The Government's Action Plan for Rural Development which was launched on 23 January will act as an overarching structure for the co-ordination and implementation of initiatives across Government which will benefit rural Ireland. The Plan has a much broader remit than the LEADER programme and contains over 270 actions to be delivered by a range of Government Departments, State agencies and other bodies to support the economic and social development of rural areas.
The LEADER programme 2014-2020 is currently being delivered by 28 Local Action Groups (LAGs) throughout the country. The Action Plan for Rural Development acknowledges that these LAGs have a vital role to play in the development and revitalisation of rural Ireland through the delivery of the LEADER programme.
There are also a number of other actions in the Plan which will be implemented by organisations that deliver LEADER as part of the LAGs. These include, for example, actions relating to the Rural Recreational Scheme, the Town and Village Renewal Scheme, and the CLÁR programme.
One of the Government’s key objectives is to ensure a more coordinated approach to the economic and social development of rural Ireland. The Action Plan for Rural Development provides the framework for this improved coordination. My Department will be working closely with the relevant Departments, agencies and other providers over the coming months to achieve improved coordination and cooperation through the delivery of the Plan.
