Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 6 December 2023
208. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development how much funding was given to the LEADER programme in 2022 and 2023; and how much is expected to be allocated in 2024. [53969/23]
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. It forms part of Ireland's €10bn Common Agricultural Policy Strategic Plan.
Funding for the LEADER Programme is provided for the duration of the programme rather than on an annual basis to allow more flexibility to the Local Action Groups to manage the programme budget in their areas of operation.
€250m has been made available for LEADER for the period 2021 to 2027. This is comprised of €70 million for the transitional programme for the period from 2021 to 2022 and an additional €180 million from 2023 to 2027. This level of funding is evidence of the Government’s continued support for the LEADER programme, and matches the €250m provided for LEADER in the corresponding 7 year period from 2014-2020.
LEADER is a multi-annual programme and payments in respect of projects which are approved in any given year are generally not drawn down until subsequent years, as projects are completed and payment claims are submitted. Therefore, costs related to projects approved and completed are met from the provision in my Department’s Vote on an annual basis.
