Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 16 April 2019
514. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if funding will be made available to an organisation (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17234/19]
View answerThe type of project referred to by the Deputy may be eligible for funding under the LEADER Food Initiative.
I launched the LEADER Food Initiative jointly with my colleague, the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, in May 2017. The Initiative will provide up to €15 million to support the further development of food and drink businesses throughout rural Ireland.
Supports include funding for the renovation and extension of production facilities, and the purchase of processing equipment. The initiative will also support participants in the artisan food and beverage sector in areas such as market development, competitiveness, and innovation.
The maximum amount of funding available is €200,000 per project and funding will be provided for both capital investment and softer supports related to analysis and development, or training. It also includes support for collaborative proposals where food businesses jointly address common processing and marketing challenges.
The LEADER Food Initiative is managed by my Department with funding from the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, and is being delivered using the LEADER methodology. The LEADER Local Action Groups engage with potential applicants, evaluate applications and select projects which are then submitted for approval. The projects are jointly approved by my Department and the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.
I understand the Kerry Local Action Group, through its Implementing Partner, North, East & West Kerry Development, has been working with the organization referred to by the Deputy to bring forward an application for financial support. This project will be considered on its merits when the application is received.
