James Bannon
Ceist:580. Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government when the new Leader grants will be awarded; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40258/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 21 October 2014
Ceisteanna (580)
Freagraí scríofa
The draft operational programme for the Rural Development Programme 2014-2020, which includes LEADER, was submitted to the European Commission in July 2014. The approval of the Programme involves an iterative process between Ireland and the European Commission and it is hoped that the Programme will receive final approval before the end of 2014. In anticipation of Commission approval, my Department is progressing plans to undertake a comprehensive capacity building and selection process in order to ensure that the most robust, efficient and effective Local Development Strategies are selected for implementation. In addition, my Department is developing operational procedures and systems in order to ensure full compliance with EU and National rules and regulations. Notwithstanding the level of work to be done in advance of the programme becoming operational I expect that it will begin by mid 2015.
Question No. 581 answered with Question No. 558.