Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 July 2019
2607. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the funds available in each of the years 2019 to 2021 for which a company can apply for grant aid for the provision of recreational tourist infrastructure in rural areas; the rules and restrictions attached to same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31953/19]
View answerFunding may be available through the LEADER Programme for the type of project referred to by the Deputy.
LEADER is a multi-annual programme covering the period 2014-2020 which is delivered through Local Action Groups (LAGs) in each of the 28 LEADER sub-regional areas around the country. The total budget for the LEADER programme is €250 million. To date, 2,170 projects have been approved under the current LEADER programme, for funding of €77.5 million.
Funding can be provided under a broad range of themes and sub-themes, including Rural Tourism. The Rural Tourism sub-theme focuses on providing support for actions that have the potential to make an area more attractive for local, national and foreign visitors. In that context, support for the works outlined by the Deputy could potentially be considered eligible for LEADER funding.
In order for a project to be eligible for funding, it must be compatible with the actions outlined in the approved Local Development Strategy for the relevant LEADER area, and it must comply with the Operating Rules and EU Regulations in place for the programme.
The decision to approve a project, or otherwise, is a matter for the LAG which administers the programme in each LEADER area. Interested applicants should, in the first instance, contact the relevant LAG through its Implementing Partners to discuss the funding that may be available.
The list of Local Action Groups, their Implementing Partners and their contact details is available on the Gov.ie website at the following link: https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/c45498-local-action-groups/ .
My Department also provides funding for recreational infrastructure through the Outdoor Recreational Infrastructure Scheme. However, this funding is available only for projects submitted by Local Authorities or State agencies and is not available to commercial enterprises.
