Tom Hayes (Tipperary South, Fine Gael)
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Question 288: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the position regarding changes to the Leader programme; when offices, staff, budgets and programmes will be agreed; and when the programme will be back up and running in south Tipperary. [33983/08]

Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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Under the 2007-2013 programming round, LEADER will be implemented through the Rural Development Programme Ireland 2007-2013. The LEADER elements will be delivered through Axes 3 & 4 of the Programme and will see €425m available for LEADER type activities, an almost threefold increase on the level of funding available under the 2000-2006 programming round.

The most significant changes include increased rates of aid from 50% to 75% for community projects and an increase in the aid ceilings for capital projects from €100,000 to €200,000 in most cases. In exceptional circumstances, provision has been made for grant aid of €500,000 for non-commercial community flagship projects.

The process for selecting Local Action Groups to deliver the LEADER elements of the Rural Development Programme is now at an advanced stage. I expect to announce the selection of the Groups to implement the Programme and the allocation of funding shortly. I anticipate that the Programme will be open to applications to the Local Action Groups for funding in all areas of the country shortly thereafter.

The Rural Development Programme provides that the contribution by the Programme to the administration budget of each Local Action Group is set at a maximum of 20% of the public funding awarded to the Group. Within this administration allocation, it is a matter for the Board of each individual Local Action Group to provide, as it deems appropriate, for the appointment of staff and the necessary accommodations to implement the Programme. My Department will, of course, continue to provide guidance to all Local Action Groups in this regard.