Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 7 November 2023
1447. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development when she intends to give a start date for the new Leader Programme to the companies who will administer the scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47361/23]
View answerOur Rural Future is a whole-of-Government policy for the sustainable development of rural Ireland for the period 2021-2025 and supports the delivery of other key Government policies and objectives. Implementation of the LEADER programme is a central element of Our Rural Future and the new LEADER programme will continue to build on the success of LEADER over the last 30 years.
The process to select the Local Action Groups (LAGs) to deliver the 2023-2027 LEADER Programme is ongoing at present and the Local Development Strategies which were submitted by the applicant LAGs are currently being assessed.
A number of strategies have been approved to date and the Department is now focusing on completing the selection of the remaining LAGs with a view to concluding this process by the end of the year to ensure a smooth transition from the 2014-2020 programme. All applicant LAGs will be notified of the outcome of the selection process in their sub-regional area as they are approved.
