Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 9 May 2012
126 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if the EU has approved the increase in the level of grant aid to 75% to private enterprises available in the LEADER programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23204/12]
View answerOn the 25 April 2012 I announced an increase in the rate of aid available to private promoters under the LEADER elements of the Rural Development Programme (RDP) from 50% to 75%. This change will further assist in addressing the difficulties being experienced in accessing credit in the current economic climate and will provide an increased level of support for rural entrepreneurs in Ireland. This is in line with commitments to enterprise supports in both the Programme for Government and the Action Plan for Jobs.
The change is still undergoing a formal process of programme amendment at EU level and subject to final approval from the European Commission.
