Rural Development Programme Funding

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 20 December 2012

Thursday, 20 December 2012

Ceisteanna (193)

Damien English

Ceist:

193. Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government in view of the recent findings of the Ombudsman, the position regarding an application made by a group (details supplied) under Axis 3 of the Rural Development Programme (Measure 322 – Village and Countryside Renewal Development); the significance to his Department of the findings of the Ombudsman in this instance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57530/12]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government

The Ombudsman’s findings in relation to this matter are currently under consideration in my Department. At present , LEADER activities are co-financed by the European Union at a rate of 85% and, accordingly, come within the remit of a strict regulatory regime which requires that each project must be compliant before any funding is awarded. My Department is now considering ways of moving forward on this issue in line with all regulatory requirements.