Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 23 June 2022
466. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development when the new LEADER programme will be announced and the terms and conditions for the programme published; if non-local community development committee groups will be eligible to apply to run the scheme in all areas; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33445/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra467. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if, due to the exclusion of the offshore islands, there will be two lots under the new LEADER programme in Galway, one covering the east of the county and one covering Connemara; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33446/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 466 and 467 together.
The LEADER programme is one of the key interventions of Our Rural Future, the Government’s Policy for rural development launched last year.
Preparations for the design and delivery of the next LEADER programme from 2023-2027 are well underway and there is ongoing engagement between my officials and stakeholders in this regard.
Decisions relating to all aspects of the programme including the structure of Local Action Groups and the areas to be covered by the Local Development Strategies will be considered as part of the ongoing programme design phase.
It is proposed to hold the Local Development Strategy /LAG selection process over two stages. The selection of the LAGs cannot commence until the CAP Strategic Plan (CSP) is approved by the EU Commission, which is expected to happen later in the year. However, the first stage, which is an expression of interest by eligible groups, could commence in advance of the CSP approval in order to be ready to launch the second stage once the CSP is approved.
I have announced an indicative budget of €180 million for the LEADER programme for the period 2023-2027. When taken together 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.
The ongoing engagement and consultation with stakeholders, combined with the funding allocation of €250 million indicated, will ensure that the LEADER programme from 2023 will continue to support and further develop our rural communities and businesses and will underpin the continued contribution of the LEADER approach in delivering on the Government’s vision for rural Ireland.
