Axes 3 & 4 (LEADER) of the Rural Development Programme (RDP) 2007-2013 is managed by my Department and provides funding to support the development of sustainable rural communities all over Ireland. This support is currently available to almost all Gaeltacht areas through Local Development Companies contracted to deliver the RDP.
These companies continue to facilitate access to significant financial resources for both enterprise support and community type interventions and will continue to take applications for funding until the end of 2013.
With regard to the North Mayo Gaeltacht area, which is not currently covered by the RDP, my Department is working to determine a delivery mechanism to ensure full coverage for all the Gaeltacht areas, including North Mayo, that is practical and complies with both national and EU regulations. I am confident that this process is nearing completion.