Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

LEADER is a multi-annual programme for the period 2014 to 2020 that has a total budget of €250 million over the programming period. Some €220 million has already been allocated to the LEADER sub-regional areas across the country. This allocation has been made for the duration of the programme, rather than on an annual basis, to provide greater flexibility to the local action groups, LAGs, which administer the programme. A further €30 million in funding is available for schemes that will be administered at a national level. This includes the LEADER food initiative and funding to support local action groups that come together to deliver a LEADER project.

The allocation to the local action group in Donegal is €12.9 million over the lifetime of the programme. This allocation covers both project expenditure and the administration costs of the LAG. Significant progress has been made to date in Donegal, which I welcome. The LAG has so far allocated 35% or €3.9 million of its project budget to 92 applicants, leaving a further €6.3 million available to be allocated over the remainder of the programme. I am confident the funding available to LEADER in County Donegal is sufficient to meet the expected demand. However, the position will be kept under review by my Department over the remaining lifetime of the programme.

County Donegal has also benefitted significantly from funding under other rural development programmes operated by my Department, including the town and village renewal scheme, the local improvement scheme, and the outdoor recreation infrastructure scheme.

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