Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 22 September 2015
1500. Deputy Jerry Buttimer asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the amounts allocated by his Department to Cork County Council for each of the years 2008 to 2015 for the rural development programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31984/15]
View answer1501. Deputy Jerry Buttimer asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the amounts drawn down from his Department by Cork County Council for each of the years 2008 to 2015 for rural development programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31985/15]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 1500 and 1501 together.
In line with the ‘bottom-up’ approach to rural development under the LEADER elements of the Rural Development Programme 2007-2013, there are 34 Local Action Groups (LAGs) contracted, on my Department’s behalf, to deliver the Programme throughout the country. This includes Avondhu Blackwater Partnership, Ballyhoura Development Company, IRD Duhallow, South East Cork Area Development and West Cork Development Company in the county of Cork.
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 Programme’s Operating Rules and EU regulations.
I am advised that since 2008, €311,000 has been paid to Cork County Council who partnered with various community groups to deliver projects under the Programme.
