Imelda Munster
Ceist:209. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development how much LEADER funding has been allocated to rural tourism in 2022 and 2023. [53970/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraWednesday, 6 December 2023
Ceisteanna (209)
Freagraí scríofa
The LEADER programme is a key intervention implemented by my Department which helps 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 the rural environment. Community groups and rural-based businesses can apply for funding under these themes and associated sub-themes. Over 5,700 projects have been approved to date for in excess of €242 million since the 2014-2020 LEADER programme became operational.
With regard to rural tourism, in excess of 1,200 projects have been approved under this sub-theme for funding of over €41.3 million. Of that, 153 projects were approved for €6.3 million in funding in 2022, with a further 23 approvals in 2023 for over €615,000.
While the current programme is concluding, with over 97% of the available funding having been allocated, approved projects will continue to draw down their funding into 2024 as works are completed and claims are submitted for payment.
Preparations are also progressing for the commencement of the 2023-2027 LEADER programme in January 2024, which will continue to fund the ongoing development of Ireland’s rural communities.