Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)

I thank Deputy O'Meara for raising this issue. Relating to LEADER in Tipperary, the Tipperary local action group, LAG, has received €10.8 million for the 2021 to 2027 period, which is an increase of 7% on the previous budget. As the Deputy knows, the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht has no role in deciding on specific projects. That is done by the Tipperary LAG, which has the capacity to seek flexibility within the programme.

Relating to the specific projects in Cloughjordan and Silvermines, they expressed an interest in funding to Tipperary County Council. Potentially, there will be funding there. Tipperary County Council has not forwarded that on to our Department for consideration. I am happy to engage with the Deputy on it, but either the LAG needs to make a decision or Tipperary County Council needs to get it to our Department.

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