Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 18 September 2013
927. Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will give approval at an early date for the allocation of funds to a residents' association (details supplied) in County Kerry, through South Kerry Development Partnership, for the development of a much-needed playground and recreational area within their estate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37926/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn line with the ‘bottom-up’ approach to rural development under the LEADER elements of the Rural Development Programme 2007-2013, there are 35 Local Development Companies (LDCs) contracted, on my Department’s behalf, to deliver the LEADER elements of the Rural Development Programme 2007-2013 (RDP) throughout the country. These groups are the principal decision-makers in relation to the allocation of project funding. Such decisions are made in the context of the local development strategy of the individual groups and in line with Programme’s Operating Rules and EU regulations.
My Department continues to monitor the situation with regard to the allocation and drawdown of funding under the LEADER element of the Rural Development Programme 2007-2013 (RDP). I advised all Local Development Companies (LDCs), including South Kerry Development Partnership, of their revised Programme allocations in May 2013 and LDCs were given until 31 August to allocate any remaining available funding to ensure that all funding is allocated before the end of 2013.
Currently there is approximately €27 million in potential commitments at various stages of assessment with my Department and I envisage that this process will be complete by the end of October 2013. At this stage, all LDCs, including South Kerry Development Partnership, will be informed if there is any availability of unallocated funds with a view to reaching full programme commitment by the end of 2013. As the LDC is the principal decision maker on project funding, it will be the responsibility of the LDC to determine what projects are allocated funding, should additional funding become available from this process. I understand that the project in question is approved in principle and, in this context, it will be a decision for the South Kerry Development Partnership to determine how to address project funding should additional funds become available.
