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Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 11 November 2020

Wednesday, 11 November 2020

Questions (266)

Marian Harkin

Question:

266. Deputy Marian Harkin asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the funding or grant assistance available to a business (details supplied); when the social enterprise fund will next be open for applications; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35700/20]

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Written answers

Funding 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 28 LEADER sub-regional areas around the country. To date, over 3,500 projects have been approved under the current programme, for funding of almost €141 million.

Funding under LEADER is provided under a broad range of themes, including Economic Development, Enterprise Development and Job Creation. This theme focuses on driving continued local economic development, including diversification of the rural economy, and the creation of employment opportunities for the local community.

In order for a project to be eligible for LEADER 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.

Prospective applicants should, in the first instance, contact their relevant LAG, through its Implementing Partner, to discuss the eligibility of the project and the funding that may be available. The list of all Local Action Groups, their Implementing Partners and their contact details, is available on the Gov.ie website at: https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/c45498-local-action-groups.

My Department has separately provided small capital grants to social enterprises through calls for proposals over the last three years. A total of €2 million was allocated to 230 social enterprises since December 2019 through the Social Enterprise measure of the Dormant Accounts Fund Action Plan. The measure in question has also supported training and mentoring for social enterprises.

Decisions regarding the use of the funding available for social enterprises through the Dormant Accounts Fund measure in 2021 will be made in the early part of next year.

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