Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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Question 17: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the position in relation to funding under the new rural development programme for LEADER programmes; when this funding will come on-stream; when this funding will be given the go-ahead from him; the funding that will be provided; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21022/07]

Mary Upton (Dublin South Central, Labour)
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Question 29: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs when it is intended to establish the new programme for rural enterprise development as promised in the Programme for Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20981/07]

Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 17 and 29 together.

The new Rural Development Programme for Ireland was approved on July 24th last. The new Programme will see over €425m in funding for Axis 3 (improving the quality of life in rural areas and encouraging diversification of economic activity) and Axis 4 (LEADER) of the Programme delivered through a number of area-based Local Action Groups (LAGs).

Prospective LAGs will shortly be asked to submit their business plans which will be evaluated by independent assessors. It is hoped to start the delivery of the Programme, at a local level, in Spring 2008.

The measures to be funded under the new Programme include the following:

Diversification into non-agricultural activities for farm families;

Support business creation and development;

Encouragement of tourism activities;

Basic services for economic and rural population;

Village renewal and development;

Conservation and upgrading of rural heritage;

Training and information; and

Adapted and new skills.