Michael Lowry (Tipperary North, Independent)
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To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government if he will provide information on an application for funding in respect of an organisation (details supplied) in County Tipperary, when a decision will issue on this matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45649/12]

Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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Funding of €314 m is available under the Rural Development Programme (RDP) 2007-2013 for allocation to qualifying projects up to the end of 2013. 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.

Projects that request funding of €150,000 or more are required to seek final approval from my Department. 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 development company. It frequently necessitates the provision of further documentation or clarifications, as was the case for this project. 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. A full and detailed assessment of all projects is essential; currently, the LEADER activities are co-financed by the European Union at a rate of 85% 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.

My Department is in the process of assessing this project and a decision will shortly be made on the matter. North Tipperary LEADER Partnership will be notified of the outcome and will in turn notify the project promoter.