Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 15 May 2019
249. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if he will address a matter regarding funding for a local community project (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20961/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraLEADER is a multi-annual programme covering the period 2014-2020 which is delivered through Local Action Groups (LAGs) in each of the 28 LEADER sub-regional areas around the country. In order for a project to be eligible for LEADER funding, it must be compatible with the actions outlined in the approved Local Development Strategy for the relevant LEADER area, and it must comply with the Operating Rules and EU Regulations in place for the programme.
LAGs may award LEADER funding up to a maximum of 50% of the total project costs. This percentage may be increased to 75% for analysis and development type projects, and to 100% for training type projects. In addition, higher maximum rates of aid may be applied for community-based projects where the applicant satisfies certain additional criteria and where there is no commercial basis for the project.
I understand that an Expression of Interest for LEADER funding has been submitted to the LAG in Co. Kerry in respect of the project referred to by the Deputy.
The Kerry Local Action Group, through its Implementing Partner South Kerry Development Partnership Ltd., has advised my Department that the community group associated with the project referred to by the Deputy was successful on two previous occasions in their applications for financial support through LEADER. In both instances, the approved projects were awarded a rate of aid above the standard maximum rate as the projects contained no commercial element.
With regard to the proposed new project referred to by the Deputy, the LAG has advised my Department that, based on their assessment of the Expression of Interest submitted by the applicant, the project would involve commercial activity. Therefore the appropriate maximum rate of aid for the proposed project, if approved, would be 50%.
The decision to approve a project, or otherwise, is a matter for the LAG which administers the programme in each LEADER area and my Department has no role in this matter. However, each LAG and each project promoter must comply with the Operating Rules and the EU Regulations which govern LEADER, including with regard to the levels of support which can be provided.
