Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The Government clearly recognises the vital role that LEADER plays in delivering impactful rural development projects at local level and it will continue to support investment in rural Ireland. In the 2014-20 CAP programming period, €250 million was allocated to LEADER. For the seven-year programming period from 2021 to 2027, this funding allocation will be maintained. It is comprised of €70 million provided for the transitional period from 2021 to 2022, and the recently announced indicative allocation of €180 million for the period 2023 to 2027. The maintenance of the €250 million funding from the 2014-20 period is evidence of the Government's continued support for the LEADER programme.

Any discussion of rural development investment must also take account of the record levels of investment in recent years. A range of schemes have been implemented in recent years, such as the rural regeneration and development fund, the town and village renewal scheme, the walks scheme, and the outdoor recreation infrastructure scheme.

Budget 2022 also saw increases secured across all my Department's rural schemes and the national development plan, NDP, outlines a clear commitment to a continuation of investment in rural Ireland as a matter of priority. Capital funding allocations for my Department have seen an increase from €88 million in 2018 to €205 million in 2025 under the NDP.

This increased funding will help to deliver on the range of actions for our rural communities into the future as set out in the Government’s ambitious rural development policy, Our Rural Future.

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