Terence Flanagan (Dublin North East, Fine Gael)
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Question 429: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if funding is available to employ a games promotion officer in respect of an organisation (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29011/12]

Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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Axes 3 & 4 (LEADER) of the Rural Development Programme (RDP) 2007-2013 have funding of €314m for allocation to qualifying projects up to the end of 2013. The main aims of the programme are to support the diversification of the rural economy and improve the quality of life in rural areas. There are 35 Local Action Groups contracted, on my Department's behalf, to deliver the RDP throughout the country and these groups are the principal decision-makers in relation to the allocation of project funding. Such decisions are made in the context of the local development strategy of the individual groups and in line with Departmental operating rules and EU regulations. Mainstream activities of a sporting organisation are not eligible for funding under the RDP and the programme does not support operating costs such as salaries. In this context funding for the employment of a Games Promotion Officer for Beann Eadair GAA is not eligible under the LEADER element of the RDP.