Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 25 April 2023
672. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development her intentions for the current year in respect of the Leader Programme, whether she intends to introduce any modifications; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19590/23]
View answerThe LEADER Programme is a key intervention of Our Rural Future, the Government’s Policy for rural development launched in 2021, which aims to deliver a range of actions to rural communities over the lifetime of the policy. The programme is based on a community-led approach to rural development and plays an important role in supporting communities and enterprises in progressing job creation, social inclusion and environmental projects at local level.
The process to select Local Actions Groups to deliver the 2023-2027 LEADER programme is under way at present. Applicants groups are due to submit completed their Local Development Strategy (LDS) for consideration by 14th July 2023.
Full details of the selection process is available on my Department’s website.
The closure of the 2014-2020 and Transitional programmes is proceeding in parallel with the commencement of the new LEADER programme.
My officials are currently reviewing learnings from the 2014-2020 and Transitional LEADER programmes which will be incorporated into the new programme where feasible and in particular are examining ways of streamlining the process for lower value community based projects.
The 2023-2027 LEADER programme will be operational in Quarter 3 of this year and I look forward to its implementation and to ensuring that LEADER can continue to deliver real benefits to rural communities across Ireland.
