Leader Programmes Administration

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 5 November 2015

Thursday, 5 November 2015

Questions (242)

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

242. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if it is normal procedure for Leader funding to be used in the planning of a future development of an unauthorised marina (details supplied), on property built by Waterways Ireland, which was the subject of several warning letters and, as the documents attached show, was the subject of an enforcement order from late 2012, many months before funding was paid out, which is contrary to the response to Parliamentary Question No. 914 of 24 March 2015, which stated incorrectly that the enforcement order came several months after the completion of the feasibility study and the grant payment. [38869/15]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government

The provision of LEADER funding is subject to compliance with both EU and national regulatory rules at all times.  This includes enforcement orders issued by local authorities.

In relation to the marina referred to by the Deputy in the details supplied, I am advised that funding was awarded and paid in respect of a feasibility study, which inter alia examined the project promoter’s existing business and potential business opportunities.  No funding was provided for the development of the marina per se.  Accordingly, I am satisfied that the enforcement order from Westmeath County Council was not breached by the LEADER funded project.

Notwithstanding this, I wish to clarify that the correspondence referenced in the response to Parliamentary Question No. 914 of 24 March 2015 should have referred to a warning letter and not an enforcement order, as stated.