Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 8 July 2014
515. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the position regarding an application for rural development LEADER funding grant application in respect of an organisation (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29385/14]
View answerIn line with the 'bottom-up' approach to rural development, there are 35 Local Action Groups (LAGs) contracted, on my Department's behalf, to deliver the Leader elements of the Rural Development Programme 2007-2013 (RDP) throughout the country.
The LAGs are the principal decision-makers in relation to the allocation of project funding. Such decisions are made in the context of the local development strategy of the individual groups and in line with the Programme's Operating Rules and EU regulations.
The relevant LAG in respect of the project referred to is South Kerry Development Partnership (SKDP). I understand that SKDP are not in a position to fund this project having already fully allocated their funding under the 2007-2013 Programme. I expect, however, that a new round of funding under the 2014-2020 Rural Development Programme will commence in early 2015.
