Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 16 November 2021
692. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if there is additional funding available to offset the rising costs of construction for projects which have already been approved for grant aid but will fall short on funding for projects (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [55822/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe LEADER programme is a key intervention implemented by my Department which will help to underpin the Government's rural development goals as outlined in Our Rural Future.
LEADER is administered by 29 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.
With regard to the project referred to by the Deputy, I can confirm that the project received approval for a LEADER grant amount of €72,285 on the 12th October 2021. In line with the programme operating rules the LAG may not increase the level of funding approved in respect of an individual project.
However, outside of the project specific funding, the project promoter may wish to consult with their Local Community Development Committee with regard to their eligibility for funding under the Community Activities Fund. This €9 million fund which I launched last week with my colleague Minister Joe O’Brien will support groups, particularly in disadvantaged areas, with their running costs, as well as with improvements to their facilities. Groups will also be able to use the funding to carry out necessary repairs and to purchase equipment such as tables and chairs, tools and signage, laptops and printers, lawnmowers, canopies and training equipment.
This once-off fund will be allocated under my Department’s Community Enhancement Programme and in order to ensure there is sufficient flexibility to allow funding to be targeted to where it is needed in each Local Authority area it will be administered locally by the Local Community Development Committees (LCDCs).
