Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 June 2026
926. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht if he will have regard to the local development companies network in Ireland's pre-budget submission in his preparations for budget 2027; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47329/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraLocal Development Companies are hugely important in the delivery and implementation of programmes right across Government, and the significance of this work is reflected within the Local Development Companies Network submission - Invest in the Ambition.
Some of their key work relates to the LEADER and SICAP programme, which fall under the remit of my Department. I note the specific requests in relation to these programmes, which include increasing allocations, and securing the long-term future of LEADER within the EU’s Multiannual Financial Framework.
While acknowledging that LEADER and SICAP are multiannual programmes, with the current programme allocations set in advance, the points within this submission will be considered in the context of my Department's discussions on Budget 2027. Points regarding other work relating to my Department such as Rural Recreation Officers, volunteering, and the Department’s engagement in Europe will also be considered by my officials.
Regarding securing the long-term future of LEADER within the EU’s Multiannual Financial Framework, the LEADER programme is funded as an intervention under the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) and, therefore, the post-2027 LEADER will reflect the development of the EU regulations relating to the post-2027 CAP and the new National and Regional Partnership Plan. There are many details that remain to be finalised as part of the ongoing negotiation process to put the regulations in place, and a lengthy period of detailed discussion is likely.
With respect to SICAP, I am keenly aware that challenges remain for communities across Ireland, and in that context, I am committed to progressively increasing funding for SICAP, in line with the Programme for Government commitment.
