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LEADER Programmes Funding

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 14 June 2018

Thursday, 14 June 2018

Ceisteanna (30)

Bobby Aylward

Ceist:

30. Deputy Bobby Aylward asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the reason for delays in the provision of funds to local action groups for approved projects under the Leader programme; the average waiting time taken for the provision of funding to local action groups following final approval for a project under the programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25802/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

LEADER is a multi-annual programme for the period 2014-2020 which has a total budget of €250 million over the programming period. LEADER is administered by Local Action Groups (LAGs) which deliver funding in accordance with Local Development Strategies that have been agreed for each LAG area. Each LAG has been given a funding allocation for the duration of the programme. Project applications are made to, and approved by, the relevant LAG in each LEADER area.

Payment claims are submitted to my Department by the LAGs when projects are up and running and have incurred expenditure. The approved works must be completed by the project promoter prior to any final or phased payments being made.  

Certain checks require to be carried out by the LAGs prior to the payment claims being submitted to my Department. A number of mandatory regulatory administrative checks must be also be conducted by, or on behalf of, my Department before payment is issued to the LAG in respect of a project.  

I understand that at present, a payment claim can take an average of 6 weeks to be fully processed once it is submitted to my Department due to the checks that have to be carried out.

As I have previously indicated, I have initiated a review in order to explore a reduction in the payment processing turnaround time, once a valid claim has been received by my Department, while still respecting the regulatory requirements.

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