Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 31 March 2015
670. Deputy Tony McLoughlin asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the funding available within his Department which can be allocated to Sligo County Council for the 2015 Fleadh Cheoil; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13278/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn line with the ‘bottom-up’ approach to rural development under the LEADER elements of the Rural Development Programme 2007-2013, the Local Action Groups (LAGs) 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 LAG and in line with the operating rules and EU regulations that govern the Programme. My Department has no role in relation to the selection of projects to be funded. Funding under the 2007-2013 Programme is now fully committed but I expect that the new Rural Development Programme 2014-2020 will commence later this year and there may be potential under this Programme to fund events such as the Fleadh Cheoil, if they are identified as a priority in the Local Development Strategy for the area.
The new Programme will provide €250 million in resources to support the sustainable development of rural communities across the country. However, as in the 2007-2013 programme my Department will have no role to play in the selection of individual projects at local level.
