Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 25 November 2020
284. Deputy Marian Harkin asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the expected figure for project pay-out by her Department in 2021 based on current commitments in the LEADER programme, given that the voted expenditure for LEADER for 2021 is €44 million; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38898/20]
View answer285. Deputy Marian Harkin asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the amount of funding she expects to be left for new projects under the new State-led interim rural development programme in 2021 after the expected pay-out for projects and administration in 2021. [38899/20]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 284 and 285 together.
The total allocation for LEADER next year is €44 million. This allocation will be used to fund existing projects as they come to completion and submit payment claims. It will also fund new projects to be approved under a new Transitional Programme and will support the administration costs of the Local Action Groups who deliver the programme in closing out the existing programme and delivering the Transitional Programme.
The Transitional Programme is currently being finalised and I hope to be in a position shortly to announce the full details of project and administration allocations under the Programme.
It is important to recognise that LEADER is a multi-annual programme and that payments in respect of projects which are approved in any given year are generally not drawn down until subsequent years as the projects are completed. Therefore, costs related to projects under the Transitional Programme are likely to be met from the provision in my Department’s Vote in 2022 and 2023, as well as in 2021.
Similarly, payments under the 2014-2020 LEADER programme can continue in 2021, 2022 and 2003 as projects which have been approved are completed and payment claims are submitted. The timing and level of expenditure is dependent on the completion of approved works by the project promoters and the submission of claims for payment.
Overall, the requirements for LEADER are managed year-on-year from within my Department's Vote.
