Claire Kerrane (Roscommon-Galway, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

The Minister will also know the interim funding that is in place now was a matter of concern for the Irish Local Development Network, ILDN. A number of LEADER projects throughout the State felt the funding was inadequate for the period. She will also know the ILDN is not satisfied with the €180 million for the four-year period. Issues have been raised in regard to that. Now that the European Commission is questioning the approach, given the high level of need identified, Ireland is being asked to reflect on whether the proposed budgetary resources are in line with the need. That is something that will have to be looked at and addressed, because if the ILDN is saying the funding is inadequate, then it must be examined. The interim funding for many LEADER projects has already been allocated and spent and there are still a number of months to go in 2022. They feel the funding should have been increased. The regions must be looked at as well in light of any funding that will come through Pillar 2.

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