Leader funding is delivered through Local Action Groups in each of the 28 Leader sub-regional areas around the country. The Leader programme funds projects under three policy themes:
- Economic Development, Enterprise Development and Job Creation
- Social Inclusion, and
- Rural Environment.
In order for a project to be eligible for LEADER funding, it must be compatible with the actions outlined in the approved Local Development Strategy in the sub-regional area concerned, and it must comply with the Operating Rules and EU Regulations in place for the programme.
Project approvals are a matter for the Local Action Group in the relevant area and I have no function in relation to those matters.