In April of this year, my Department commenced the delivery of a one-day training programme on procurement to upskill staff in the Local Development Companies (LDC) and the Local Authorities administering the LEADER programme. The aim of the training course is to equip project officers and other relevant personnel with the skills and knowledge to better assist project applicants in navigating the national public procurement requirements when preparing requests for tenders.
To date, training has been delivered to Local Authority and LDC staff at nine training sessions held at four regional locations. The final session is scheduled to be delivered on 11th June.
A total of 187 individuals will have received procurement training nationally by the time all of the sessions have been concluded.