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Rural Development.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 5 October 2004

Tuesday, 5 October 2004

Ceisteanna (110)

Denis Naughten

Ceist:

215 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the progress to date on the implementation of county development strategies to encourage small rural enterprise. [22735/04]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

My Department's role in the development of small rural enterprise is mainly through the work of LEADER companies. These are independent companies who deliver the EU funded LEADER programmes under contract to my Department. Sectoral agreements are in place at local level between LEADER companies and the county enterprise boards, the other main funders of small rural enterprise. These agreements aim to eliminate duplication of funding and focus resources on the most promising proposals at county level. A steering committee comprising representatives of my Department, the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment and both of the funding agencies oversees the operation of the agreements at national level.

The county development boards, CDBs, also have a key role in bringing about the more co-ordinated and integrated delivery of local development and public services at local level. The boards, which are led by local authorities which come under the responsibility of the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, are representative of local development bodies, state agencies and the social partners. LEADER companies are represented on all relevant CDBs.

I draw the Deputy's attention to the position regarding the review of supports for rural enterprise which is the subject of Parliamentary Question reply no. 35 of today's date.

Question No. 216 answered with QuestionNo. 177.
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