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

The LEADER programme is a key intervention which will help underpin the Government's rural development goals as outlined in Our Rural Future. I am happy to confirm that preparations are now well advanced for the implementation of the new LEADER programme for the period 2023 to 2027. As these preparations have progressed, the Department has engaged on an ongoing basis with the representatives from the stakeholder organisations on the design of the new programme. This process has included direct engagement with representatives working with island communities.

The new LEADER programme will continue to be based, in the main, on areas aligned with county boundaries. However, it is important note that I am very well aware of the views of the island communities on LEADER and of the important and beneficial role LEADER can play on the islands. With this in mind, I have introduced a number of new requirements for the groups that will deliver the new LEADER programme on the islands to ensure the voice of Island communities is heard and plays an important role in the next LEADER programme.

I can assure the Deputy that the important contribution island communities make to rural and island development has been taken into consideration in the design of the new LEADER programme and I am confident LEADER can continue to make a real contribution to island communities in the years to come.

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