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LEADER Programmes

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 30 July 2020

Thursday, 30 July 2020

Ceisteanna (901)

Alan Kelly

Ceist:

901. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if she is considering a stream of funding for the various Leader programmes nationwide that are coming to the end of their 2020 programme and that are waiting on the new programme from 2021 to continue operating; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20923/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

LEADER is a multi-annual programme for rural development which is co-funded by the European Union.  The current seven-year programme (2014-2020) will come to an end this year as far as new project commitments are concerned.  Projects approved before the end of December 2020 will have up to June 2022 to complete their activities and submit payment claims to my Department.

The LEADER programme is delivered through 29 Local Action Groups (LAGs) across the country.  Under Funding Agreements in place with my Department, the LAGs are contracted to deliver the LEADER programme up to the end of 2020 within the funding allocations specified in each Agreement, and with a provision for an extension of the Agreements.

The LAGs, in turn, have Service Level Agreements with the Local Development Companies where these companies act as their Implementing Partners.

In the coming months my Department will be engaging with all the LAGs to ensure an orderly wind up of the current LEADER programme.  Any review of funding or extension of the Funding Agreements that may be required post-2020 by the LAGs will be undertaken as part of this process, having regard, inter alia, to any arrangements that may be agreed at European level in relation to the next LEADER programme.   

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