Written answers

Thursday, 20 December 2012

Department of Environment, Community and Local Government

Rural Development Programme

Photo of Seán FlemingSeán Fleming (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government when the payment of a grant in respect of an organisation (details supplied) will be approved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57699/12]

Photo of Phil HoganPhil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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Funding of €314m 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.

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. In that regard my Department undertakes an eligibility check on all projects prior to award of funding. The eligibility of the project in question has been assessed by the Department and the LEADER Company has been advised accordingly. The final decision regarding the approval of funding for this project is for the Board of Laois Partnership Company.

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