I propose to take Questions Nos. 927 and 928 together.
The LEADER programme forms part of Ireland’s Rural Development Programme 2014-2020 which is co-funded by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD).
The total amount of funding provided for LEADER 2014-2020 is €250 million over the lifetime of the programme. The EAFRD will contribute an average of 63% of the total cost of the programme (approximately €157 million), with the remaining 37% (approximately €93 million) being provided by the Exchequer. The allocation is provided for the duration of the programme rather than on an annual basis.
Funding for the programme is provided, in the first instance, from Exchequer resources in my Department’s Vote, and the sum required each year is agreed as part of the annual Estimates process. A sum of €40 million has been provided for the programme in my Department’s 2017 Estimate.
The EAFRD contribution to the programme is drawn down in arrears on the basis of expenditure actually incurred, and EAFRD receipts are treated as Appropriations-in-Aid in my Department’s Vote.
Table 1 provides a breakdown of the expenditure under the LEADER 2014-2020 Programme in each of the years 2014 to 2017. Expenditure commenced in 2015 and relates to preparatory support payments for the preparation of Local Development Strategies in each area, and to the administration and animation costs incurred by the LAGs in the delivery of the Programme.
Table 1 - Breakdown of LEADER 2014-2020 Expenditure between EAFRD and national Exchequer, 2014-2017
Year
|
Total Expenditure
|
of which EAFRD-recoupable (63%)
|
Net Exchequer (37%)
|
2014
|
€0.00
|
€0.00
|
€0.00
|
2015
|
€1,251,185.25
|
€788,246.71
|
€462,938.54
|
2016
|
€1,260,920.54
|
€794,379.94
|
€466,540.60
|
2017
|
€3,583,735.34
|
€2,257,753.26
|
€1,325,982.08
|
Total
|
€6,095,841.13
|
€3,840,379.91
|
€2,255,461.22
|