The original allocation of LEADER funding for the 2007-2013 programming period was just short of €400 million. The allocation was reduced in 2012 when the EU co-financing rate changed due to the financial crisis. To date, €276 million has been spent on projects, €12 million on animation expenses and €71 million on administration giving a total of €359 million.
The final date for expenditure under the LEADER element of the Rural Development Programme 2007 – 2013 is 31 December 2015. The final outturn for the LEADER element of the Rural Development Programme 2007 – 2013 is expected to be in the order of €370 million. This level of investment has made a very significant impact across a range of areas, including enterprise development, job creation and rural tourism, in line with priorities identified by the Local Action Groups involved. Further significant investment will be made through the next LEADER programme, which I expect to become operational on a rolling basis from the beginning of next year.