Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)

Under the current LEADER programme, Galway has an allocation of €9 million. Approximately €5.5 million of that is allocated to Galway East for both projects and administration costs. A number of factors are considered when deciding on the funding allocations. These include providing a minimum allocation of €3 million to each sub-regional area. The remaining funding is distributed based on population density and the level of deprivation in the area. The minimum allocation of €3 million at sub-regional level accounted for €84 million of the overall allocation. Of the remaining €96 million, €48 million is distributed based on population density of the county compared to the national average.

The remaining €48 million is distributed based on the deprivation index. There is quite a formula for it to try to ensure targeted investment in communities. It is also cofunded through the European Union, so we are very focused on ensuring that cofunding will continue beyond the current MFF. We are very focused on LEADER and want to see it deliver. I want all companies to deliver in the way that GRD is doing. I commend the work that it is doing. There are also other sources of funding so we were delighted to be able to fund the provision of a new building in Gort last year under RRDF. There are other sources funding within the Department for initiatives in Galway East.

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