Martin Browne (Tipperary, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I know this is not the Minister of State's brief and that he is working off the information provided to him by the Minister, Deputy Humphreys, but I would like clarification regarding the €44 million that he indicated was allocated for projects for 2021. The Irish Local Development Network and South Tipperary Development Company contend that nearly all of that €44 million will be used up on projects before the end of this year. In other words, there will not be €44 million available for projects into 2021. Can the Minister of State confirm whether that is the case?

These are times when protecting jobs is a concern for people throughout the country, and local development companies are no different. In many cases, their staff have been with them for years. I know this because I have worked on some of those schemes. Relationships and trust have been built up over many years, but the uncertainties to which I referred are worrying for many staff. Will the Department commit to an administration and animation budget for the 35 local development companies in order to ensure jobs are secured and the LEADER programme overhang from 2020 can be delivered, as well as new projects for rural communities?

I have a number of questions which I ask the Minister of State to pass on to the Minister. Will the Department immediately engage with local development companies to provide clarity on the delivery of an interim national rural development plan for 2021-23 and on the shape of the new LEADER programme for 2023 onwards? Will the Minister commit to funding the 35 local development companies to deliver directly a two-year national rural development programme across rural Ireland, as set out in the programme for Government? Finally, will she confirm funding for new projects under the LEADER programme for 2021 as a critical stimulus for promoting sustainable development in rural areas, including in County Tipperary?

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