James Leonard
Question:251 Mr. Leonard asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if he will outline the criteria which is used by consultants in assessing the business plans submitted under the rural development LEADER programme.
James Leonard
Question:249 Mr. Leonard asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if it is proposed to select two business plans for each subregion under the national development plan as suggested when the LEADER programme was announced.
Written Answers. - EC Structural Funding Applications.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:260 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the current number of applications received from County Kildare for consideration for EC Structural Funding with particular reference to the LEADER programme; the total value of these submissions to date; the extent to which he expects to be in a position to respond to these requests; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 249, 251 and 260 together.
As I announced on 27 September, 34 business plans were received from various groups under the EC LEADER programme on rural development. The plans were assessed and placed in order of merit by a firm of consultants based on the quality of the plans and the specific LEADER criteria such as guarantee of solvency, administrative ability, local presence and expertise in rural development. The Government decided in the light of the general high quality of the plans, to submit all of them to the EC Commission for consideration together with the consultants' recommendations.
My aim is to have as many as possible of the 34 plans accepted for funding but obviously the final selection depends on the merit of the plans themselves and the extent of funding available. I am, however, hopeful that at least 10-12 plans will be successful.
Four of the 34 plans received relate to County Kildare or parts of it.
A decision on some or all of the successful groups is expected towards the end of this year. I will make an announcement at the appropriate time, including details of levels of investment and national and EC funding.