Since my response to the Dáil question on 17th November 2020, I and my officials have met with representatives of the Local Authorities and Local Development Companies - who are key parties in the delivery of the LEADER Programme - to hear their views on priorities for the Transitional Programme.
These were constructive engagements and there was a strong degree of consensus on the type of activities that should be a focus for the programme. These include building capacity within communities which have not previously received LEADER funding , as well as supporting job creation, and projects which address the climate agenda.
I will very shortly be announcing the full details of the Transitional LEADER Programme, including the project and administration allocations to each of the LEADER Local Action Groups.