Michael Creed
Question:74 Mr. Creed asked the Minister for Enterprise and Employment if he envisages any role for the County Enterprise Boards in the distribution of Leader II funds.
Written Answers. - Leader II Funds.
The European Commission has not yet finalised its package of Community Initiatives, although these are likely to include a successor rural development programme to Leader. It is expected that it will be mid-year at the earliest before any programmes under the Community Initiatives are approved.
The various elements of the local development programme, which has been put forward by the Government under the National Development Plan 1994-1999, will integrate with the Community Initiatives at local level, through both structural and planning arrangements. It will only be possible, however, to finalise detailed arrangements when the shape of the Community Initiatives is determined.
It is anticipated that county enterprise boards alone or with other local interests, may seek selection as Leader groups and may undertake local development initiatives complementary to their dual remit.
The establishment of the county enterprise boards will also facilitate more effective planning for the future delivery of the Community Initiatives. The process of developing area action plans which is being undertaken by CEBs should provide a means of identifying the scope for improvements in the methods of implementing Community Initiatives at national level and in devolving decision-making on the selection of local development projects in the interests of achieving a more concentrated focus on these initiatives in the rural development sphere.