Neither the regulations in respect of, nor the value of, any EU funded local development programmes are agreed at this stage for the next programming round 2014-2020. Consideration of these matters is ongoing and is expected to be finalised in the coming months.
Similarly, implementation arrangements for local development programmes under the new local governance arrangements set out under Putting People First - Action Programme for Effective Local Government, remain under consideration by the Alignment Working Group established to advise and assist my Department in the implementation of the alignment recommendations. The Working Group's considerations are now advanced regarding the optimum programme implementation arrangements under Local Community Development Committees which will be established in each local authority area to have responsibility for planning and oversight of local and community development programmes. It is my intention that Local Community Development Committees will have primary responsibility for co-ordination, oversight and governance of the EU-supported LEADER programme.