Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 20 June 2017
71. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the value of projects approved fully to date in 2017 under the Leader programme 2014 to 2020 in County Donegal; the expenditure by her Department on projects to date in 2017 in County Donegal; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27607/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFunding Agreements with Local Action Groups (LAGs) for the delivery of the 2014-2020 LEADER programme were signed in the second half of 2016. Since then, the LAGs have been working to establish their programmes locally and encourage applications.
I am advised that the Local Action Group in Donegal has not yet approved any projects under the LEADER programme. However, I understand that more than 300 expressions of interest from potential applicants, with an estimated value of over €12 million, have been recorded in respect of Donegal on the LEADER ICT system. The LAG is currently working through these expressions of interest with a view to assisting project promoters to develop and finalise their project applications.
In light of concerns regarding the pace of approval of projects under the LEADER programme, I hosted a forum on 17th May last with participants from all of the Local Action Groups and the Local Development Companies delivering LEADER, including those from Donegal. The forum provided a platform to explore the administrative issues impacting on project approvals, and to identify potential solutions to the issues identified.
The forum was very productive and participants identified a number of areas where they felt procedures could be streamlined. My officials reviewed all of the contributions made at the forum and identified a significant number of administrative changes that can be made to simplify and improve the delivery of the LEADER Programme. I have written to all of the Local Action Groups and Local Development Companies to update them on the measures that will be taken in the immediate future to improve the processes.
In light of the level of expressions of interest received in Donegal, and the administrative changes being introduced, I anticipate a significant increase in LEADER project approvals in Donegal over the coming months.
