LEADER plays a valuable role in supporting rural development and is an important part of the Government's Action Plan for Rural Development. I am committed to implementing the LEADER programme as effectively as possible. However, I am also conscious that concerns were raised earlier this year by project promoters and Local Action Groups regarding the implementation of the programme.
In light of those concerns, a forum was held on 17 May last with participants from all of the Local Action Groups and the Local Development Companies delivering LEADER to explore how improvements could be made. The forum was very productive and participants identified a number of areas where they felt procedures could be streamlined. Arising from the forum, my Department has introduced a series of measures to improve administrative procedures in the delivery of the LEADER Programme.
The amount of funding approved by the Local Action Groups for projects has increased significantly in the last two months, with €6.2 million having been approved since July compared to €0.9 million in the first six months of the year. This funding will be drawn down as projects start to incur expenditure and submit payment claims. There has been no undue delay in the processing of approved project payment claims submitted to date to my Department.
It has not been possible, in the time available, to compile the detailed information requested by the Deputy in relation to individual Local Action Groups. However, the total number of Expressions of Interest received under the LEADER programme to date is in excess of 5,500. I understand that approximately 10% of these have been deemed ineligible by the Local Action Groups.
I have asked my officials to collate the information at the level requested by the Deputy and I will ensure that this information is provided in accordance with Dáil Standing Orders.
