Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 26 April 2022
1965. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if it is intended that one dedicated LAG will deliver the LEADER programme on the islands for the next LEADER Programme, as heretofore; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20868/22]
View answerThe LEADER Programme is one of the key interventions of Our Rural Future, the Government’s Policy for rural development launched last year.
An indicative budget of €180 million has been announced for the LEADER programme for the period 2023-2027. When taken together with the €70 million already provided for 2021 and 2022 under the Transitional LEADER Programme, a total of €250 million will be made available for the 2021 - 2027 period, thus maintaining the level of funding provided for the 2014-2020 programming period. The maintenance of the €250m funding allocation will underpin the continued contribution of the LEADER approach in delivering on the Government’s vision for Rural Ireland.
Preparations for the design and delivery of the next LEADER programme from 2023-2027 are well underway and there is ongoing engagement between my officials and stakeholders in this regard.
Decisions relating to the areas to be covered by the Local Action Groups will be considered as part of the ongoing programme design phase.
The ongoing engagement and consultation with stakeholders, combined with the funding allocation of €250 million indicated, will ensure that the LEADER programme from 2023 will continue to support and further develop our rural communities and businesses including our island communities.
