Frank Feighan (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 88: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government when a decision will issue on an application for funding in respect of Enterprise Castlerea, County Roscommon. [12188/11]

Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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Axes 3&4, known as the 'LEADER' axes of the Rural Development Programme Ireland 2007 – 2013 (RDP) provide substantial support for the diversification of the rural economy and to activities that enhance the quality of life in rural Ireland.

In general, an overall ceiling of €150,000 grant aid per project applies to projects under the LEADER Axes of the RDP and the local action groups delivering the Programme on behalf of my Department are the principal decision-makers in relation to the allocation of project funding.

In certain circumstances local action groups may award grant aid in excess of €150,000 where they get the approval of my Department to do so. It is in this context that my Department is currently examining the project in question.

Given the level of funding involved and the need to ensure value for money, a full and detailed assessment of such projects is vital. In addition LEADER activities are co-financed by the European Union at a rate of 55% and accordingly come within the remit of a strict regulatory regime.

The assessment of such projects usually involves detailed consultations with the relevant local action group and frequently necessitates the provision of further documentation or clarifications. In this instance a number of queries have been raised with the Local Action Group and when all of the required information has been received a decision in relation to this project will be made without delay.