Dan Neville
Question:129 Mr. Neville asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs his proposals for 2003 under the NDP rural development programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8387/03]
Written Answers - Leader Programme.
I assume the Deputy is referring to the Leader national rural development programme. Leader in the period 2000-06 is being delivered in two ways: the EU initiative, Leader+ and the Leader national rural development programme.
Public funding of almost €150 million has been allocated to the Leader programmes over the period. The national rural development programme was introduced through the BMW and S&E regional operational programmes by the Government as a co-funded measure to complement the EU initiative Leader+, as not all rural areas could benefit from Leader+. Under the previous Leader 2 programme 1994-99 all rural areas were covered by the initiative.
Following negotiations with the European Commission, Leader+ activity was secured in 22 areas and NRDP funding for the 13 remaining rural areas. Funding for agri-rural tourism is provided from this programme on a nation-wide basis. In addition, collective bodies which are not eligible under Leader+ receive assistance under this programme. The programme was launched and contract agreements were signed with the groups on 6 November 2001. The programme is proceeding and I am satisfied local groups are fully operational and allocating funding in line with their contract commitments and working to meet their targets over the programme period.