Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I assure the Deputy that the circumstances he describes will not arise. A single strategy will apply in each area and where more than one strategy is submitted, the groups involved will be asked to come together in partnership to agree and prepare jointly a single strategy to ensure the programmes can be delivered in the most cost-effective manner possible. In the event that more than one strategy is submitted, it will be a matter for the evaluation committee to make a determination and recommendation to the Department.

On the steps I will take to ensure money is spent, as the Deputy is aware, in 2013 I asked all the local action groups to indicate which projects would proceed and which would not and to reallocate funding. I am considering the possibility of making a similar request in 2014 to ensure all the money in the programme is spent this year. I expect all the local development companies to indicate to me truthfully which projects will proceed and which will not.

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