will be given to granting housing functions to Údarás na Gaeltachta; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22990/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThere are no plans to transfer statutory functions currently resting with the local authorities in respect of either housing or planning to Údarás na Gaeltaachta.
The commitments to the Gaeltacht in the Government’s Housing Plan are clear. In addition to the national support schemes being made available to the general public, it is promised that a National Planning Statement for the Gaeltacht will be published in the first half of 2027 and that Údarás na Gaeltachta will work with Uisce Éireann and local authorities to explore the feasibility of the provision of serviced sites suitable for housing in Gaeltacht Language Planning Areas.
In addition, the Údarás na Gaeltachta (Amendment) Bill 2024, which is currently at Report Stage, contains a provision to provide Údarás na Gaeltachta with the power to dispose of lands held by the organisation to an approved housing body (within the Housing (Regulation of Approved Housing Bodies) Act, 2019) or a housing authority (within the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, 1992) for the purpose of providing housing in the Gaeltacht.
Údarás na Gaeltachta is undertaking important work to provide employment for Gaeltacht communities and it would not be appropriate to reduce the organisation's emphasis on fulfilling that role. The organisation will, therefore, have a secondary role in terms of supporting housing in the Gaeltacht.
53. Deputy Mark Wall asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht the amount of funding that has been allocated to the CLÁR programme for its current round of funding. [23039/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe CLAR programme provides funding under a number of different measures for small-scale infrastructural projects in designated rural areas. The funding is provided for community facilities and amenities, community vehicles and specific support for island communities.
On the 10th of March I was delighted to launch the 2026 CLAR programme with a budget of €12 million across three different measures.
This year, following a review of CLÁR areas, I have also designated an additional 110 electoral divisions as eligible for CLÁR.
54. Deputy Louis O'Hara asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht the steps he has taken to tackle dereliction in rural towns and villages; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21735/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra69. Deputy Louis O'Hara asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht to provide an update on the progress of the Town Centre First initiative in Galway east; his plans to support regeneration in towns and villages across County Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21736/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 54 and 69 together.
Launched in 2022, the Town Centre First (TCF) Policy is a major cross-government policy, which aims to tackle vacancy, combat dereliction and breathe new life into our town centres. It does this by setting out a framework to facilitate and resource the regeneration of Irish towns to ensure they are vibrant, viable places to live, work, invest in, and visit.
TCF complements other national policies including Our Rural Future, the new national housing strategy ‘Delivering Homes, Building Communities', as well as the National Planning Framework, which also aim to tackle vacancy and dereliction, achieve balanced regional development and support local communities.
Significant progress has been made since the launch of the TCF policy towards achieving its objectives. Town Regeneration Officers (TROs), based in 26 local authorities including in Galway County Council, are funded by my Department and provide support for the establishment and work of Town Teams. They also act as a key conduit between the local authority, towns and villages and their communities. This includes new Capital Delivery Teams, who are also funded by my Department, Vacant Homes Officers, Broadband Officers and Night-Time Economy Officers. More broadly, they work closely across multi-disciplinary technical teams in local authorities who are collectively charged with responsibility of town regeneration including combatting vacancy and dereliction.
Dedicated funding of over €7 million has also been provided for a range of TCF related supports. Included in this package of funding was support the development of 52 TCF Town Plans nationally, including in Gort and Athenry. The funding also helped establish Town Teams nationwide, including in Headford, An Cheathrú Rua, and Oranmore in Galway. These initiatives aim to support local communities in identifying and addressing the key issues in their own towns and communities.
Importantly, a range of capital funding streams is available to support delivery on Town Centre First objectives. For example, to date, the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund has allocated €614 million for 273 projects across Ireland, including over €32 million to 20 projects located across County Galway. Projects supported by the RRDF have had a strong focus on regeneration and will deliver vibrant and liveable town centres and ensure that rural towns, villages and communities can prosper over the months and years ahead.
Similarly, the Town and Village Renewal Scheme (TVRS) places particular emphasis on projects that will bring derelict and vacant buildings and sites back into use as multi-purpose community spaces. Since its launch, TVRS has allocated over €210 million to over 1,900 projects nationally, with over €8.5 million in funding allocated to 81 projects in County Galway. Details of all projects funded by the Department are available on my department's website.
Town Centre First is also supported by other funding measures available across Government. The Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, who holds joint responsibility for the policy, also implements a suite of schemes including the new Towns and Cities Regeneration Investment Fund which builds on the success of the Urban Regeneration and Development Fund, the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant under the Croí Cónaithe initiative, and THRIVE - the TCF Heritage Renewal Scheme.
My Department will continue to work closely with colleagues in local authorities and the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage to deliver on the goal of revitalising rural towns and villages and addressing the issues of dereliction and vacancy.
55. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht for an update on measures to encourage greater philanthropic donations to local artistic, cultural, sporting or community organisations. [9527/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department launched the first ever National Philanthropy Policy in December 2023. The aim of the policy is to deepen understanding and knowledge, create an enabling environment and accelerate engagement with philanthropy in Ireland for social good. This policy is being implemented over a period of five years, from 2024 to 2028.
The Policy focuses on five key strands: Communications and Awareness Raising; Data and Research; Stimulating and Incentivising Philanthropy; Government and Sectoral Partnership; and Capacity Building. Associated with these strands are objectives, actions and designated responsible bodies. In line with the key objectives of the Policy, five sub-groups were established to support the delivery of the actions under each of the five objectives.
Since the launch of the Policy, a number of key research projects have been undertaken, including around the area of collaboration, awareness raising, academic centres and also fiscal policy. A number of initiatives are underway to develop capacity building within organisations to engage with philanthropy, the development of a framework for collaborative working between public bodies and philanthropy as well as examining the potential models for an academic centre of excellence.
The first ever National Philanthropy Awareness Raising Event will take place in May this year and will focus on increasing awareness and understanding of philanthropy in Ireland, including the role it can play in supporting communities and delivering positive social outcomes.
As part of the implementation of the policy, in August 2025, funding of €944,585 allocated from my Department to support nine Pilot Place-Based Philanthropy projects. The pilot projects are supported by philanthropic donations of nearly €1 million, resulting in a total investment of almost €1.9 million in community led projects. The projects will address local needs and challenges through strong community involvement and collaboration between Government and philanthropic partners.
My Department also works in partnership with Philanthropy Ireland, Charities Institute Ireland and Rethink Ireland to support their work to facilitate, encourage and grow philanthropic giving in Ireland. This includes the provision of grant funding to support the growth of the philanthropic sector.
In addition, the Finance Act 2024 provided new measures in relation to sports bodies that allow both PAYE and self-assessed income tax donors to elect for the tax relief on donations to sports bodies to apply to either the recipient sports body or the income tax donor themselves. In addition, new provisions were introduced to allow certain approved National Governing Bodies (NGBs) an exemption from tax for funds which it invests for a period of up to ten years, subject to certain conditions. Tax relief for donations to certain NGBs was extended to include donations for certain sporting equipment, the participation of females and persons with disabilities in sport, and to support high performance athletes in achieving excellence. These measures are aimed at increasing donations to sports bodies and facilitating sports bodies to invest in longer term projects, which in turn will benefit all those involved in sporting activities.
56. Deputy Catherine Callaghan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht when the outdoor recreation infrastructure scheme will reopen for applications in 2026; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23088/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme, or ORIS, is funded by my Department as part of the Rural Development Investment Programme.
It is an important contributor to “Embracing Ireland’s Outdoors”, our national outdoor recreation strategy. The scheme provides funding for the development and enhancement of outdoor recreational infrastructure such as walking trails, cycleways, blue ways, mountain access routes and open water facilities at rivers, lakes and beaches.
Since 2016, funding of over €154 million has been approved for more than 2,060 outdoor amenities across the country. These new and improved facilities are a vital outlet for both residents and tourists.
Applications under ORIS are administered, prioritised and submitted by local authorities, local development companies and state bodies to my Department for assessment.
Last week, my officials facilitated a workshop with key stakeholders nationwide to review delivery of the scheme and to explore opportunities for the next iteration of ORIS.
I expect to launch ORIS 2026/2027 with an increased budget allocation of €17 million in Quarter 2 of this year.
57. Deputy Mark Wall asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht for an update on the LIS scheme as recently announced; if changes have been made to the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23040/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Local Improvement Scheme (LIS) provides for the upgrade of non-public rural roads and laneways that are typically not maintained by local authorities. It was re-introduced by my Department in 2017 and, since then, over €201 million has been allocated to local authorities for LIS.
Last month, I was pleased to launch the 2026 scheme with funding of €17.55 million. This is an increase on the initial base funding allocated in 2025.
While the Department provides funding for the scheme, it is managed by local authorities. There are no changes to the scheme criteria this year and local authorities remain responsible for selecting and prioritising roads. This includes handling applications, prioritising eligible roads, scheduling works, and maintaining waiting lists.
My officials are engaging with local authorities who are in the process of preparing their lists of roads where works will be undertaken this year. The scheme will be closely monitored to ensure funding is fully utilised and that as many roads as possible are completed under the scheme.
61. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Barry Heneghan den Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht an bhfuil sé sásta an maoiniú cuí a chur ar fáil d’Údarás na Gaeltachta le rannóg tithíochta a chur ar bun san údarás chun comhordú a dhéanamh ar straitéis le dul i ngleic leis an éigeandáil tithíochta Ghaeltachta, comhordú a dhéanamh ar thógáil tithíochta ag na húdaráis áitiúla agus ag na comhlachtaí ceadaithe tithíochta agus pleanáil go straitéiseach don líon tithe breise atá ag teastáil chun inmharthanacht na Gaeltachta a chinntiú [22798/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraNíor mhiste a nótáil go mbaineann saincheisteanna tithíochta leis an Roinn Tithíochta, Rialtais Áitiúil agus Oidhreachta.
Tá obair thábhachtach ar bun ag Údarás na Gaeltachta ar mhaithe le fóstaíocht a chur ar fáil do phobal na Gaeltachta agus ní bheadh sé cuí aon rud a dhéanamh a laghdódh an bhéim atá ag an eagraíocht ar chomhlíonadh an róil sin. Is ról tánaisteach a bheidh ag an Údaras maidir le cúrsaí tithíochta dá bharr.
É sin ráite, is saincheist an-tábhachtach domsa mar Aire í tithíocht sa Ghaeltacht agus bhí roinnt chruinnithe agam leis an Aire Tithíochta, Rialtais Áitiúil agus Oidhreachta, James Browne TD, chun é seo a phlé.
I bPlean Tithíochta an Rialtais, tá a bhfuil geallta don Ghaeltacht soiléir; tá sé geallta go bhfoilseofar Ráiteas Náisiúnta Pleanála don Ghaeltacht sa chéad leath de 2027 agus go n-oibreoidh Údarás na Gaeltachta i gcomhar le hUisce Éireann agus na húdaráis áitiúla chun na féidearthachtaí a bhaineann le suíomhanna seirbhísithe a bheadh feiliúnach do thithíocht a fhiosrú, anuas ar na scéimeanna tacaíochta náisiúnta tithíochta atá ar fáil don phobal i gcoitinne.
Anuas air sin, tá an Bille um Údarás na Gaeltachta (Leasú) 2024 ag Céim na Tuarascála faoi láthair. Cé gurb é athbhunú toghcháin chuig bord an Údaráis príomhchuspóir an Bhille seo, ar mhaithe le tacú le soláthar títhíochta sa Ghaeltacht ann, déanfar leasú sa Bhille ar Alt 8 den Acht um Údarás na Gaeltachta, 1979, chun cead a thabhairt don Údarás talamh a dhíol le comhlacht tithíochta ceadaithe nó le húdarás tithíochta nó a dhiúscairt ar shlí eile chuig an gcéanna, chun tithíocht a sholáthar sa Ghaeltacht.
62. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht the funding allocated to Cavan and Monaghan county councils for lane improvement works under the local improvement scheme in each year 2020-2025, and the proposed allocations for 2026. [22907/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Local Improvement Scheme (LIS) provides for the upgrade of non-public rural roads and laneways that are typically not maintained by local authorities. It was re-introduced by my Department in 2017 and since then, over €201 million has been allocated to local authorities for LIS.
Table 1 LIS funding allocated to Cavan and Monaghan County Councils from 2020 to 2025.
|
County |
2020 |
2021 |
2022 |
2023 |
2024 |
2025 |
Total |
|
Cavan |
€269,254 |
€1,119,389 |
€1,273,457 |
€1,741,411 |
€690,084 |
€1,181,974 |
€6,275,569 |
|
Monaghan |
€250,000 |
€1,326,223 |
€932,889 |
€1,342,724 |
€564,965 |
€961,776 |
€5,378,577 |
Last month, I was pleased to launch the 2026 scheme with funding of €17.55 million. Of this, Cavan County Council received an allocation of €527,400, while Monaghan County Council have been allocated €385,880. This is an increase on the initial base funding allocated to both Cavan and Monaghan in 2025. This funding announcement brings the total allocated to Cavan County Council since 2017 to over €8 million. Monaghan has been allocated over €6.9 million over the same period.
My officials are engaging with local authorities who are in the process of preparing their lists of roads for inclusion in this years scheme. The scheme will be closely monitored to ensure funding is fully utilised and that as many roads as possible are completed under the scheme.
63. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht whether he is aware that Part 8 planning has been granted for Mayfield Library refurbishment but Cork City Council lack the funding to complete this. [22434/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe provision of library services is primarily a matter for local authorities, in their capacity as library authorities, under the Local Government Act 2001. Accordingly, the funding and delivery of the library project referred to is primarily a matter for the relevant local authority, in this case Cork City Council.
I am informed by Cork City Council that the library project at Mayfield is categorised as a priority project in the Council’s Development Plan 2022-2028. I am further advised that the Part 8 planning application, as per the requirements of the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended), was approved by Councillors in October 2024, allowing the proposal to be progressed through the standard planning approval process.
My department’s Libraries Capital Programme 2023 – 2027 is now fully committed and will invest €22.6m in 11 state-of-the-art infrastructure projects and €2.6m in 12 next generation mobile library vehicles. Cork City Council’s application under the Libraries Capital Programme 2023 -2027 in respect of Mayfield Library was unsuccessful. One of the key factors in the failure of this project to secure funding was the lack of progress regarding planning approval at the time.
With Part 8 approval secured for Mayfield library, the project is now positioned to provide a modern multi-use facility. This places the Mayfield development in a strong position to compete for future funding opportunities as they arise.
64. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Aindrias Moynihan den Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht cén dul chun cinn atá déanta le bailte seirbhíse Gaeltachta éagsúla; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [23032/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraTá ról suntasach ag Bailte Seirbhíse Gaeltachta maidir le seirbhísí poiblí agus áiseanna áineasa, sóisialta agus tráchtála a sholáthar don phobal sna limistéir pleanála teanga a bhfreastalaíonn siad orthu. Mar thoradh air sin, tá tionchar suntasach agus dearfach ag na bailte seo ar stádas na Gaeilge mar theanga phobail agus teaghlaigh i gceantair Ghaeltachta.
Mar thoradh ar an bpróisis chomhairliúcháin a reáchtáladh in 2014, aithníodh 16 baile mar Bhailte Seirbhíse Gaeltachta féideartha ag brath ar cheanneagraíocht a bheith ceaptha agus pleananna teanga a bheith aontaithe leis na pobail áitiúla de réir na gcritéir pleanála teanga atá leagtha síos faoi Acht na Gaeltachta 2012.
Tar éis dóibh a bheith ceaptha, tugtar tréimhse dhá bhliain do gach ceanneagraíocht chun plean a ullmhú le cur faoi bhráid an Aire lena fhaomhadh.
As na 16 Baile Seirbhíse Gaeltachta sin, tá 10 bplean teanga faofa go dtí seo, agus á gcur i bhfeidhm sna bailte atá i gceist. Tá pleananna teanga faofa ag na bailte seo a leanas agus tá siad aitheanta mar Bhailte Seirbhíse Gaeltachta:
• Leitir Ceanainn
• Daingean Uí Chúis
• Cathair na Gaillimhe
• An Clochán Liath
• Trá Lí
• Caisleán an Bharraigh
• Dún Garbhán
• Cathair Saidhbhín
• An Clochán
• Baile an Róba
Tá tús curtha leis an bpróiseas chun pleananna a ullmhú maidir le Béal an Mhuirthead agus Cathair Chorcaí.
I láthair na huaire tá ceanneagraíochtaí á lorg ag Foras na Gaeilge chun pleananna teanga a ullmhú do na bailte seo a leanas: Baile Dhún na nGall, Maigh Chromtha, Baile Átha Buí agus An Uaimh.
Leithdháiltear buiséad suas le €20,000 ar Bhailte Seirbhíse Gaeltachta chun pleananna a ullmhú agus cuirtear buiséad bliantúil €96,000 thar seacht mbliana ar fáil chun tacú lena gcur i bhfeidhm.
65. Deputy Rory Hearne asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht in light of a report (details supplied) noting the surge of interest in Irish language courses, the measures his Department are taking to ensure the Irish language will be increasingly visible, usable and valued in the coming years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23006/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraCentral to Government efforts in increasing the visibility, use and recognition of the Irish language is the full and successful implementation of the Official Languages Act, 2003-2020.
The publication of the National Plan for Irish Language Public Services 2024-2030 under the Act in October 2024 was a significant step forward in this regard. This ambitious and strategic 6-year plan is the first of its kind in the history of the State and a central element in the move towards a fully bilingual public service under the Official Languages Acts 2003 and 2021.
This National Plan, which is based on five specific strategic themes, is intended to act as a roadmap for public bodies in terms of systematically increasing and improving the number and quality of Irish language public services that they provide as well as the number of staff competent in Irish they have available to provide such services - in line with the Act’s overarching recruitment target that 20% of recruits to public bodies will be competent in Irish by 31 December 2030.
It was a great honour for me therefore, as the first senior Minister to have responsibility for the Irish language and the Gaeltacht in several years, to build on this work by publishing recently the first accompanying Action Plan to that National Plan, for the period 2026-2028.
This Action Plan seeks to adopt a holistic, measurable and practical approach to the implementation of the National Plan for Irish Language Public Services 2024-2030 – in particular the ambitious recruitment target as referred to by the Deputy. It builds on the clear interest shown through the research for the National Plan among staff of public bodies to improve their Irish-language competency, as well as their positive attitude towards the language in general.
Cross-cutting initiatives contained in the Action Plan look to enhance the provision of bilingual public services across the country – particularly in Gaeltacht areas, through a range of measures. It focuses on developing supportive structures and includes measures focused on capacity and awareness building, skills development and technology. The plan also places a particular emphasis on measures to be undertaken to achieve the overarching recruitment target that 20% of recruits to public sector bodies will be competent in Irish by the end of 2030.
I have highlighted to Government colleagues the role we all have to play in achieving the Plan, and the Act's ambitious targets - a message that will also be echoed to public bodies under their aegis.
Ultimately this work will enable the normalisation of the Irish language as an integral part of the public service and will also empower speakers of the language to use it when accessing services.
At a time when the level of good-will and positivity towards the language has never been higher, this ambitious plan sets out the clear and measurable steps to be taken across Government in the years ahead towards achieving a truly bilingual public service, and indeed bilingual society, in line with Programme for Government commitments.
66. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht the total amount of funding allocated to local improvement schemes in 2026; the number of local improvement schemes that are on the list for funding with Mayo County Council; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15652/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Local Improvement Scheme (LIS) provides for the upgrade of non-public rural roads and laneways that are typically not maintained by local authorities. It was re-introduced by my Department in 2017 and since then, over €201 million has been allocated to local authorities for LIS.
Last month, I was pleased to launch the 2026 scheme with funding of €17.55 million. I can confirm that Mayo County Council has been allocated €1.2 million, including €50,000 in ringfenced funding for works on LIS island roads. This is an increase on the initial base funding allocated in 2025. This funding announcement brings the total allocated to Mayo County Council since 2017 to €12.58 million.
While the Department provides funding for the scheme, it is managed by local authorities, which are responsible for selecting and prioritising roads. This includes handling applications, prioritising eligible roads, scheduling works, and maintaining waiting lists. At year-end 2025, Mayo County Council indicated 330 roads requests for repair under the scheme.
My officials have engaged with all local authorities who are in the process of preparing their lists of roads for completion in 2026. The scheme will be closely monitored to ensure funding is fully utilised and that as many roads as possible are completed under the scheme.
67. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht if he can assist a community in County Clare (details supplied) to repair a vandalised playground; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22541/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFunding for playgrounds is provided by my department through schemes such as the CLÁR programme and through the LEADER programme.
On the 10th of March I was delighted to launch the 2026 CLAR programme with a record budget of €12 million. This year, following a review of CLÁR areas, I have designated 110 new electoral divisions as eligible for CLÁR, including three in Clare. The community referenced by the Deputy is one of the new areas in Clare covered under CLÁR and may wish to apply for funding in respect of the playground.
Measure 1 of the CLÁR programme is administered by the local authorities. I would encourage the community to liaise with Clare County Council who will be in a position to advise on the next steps in submitting an expression of interest for consideration under the CLÁR programme for 2026.
The current LEADER programme covers the period from 2023 to 2027. It provides support to rural communities under a broad range of themes, including Rural Infrastructure and Social Inclusion, and has for many years supported community facilities such as playgrounds once they are compatible with the Operating Rules and the Local Development Strategy for the relevant LEADER area. Prospective applicants in County Clare should contact their LEADER Local Action Group (LAG), Clare Local Development Company, to discuss the eligibility of the project and the funding that may be available. Clare Local Development Company can be contacted by phone on 065-686 6800 or by e-mail at leader@cldc.ie.
There are also a range of other funding opportunities available from my Department, details of which are on my Department’s website.
68. Deputy John Clendennen asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht his views on the position of the LEADER programme in the context of the future of the Common Agricultural Policy post-2027; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22905/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe LEADER programme delivers tangible benefits to rural communities in areas such as economic development and job creation, rural infrastructure, social inclusion, and environmental sustainability.
It is funded as an intervention under the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) and, therefore, the development of the EU regulations relating to the post 2027 CAP, and the new National and Regional Partnership Plan is a matter of significant importance to my Department.
Ireland has and will continue to advocate for a well funded CAP that supports farm resilience, environmental ambition, and rural development measures such as LEADER.
Within the draft regulations, the inclusion of the LEADER programme as a CAP intervention is to be welcomed. As part of the on-going negotiation process, my department continues to input into the draft regulations and emphasise the importance of a ringfenced allocation for the LEADER Programme.
I note that detailed discussions in relation to the shape and operation of the new regulations are on-going at both national and EU levels.
To facilitate the current negotiation process for the post 2027 period, the Department of Agriculture Food and the Marine has established a CAP Consultative Committee, which includes representation from my department and other rural stakeholders. My department is also inputting into the draft regulations and actively liaising with colleagues in the Department of Agriculture Food and the Marine in this regard.
Separately, I have engaged with Irish MEPs to discuss a range of issues including LEADER funding in the context of the next EU budgetary cycle, and I will continue this work with MEPs and my Government colleagues to ensure that the LEADER programme is well funded into the future.
