Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 24 February 2021
1135. Deputy Marian Harkin asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if she plans to take the steps necessary to implement the commitment in the programme for government that administration of the next Leader programme will be led by independent local action groups; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10243/21]
View answer1136. Deputy Marian Harkin asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if she plans to take the steps necessary to implement the commitment in the programme for government that administration of the next LEADER programme will be led by independent local action groups in view of the ending of the current LEADER programme on 31 December 2020; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10245/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 1135 and 1136 together.
The Programme for Government contains a number of commitments in relation to the LEADER Programme.
Due to a delay at EU level in agreeing the post-2020 EU Budget, my Department’s priority amongst these commitments was to develop and deliver a transitional LEADER programme this year to bridge the gap between the end of the 2014-2020 programme under the EU funding framework, and the next EU LEADER programme which will not commence until 2023.
In December 2020, I announced details of a Transitional LEADER Programme which will come into effect from 1 April 2021, with an initial allocation of €20 million this year. I also extended the timeframe for project approvals under the current LEADER programme until 31 March 2021.
As EU co-financing may become available for the Transitional Programme, this programme will be delivered through the existing Local Action Group and Implementing Partner structures, since any funding available from the EU would be on the basis of the framework applicable to the 2014-2020 LEADER programme.
The Transitional Programme also provides for an increase in the aid rate for private enterprises, from 50% to 75%, thereby addressing a further commitment in the Programme for Government in relation to LEADER.
Preparations for the design and delivery of the next EU LEADER programme from 2023 are expected to commence later this year. The question of the administrative structures for the delivery of the programme will be considered as part of that work, having regard, inter alia, to the provisions of the EU Regulations governing the structure of future Local Action Groups, a review of the 2014-2020 programme, and the outcome of consultations with all relevant stakeholders.
