LEADER is a key programme within Our Rural Future, and as I announced recently the Expression of Interest stage to select the Groups to deliver the next LEADER programme is now open.
The aim of the LEADER programme is to provide supports for the development of Ireland’s rural areas focusing on the areas of most need. The programme is delivered in 28 sub-regional areas across the country which are for the most part aligned to the county boundaries. The exceptions to this are in County Cork which contains three sub-regional areas and in County Dublin. While the three administrative areas of County Dublin are largely comprised of urban areas there are rural communities in each area. These rural areas are combined to form one sub-regional area of Dublin Rural.
The Newcastle Electoral Division forms part of the Dublin Rural sub-regional area and includes the areas of Baldonnel Upper and Newlands Farm referred to by the Deputy. This area is currently covered by the Dublin Rural Local Development Strategy. It is envisaged that this coverage will be maintained in the upcoming programme.
I look forward to seeing the new programme being implemented and to ensuring that LEADER can continue to deliver real benefits to rural communities across Ireland.
I expect the new Local Action Groups to be operational and supporting project promoters in the second half of 2023 and I would encourage any group interested in applying for LEADER funding to contact their Local Action Group once the selection process has concluded to discuss their project proposal.
