Ann Phelan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Labour) | Oireachtas source

As the Deputy mentioned, there will be a maximum of six months to develop the strategy. From speaking with the people in this space, the development companies and the local community development committee, LCDC, structures, I know they are working hard on getting their strategy together. I do not envisage any delay in the process. Everyone is working hard to draw down this money and get it into the communities. That is not only the priority for me but it is also the priority of the people on the LCDCs and Leader companies. The Department is doing everything it can to facilitate the process. I do not expect any particular delay. The process this time around is different from the process on the last occasion. Once the local development strategy is decided on, that is the trigger for the drawing down of moneys, so I do not expect any delays.

See this speech in context