Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 25 May 2021
594. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the extent of funding available through the LEADER programme nationwide and in County Kildare in particular in 2021; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28282/21]
View answerThe 2014-2020 LEADER programme for Ireland had an allocation of €250 million. €225 million of this budget was allocated at the outset of the programme to Local Action Groups (LAGs) who deliver the programme and approve projects at local level. This allocation covers both core project expenditure and the administration costs of the LAG.
The deadline for project commitments under the 2014-2020 programme was extended to the end of March 2021 to facilitate the full allocation of the funds available to the LAGs.
The amount allocated to Co. Kildare for that period was €5.2 million.
In line with the ‘Our Rural Future’ – the Government’s Rural Development Policy for 2021-2025, I announced details of a €70 million Transitional LEADER Programme which came into effect last month and will cover the period 2021-2022, with a successor programme to commence in early 2023.
€65 million of this budget is available to Local Action Groups (LAGs) who deliver the programme and approve projects at local level. This allocation covers both core project expenditure and the administration costs of the LAGs.
A further €3 million of the funding is being allocated to support Co-operation projects and innovation between LAGs, while the remaining €2 million is being provided to provide preparatory support for the next LEADER programme. Further funding opportunities under the LEADER Food Initiative remain in place until the entirety of funds are exhausted.
The amount allocated to Co. Kildare under the Transitional programme is €1.5 million. This allocation is provided on a pro-rata basis, commensurate with the allocations made at the start of the 2014-2020 LEADER programme.
The LAG in Co. Kildare is the Kildare Local Community Development Committee (LCDC) in partnership with Kildare County Council and Kildare County LEADER Partnership. All project approvals are made by the LAG.
Under the Transitional Programme, which began on 1st April 2021, 3 projects with a combined grant value of almost €190,000 have been approved for funding by the LAG to date. A further 2 projects, with a grant value of over €55,000, are at earlier stages of the approvals process.
Project payments in respect of these projects will be drawn down as approved works are completed and claims for payment are submitted by the project promoters.
