Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 5 March 2024
814. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the approvals to date by the local action groups of funding for projects under the LEADER Programme by Cork County action groups; the amount of expenditure to date on projects by Cork County local action groups; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10361/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe LEADER Programme is a key intervention of Our Rural Future, the Government’s Policy for rural development. It is delivered through Local Action Groups(LAGs) and is based on a community-led approach to rural development and supports a broad range of activities that aim to respond to the needs of our rural areas over the lifetime of the policy.
The total number of projects approved in County Cork over the lifetime of the 2014-2022 LEADER Programme was 390 projects worth in excess of €17 million. Over €14 million of this has been paid to beneficiaries to date. The remainder of the funding will be paid as projects are completed and the promoters submit claims for payment to the LAGs.
The table below shows the number, value of projects approved and project expenditure under the 2014-2022 programme, broken-down by LAG area in County Cork up to the end of February 2024.
Table:
|
LAG Area |
Number Projects Approved |
LEADER Grant Amount Approved |
Project Grant Amounts Paid |
|
Cork North |
167 |
€6,483,667 |
€5,859,238 |
|
Cork South |
109 |
€4,864,531 |
€3,598,578 |
|
Cork West |
114 |
€5,980,360 |
€4,948,875 |
|
Grand Total |
390 |
€17,328,557 |
€14,406,691 |
For the 2023-2027 LEADER programme County Cork has been allocated €16.8 million. When this is added to the €4.1million allocated to Cork during the Transitional period from 2021 to 2022 LEADER funding to the county has increased by almost €7 million over the previous 7 year period, 2014-2020.
I look forward to the implementation of the new LEADER programme and am confident that the level of funding provided to Cork will be sufficient to support the continued growth and development of rural communities in the area.
