Michael Moynihan
Question:667. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the funding being allocated for the LEADER programme in 2021; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43593/20]
View answerThursday, 17 December 2020
Questions (667)
Written answers
The total allocation for the LEADER programme for 2021 is €44 million. This is an increase of €4 million on the 2020 allocation.
I can confirm that this allocation will be used to fund a combination of existing projects as they come to completion, as well as for new projects to be approved under the Transitional LEADER Programme, which I announced yesterday.
The funding will also support the administration costs of Local Action Groups (LAGs) and their Implementing Partners who deliver the programme locally, in closing out the existing programme and delivering the Transitional 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.
Full details of the Transitional LEADER Programme have been notified to the LAGs and are available on my Department’s pages of the Gov.ie website.