Holly Cairns (Cork South West, Social Democrats)
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71. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development the steps she is taking to ensure the allocation of funding under the LEADER 2023-2027 programme considers the geographical size and population distribution of areas and awards funding proportionately. [53618/22]

Holly Cairns (Cork South West, Social Democrats)
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LEADER is one of the key funding mechanisms for rural areas. In many cases, it is the only option for the scale of capital investment required. However, the funding allocation model disadvantages larger counties like Cork, which in geographical and population terms is multiples of some smaller counties. In the forthcoming LEADER programme, what measures is the Minister taking to ensure a more equitable and proportionate distribution of funding?

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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LEADER is a key programme in Our Rural Future and I am happy to confirm that the expression of interest stage to select the groups to deliver the next LEADER programme is now open. The allocations for each LEADER area have also been announced as part of this process. The procedure to select LEADER groups will be open, transparent and competitive. Central to the formation of the groups will be a clear partnership approach, with public and private interest groups coming together to deliver the programme in rural communities throughout Ireland.

As the Deputy will be aware, €180 million has been committed to the new LEADER programme for 2023 to 2027 and I can confirm that all of this funding will be allocated to the LEADER groups that will be appointed to deliver the new programme. A number of factors were considered when deciding on the funding allocations. These included providing a minimum allocation of €3 million to each subregional area, with the remaining funding distributed based on population and level of deprivation of the area. This ensures funding is targeted at the areas most in need of LEADER support. The views of stakeholders were also taken into account in this regard. Full details of the selection process and the funding allocation to each county are available on my Department's website.

It is now important that the key public and private stakeholders in communities throughout Ireland come together in partnership to deliver the new LEADER programme. I look forward to seeing the new programme being implemented and ensuring LEADER can continue to deliver real benefits to rural communities throughout Ireland.

Holly Cairns (Cork South West, Social Democrats)
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I am raising this issue on behalf of concerned organisations and communities in Cork. A letter co-signed by the chairs of Cork local community development committees, LCDCs, all three of them Fine Gael councillors, calls for a fairer distribution of funding. Cork County Council's administrative area is divided into three LCDCs and the funding allocation need to reflect that. The county-based system in the previous programmes has resulted in under-resourcing of Cork communities. In figures provided by the Fine Gael councillors, under the 2014 to 2022 allocations, County Cork, with a population of almost 400,000, received just under €40 million, while Waterford, with a population of 67,000, received €7.5 million and Roscommon, with a population of 64,000, received almost €9 million. Proportionately, Waterford receives three times as much as Cork and Roscommon almost four times as much. The funding distribution system for the new LEADER programme drastically needs reform and I ask the Minister to reconsider the distribution method.

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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The LEADER allocation for Cork is almost €21 million, up from €13.9 million in the previous programme, which is a 50% increase. It is the highest allocation in the country, so they should be pleased to see that.

My focus is on delivery. It is based on the population and level of deprivation of the area, so that is taken into consideration as well. The Deputy gave me the example of Roscommon, and in fairness to the county, when the figures are added up, it needs more investment. The western and Border area is also recognised by the EU as needing additional support. My focus is very much on delivery. The selection process is open and all of the details are available on the Department's website. Interested parties will have until 16 December to put in their expressions of interest. Cork has been allocated almost €21 million, which should keep them happy.

Holly Cairns (Cork South West, Social Democrats)
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This is a serious issue with implications for many communities. The geographical size of the county has to be taken into consideration. LEADER funding is vital for rural areas, and many community centres, playgrounds and local amenities are only possible with such funding. Many communities do not even have the basics of a playground. I am working with Bandon and Skibbereen family resource centres, neither of which has a home and they are essential services. I raised it recently with a Minister who directed me towards LEADER. This is something that happens all the time.

County Cork should be treated on an equal basis with other areas. I am not seeking any special treatment, just that the funding awarded is proportionate. Cork County Council has worked with the All-Island Research Observatory in Maynooth University to provide analysis of the funding allocation, with suggestions for improving the distribution. I ask that the Minister works with them to ensure that LEADER 2023 to 2027 is a fair programme that does not disadvantage counties just because of their geographical size.

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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Cork's funding is up by 50%, which will make a considerable difference on the ground. Whether it is LEADER, the rural regeneration and development fund, the town and village renewal scheme, the outdoor recreation fund; CLÁR, the new community centre investment fund, the streetscape scheme or the community enhancement programme, there is a funding scheme for everything and each scheme makes a real and lasting difference in rural communities.

I have visited every county during my time as Minister. Great projects are funded under all of these programmes, many of which are in the Deputy's own county. Cork County Council and the LEADER companies in Cork are doing great work on the ground. I have not been to every bit of Cork but I have been to a good bit of it and it is great to see what is happening on the ground. The message I am getting back from communities is to keep the money coming because there has never been more funding in rural development. The level of funding is unprecedented. LEADER is one part of this approach to investment in rural Ireland. In fairness to Cork, it has been getting a fair share of funding, but it should be glad of this extra money.