The Rural Development Programme 2007-2013 has an overall value of €4.9 billion over a 7-year period of which €2.5 billion will be funded by the EU and €2.4 billion by the National Exchequer. Current expenditure under the Programme amounts to close on €3.2 billion, being 65% of its total value. While the Programme ends in 2013, spending may continue under certain schemes until the end of 2015.
A total of €396 million has been allocated to fund measures such as on farm investment and other schemes under Axis 1 of the Programme, which promotes competitiveness and innovation. An amount of €4.148 billion has been allocated to Less Favoured Areas and the Reps and AEOS schemes under Axis 2 which fosters the environment and land management. Apart from a small amount for technical assistance, the balance of the funding, being €353 million, has been allocated to the remaining part of the programme which supports the quality of life and diversification of economic activity in rural areas. This part is administered by the Department of Environment, Community and Local Government using the Leader approach while the Rural Broadband Reach Scheme is administered by the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources.
All funding under the Programme is committed at present. Spending is monitored on an ongoing basis with funds reallocated and Programme amendments proposed as necessary. This process will continue until the Programme ends with a view to ensuring full draw down of all EU funding within the available budgetary allocation to my Department.