LEADER is a multi-annual programme for the period 2014-2020 and has a total budget of €250 million over that period. Table 1 below details the expenditure incurred in each of the years 2015 to 2017, and to date in 2018. This expenditure relates to:
- the cost incurred by the Local Action Groups (LAGs), who administer the programme, in preparing and developing their Local Development Strategies,
- the administration costs of the LAGs and the costs of their engagement with communities to generate projects; and,
- expenditure incurred on projects.
The level of project activity under the LEADER programme has increased significantly in recent months, and 1,265 projects have now been approved for funding to a value of almost €38.4 million. A further 335 project applications with a combined value in excess of €20 million are at various stages in the approval process.
I expect the level of expenditure on projects to increase substantially in the coming months as these projects are implemented and the promoters submit claims for payment.
Table 1: LEADER 2014-2020 Expenditure by year as of 4
th
September 2018
|
Preparatory Support Costs
|
Administration Costs
|
Projects
|
Total Programme Expenditure
|
2015
|
€1,251,185.25
|
€0.00
|
€0.00
|
€1,251,185.25
|
2016
|
€119,785.45
|
€1,141,135.09
|
€0.00
|
€1,260,920.54
|
2017
|
€97,141.59
|
€11,364,865.35
|
€661,844.12
|
€12,123,851.06
|
2018
|
€0.00
|
€6,250,814.56
|
€4,917,864.15
|
€11,168,678.71
|
Total
|
€1,468,112.29
|
€18,756,815.00
|
€5,579,708.27
|
€25,804,635.56
|