Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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Question 276: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the number of applications on hand from each Leader company awaiting his approval; the number for each company waiting longer than two months for approval; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31872/11]

Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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There are nine such applications on hands in my Department from eight LEADER companies. Four of these applications were first received in the Department more than two months ago. The assessment of higher value projects (projects with a grant approval of €150,000 or more) usually involves detailed consultations between my Department and the relevant local action group. It frequently necessitates the provision of further documentation or clarifications, as was the case for the four projects received more than two months ago. It may also, in some instances, result in modifications to the project proposed to ensure best value for money and compliance with all the necessary regulations, both national and European, governing the activities funded under the programme. These assessments also consider whether the project as proposed addresses the needs of the local community in the best possible way and a full and detailed assessment of all projects is essential. 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 which requires that each project must be compliant before any funding is awarded by the LEADER companies.