Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 1 June 2017
154. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the outcome of discussions she had with an organisation (details supplied) and local action groups regarding delays in rolling out the LEADER programme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26355/17]
View answerThe LEADER programme is a key part of the Government’s Action Plan for Rural Development and has the capacity to deliver significant outcomes for rural areas.
I am committed to implementing the LEADER 2014-2020 programme as effectively and as efficiently as possible. However, I am also aware that concerns have been expressed regarding some of the administrative processes related to the programme, and I want to see these issues resolved to the greatest extent possible. In this regard, on 17 May last, I hosted a forum with participants from all of the Local Action Groups and the Local Development Companies delivering LEADER, to explore the issues of concern to them and to identify potential solutions to streamlining the current administrative and application procedures.
The forum, which was attended by more than 70 people including representatives of the Irish Local Development Network, was very productive and participants identified a number of areas where they felt procedures could be streamlined and where the burden on project applicants could be reduced.
Following on from the feedback at the forum, I gave a commitment to the Local Action Groups and the Local Development Companies present that I would implement a number of the suggestions put forward, while being mindful of the regulatory requirements associated with this EU co-financed programme.
My officials have been reviewing and prioritising all of the contributions made at the forum and will introduce improvements to the LEADER administrative procedures as soon as possible. I am confident that these improvements will assist in the delivery of the LEADER programme to the benefit of rural communities throughout the country.
