The total allocation for the LEADER 2007-2013 and LEADER 2014-2020 programmes in 2016 is €40m. To date in 2016, approximately €1.2m has been expended on projects under LEADER 2007-2013, with a further estimated €0.7m to be spent before year-end. The remaining allocation, some €38m, was earmarked to cover preparatory support for the development of LEADER strategies, transitional funding for local development companies in the interregnum between the LEADER programmes and the costs associated with the implementation of the local development strategies under LEADER 2014-2020, including administration, animation and project expenditure.
Spend on administration, animation and projects will be impacted by the timing of the roll-out of the programme in 2016, as well as the level of demand and eligible applications submitted locally. For this reason, it is not possible at this time to determine with certainty the level of expenditure on projects under the new programme for the remainder of the year. Matters will become clearer, however, once the programme is rolled-out in all LEADER areas and the level of demand at local level is quantified. That said, while expenditure on animation activity and running costs tends to be higher in the earlier stages of the programme, I can assure the Deputy that a strong emphasis is being placed on progressing projects and maximising spend in 2016 with a view to securing the best outcomes for our rural communities.