Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 20 June 2017
979. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the steps she is taking to simplify the process for Leader applications and the lengthy steps that each application has to pass through, in view of the fact that the system is slow and not responsive to the needs of applicants; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28109/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe LEADER programme is a key part of the Government’s Action Plan for Rural Development and has the capacity to deliver significant outcomes for rural areas. I am committed to implementing the LEADER 2014-2020 programme as effectively and as efficiently as possible. However, I am also aware of concerns regarding some of the administrative procedures related to the programme, and I want to see these issues resolved to the greatest extent possible. In this regard, on 17th May last, I hosted a forum with participants from all of the Local Action Groups and the Local Development Companies delivering LEADER, to explore the issues of concern to them and to identify potential solutions aimed at streamlining the current administrative and application procedures.
The forum, which was attended by more than 70 people, was very productive and participants identified a number of areas where they felt procedures could be streamlined and where the burden on project applicants could be reduced.
On the basis of the feedback at the forum, I gave a commitment to the Local Action Groups and the Local Development Companies present that I would implement a number of the suggestions put forward, while being mindful of the regulatory requirements associated with this EU co-financed programme.
My officials have reviewed all of the contributions made at the forum and have identified a substantial number of changes that can be made to 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 changes that we intend to make, in partnership with them in many instances.
My priority, in hosting the recent forum and developing action points for improving the delivery of the programme, has been on facilitating the work of the Local Action Groups and making LEADER funding more accessible for potential project applicants. I am confident that the changes I am planning to introduce will improve the delivery of the LEADER programme to the benefit of rural communities throughout the country, and I expect to see a substantial increase in project approvals in the second half of 2017.
