Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 5 April 2022
985. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the extent to which Leader funding continues to be made available through her Department and or local authorities with a view to addressing salient issues; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18360/22]
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.
The LEADER programme is delivered through 29 Local Action Groups (LAGs) across rural Ireland. A feature of the LEADER programme is that it is based on a community-led, bottom-up approach to rural development.
The programme includes specific funding themes to support rural economic development, enterprise development and job creation, social inclusion, and rural environment. Community groups and rural-based businesses can apply for funding under these themes. The website of the National Rural Network contains case studies of how LEADER has benefited local communities and businesses. Over 5,000 projects have been approved for in excess of €215 million under these themes since the 2014-2020 LEADER programme became operational.
In line with a commitment in Our Rural Future, I launched the Transitional LEADER Programme which came into effect from 1 April 2021 and will run to the end of 2022. A total of €70 million is being made available over this programming period. €65 million of this budget is available to Local Action Groups (LAGs) who deliver the programme and approve projects at local level. This allocation covers both core project expenditure and the administration and animation costs of the LAGs.
The Transitional Programme will ensure that LEADER will continue to support and revitalise our communities and make them sustainable and desirable places in which to live and work through co-ordinated approaches that build on the economic strengths and infrastructure of rural areas.
An indicative budget of €180 million is allocated for the LEADER programme for the period 2023-2027. With the €70 million already provided for 2021 and 2022 under the Transitional LEADER Programme, a total of €250 million will be made available for the 2021 - 2027 period, thus maintaining the level of funding provided for the 2014-2020 programming period.
Preparations for the design and delivery of the next LEADER programme from 2023-2027 are underway and my officials are also engaging with stakeholders in this regard. The ongoing engagement and consultation combined with the funding allocation ensures that the LEADER programme from 2023 will continue to support and further develop our rural communities and businesses.
