Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 28 Apr 1992

Vol. 418 No. 7

Written Answers. - Leader Programme.

Brendan Howlin

Question:

70 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if he will outline the progress to date on the Leader programme; if he will give details of, (a) approved projects to date, (b) the cost of these projects and (c) the expected increase in jobs arising from such projects; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mr. Walsh)

As already announced, 16 Irish groups have been approved for funding under the Leader programme, which is the EC's own initiative on rural development. Some £35 million in public funding is being provided — £21 million EC and £14 million Irish — between now and the end of 1993. The groups will be expected to raise a similar amount in matching funds, making a total investment of £70 million over the life of the programme.

The essence of Leader is that while the groups are being provided with global grants, the decisions on the investments to be undertaken rest entirely with the groups themselves. Investment in the following activities may be funded: technical support for rural development such as surveys and assessments, vocational training and assistance for recruitment, rural tourism, small firms, crafts and local services, development and marketing of local agricultural, forestry and fishery products and other activities which contribute to the development of the groups' areas.

The number of jobs to be created under the Leader programme will depend on the nature of the investments to be undertaken by the groups.