Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 19 January 2022
2047. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if a response will issue in relation to a matter in which funding was removed (details supplied); and if it will be ensured that funding applications underway will be completed. [1305/22]
View answerThe LEADER Food Initiative is administered at local level by Local Action Groups (LAGs) with overall funding allocated at a national level by my Department. Project applications are in the first instance considered at local level, with subsequent final project approval signed off by my Department on a first come first served basis. As with all funding programmes, there is a finite budget available for allocation under this measure.
With regard to the particular project referred to by the Deputy, the original application was withdrawn by the applicant due to changes to the project specifications. My Department was made aware of a possible change in the status of this application in May of 2021. A new application was submitted to the LAG in December.
Prior to the submission of a new application from the project promoter by the LAG, the funding budget was exhausted. The LAGs are aware of all relevant scheme conditions and have been kept up to date at regular intervals by my Department with regard to the availability of funding.
During 2022, my Department will keep the delivery and drawdown of funding awarded under the LEADER Food Initiative under review and should any unutilised funding become available as a result of this review consideration will be given to running a new national funding call later in the year.
