Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 20 Feb 2001

Vol. 530 No. 6

Written Answers. - Leader Programmes.

David Stanton

Question:

165 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development if, further to Parliamentary Question No. 225 of 13 February 2001, he will give details of the funding for Youghal and District Community Development Group mentioned in the reply to that question which is being processed under the Leader programme within his Department; the date the application was lodged; the amount involved; the expected date a decision will be made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4691/01]

Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development (Mr. Walsh)

As regards the possibility of funding of projects under Leader, my Department is currently in negotiation with the European Commission with a view to obtaining the Commission's approval for the Leader operational programme and final approval for the national rural development programme. On receipt of approval, the way will be clear for finalisation of the selection of groups and their appointment by Government. Following this, funding will be allocated to the appointed Leader groups.

Leader groups themselves receive and process applications made by promoters seeking funding for projects. The submission of projects for Leader funding cannot take place until such time as the Leader groups which will deliver the programmes in the period to 2006 are in place.

In the allocation of Leader funding in the period to 2006, the findings of the task force on integration of local government and local development systems will be taken into account. The requirement is that overlap in delivery of local programmes should be avoided to minimise any duplication so as to maximise the allocated resources.