Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 21 Nov 2001

Vol. 544 No. 4

Written Answers. - Rural Development Projects.

Rory O'Hanlon

Question:

182 Dr. O'Hanlon asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development if funding is available from his Department for a rural development project (details supplied) in County Monaghan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29302/01]

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

My Department administers the Leader programme and this proposal may be eligible for funding. Leader is the EU community initiative for rural development which provides approved local action groups with public funding, EU and Exchequer, to implement multi-sectoral business plans for the development of their own areas.

On 6 November 2001, my colleague, the Minister of State with responsibility for rural development, Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív, launched the new Leader+ and the national rural development programmes, and signed contracts with the selected local action groups. This now means that groups can begin to accept applications for funding.

In accordance with the bottom up philosophy of rural development, the local Leader group is the decision-making authority in relation to approving actions falling within its business plan. The approval of grants by groups is made within detailed operating rules drawn up by the Department and approved by the EU Commission.

The local action group selected to implement the national rural development programme in the Monaghan area is Cavan-Monaghan Rural Development Co-op Society Ltd., and they can be contacted at the Agriculture College, Ballyhaise, County Cavan, telephone: [phone], Fax: [phone], E-mail: [e-mail]. Ballybay Development Association should contact the group regarding this proposal.