John Deasy (Waterford, Fine Gael)
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Question 417: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the funding available under axes three and four of the rural development programme; the planned expenditure for each year of the programme; the amount allocated to each county; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3242/10]

John Deasy (Waterford, Fine Gael)
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Question 418: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the process involved in applying for funding in respect of individual and community applicants under axes three and four of the rural development programme; the criteria for assessing such applicants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3243/10]

Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 417 and 418 together.

My Department is responsible for the delivery of Axes 3 & 4 of the Rural Development Programme 2007-2013 for which funding of the order of €425m is available. The roll-out of these axes commenced in February 2009 and by the end of December 2009, more than €18m had been spent. The allocation under the Programme for 2010 of €40m represents an increase of approximately 120% on the level of expenditure in 2009. Future allocations will be subject to the normal budgetary processes and will be agreed with the Department of Finance on an annual basis. I have no doubt, however, that we will achieve the full target of €425m over the lifetime of the Programme. The main objectives of the Programme are to improve the quality of life in rural areas and facilitate the diversification of the rural economy. The individual measures under the Programme including initiative allocations are listed below:

Diversification into non-agricultural activities for farm families - €16.66m;

Support for business creation and development - €48.26m;

Encouragement of tourism activities - €45.4m;

Basic services for the economy and rural population - €49.61m;

Village renewal and development - €54.2m;

Conservation and upgrading of the rural heritage - €51.7m;

Training and information on adapted and new skills - €29.45m; and

Implementing co-operation projects – €10.7m.

A number of Local Action Groups (LAGs), formerly known as LEADER companies, have been contracted by my Department to deliver the Programme throughout Ireland. The following table details the group names, their county coverage and their overall funding allocations to date.

In terms of the delivery of the Programme, my Department has issued a set of operating rules to each group based on the EU Regulations which govern it. These rules are regularly updated, as necessary. However, in line with the bottom-up nature of the LEADER approach, the Deputy should note that the LAG is the principle decision-maker in relation to the eligibility criteria for Programme funding, the application process and the allocation of project funding to individual applicants. Funding decisions are made by the LAG following extensive evaluation and approval processes in the context of the Group's Local Development Strategy and in line with the operating rules and EU Regulations. Groups or individuals interested in applying for funding under the Programme should, therefore, contact their local LAG for further information.

Niall Collins (Limerick West, Fianna Fail)
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Question 419: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the amount of financial support and assistance given by his Department to an organisation (details supplied) in the years 2006 to 2009 inclusive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3302/10]

Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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The organisation in question submitted an application under the 2006 call for proposals under the Community Service Programme (CSP). The application and business plan was subsequently approved and the contract commenced in mid-2007. The organisation received the following funding:

· €3,872 for the period 1 July to 31 December 2007;

· €78,439 for 2008;

· €80,775 for 2009.