Cecilia Keaveney
Question:205 Cecilia Keaveney asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs his views on a matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18105/04]
View answerWednesday, 16 June 2004
Questions (165, 166)
Written answers
The Leader programmes are operated in accordance with the bottom-up philosophy of rural development and consequently 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 of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs and approved by the EU Commission.
I understand that the application referred to was received by Donegal Local Development Company on 4 June last.
In accordance with operating rules application for Leader funding is subject to a comprehensive assessment and approval process. This process involves assessment by an independent evaluation committee and approval by the board of the Leader group. Where the amount of a grant applied for is above the maximum of the €65,000 limit normally applied to Leader projects, approval of my Department is also required.
Denis Naughten
Question:206 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the plans he has to extend the rural social scheme to all of County Roscommon; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18021/04]
View answerI launched the rural social scheme on 17 May and the first phase of the implementation of the scheme commenced shortly thereafter. In my reply to Question No. 4 on 3 June, I outlined the eight groups in the first phase of the scheme. The eight groups included the Arigna Catchment Area Community Company which will deliver the scheme in County Leitrim and north County Roscommon. I expect that the scheme will be made available in the remaining 27 Leader areas over the next two months, including mid-south Roscommon. This phasing approach has been broadly welcomed by Leader groups.