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Rural Schemes

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 17 February 2022

Thursday, 17 February 2022

Questions (74)

Marian Harkin

Question:

74. Deputy Marian Harkin asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if she will consider running a national rural development programme concurrently with the 2023 -2027 LEADER Programme. [8717/22]

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Written answers

This Government clearly recognises the vital role that LEADER plays in delivering impactful rural development projects at local level and it will continue to support investment in Rural Ireland.

In the 2014-2020 CAP programming period, €250m was allocated to LEADER. For the 7 year programming period from 2021 to 2027 this funding allocation will be maintained. It is comprised of €70m provided for the transitional period from 2021 to 2022, and the recently announced indicative allocation of €180m for the period 2023 to 2027. The maintenance of the €250m funding from the 2014-2020 period is evidence of the Government's continued support for the LEADER programme.

Any discussion of rural development investment must also take account of the record levels of investment in recent years.  A range of schemes have been implemented in recent years, such as the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund, the Town and Village Renewal Scheme, the Walks Scheme, and the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme. 

Budget 2022 also saw increases secured across all my Department's rural schemes and the National Development Plan outlines a clear commitment to a continuation of investment in Rural Ireland as a matter of priority. Capital funding allocations for my Department have seen an increase from €88m in 2018 to €205m in 2025 under the NDP.

This increased funding will help to deliver on the range of actions for our rural communities into the future as set out in the Government’s ambitious Rural Development Policy - Our Rural Future.

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