Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Independent)
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68. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government the progress made to date in addressing the funding of projects under the LEADER programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20302/13]

Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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73. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government when he intends to make the full amount of the remaining money for projects under the LEADER programme available to the LEADER companies for allocation; the reason for the delay in approving this despite his commitment (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20460/13]

Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 68 and 73 together.

Following a thorough examination of project activity under the Leader elements of the Rural Development Programme (RDP) I announced on 24 April 2013, the lifting of the embargo on project approvals.

The completion of this review has facilitated the issuing of RDP contracts for approximately €42 million worth of projects which have been approved by the Board of the Local Development Companies (LDCs) and have all the necessary requirements in place.  The LDCs contracted to deliver the Leader elements of the RDP have been allowed two weeks to notify my Department as to whether all of the projects within this €42 million are ready to proceed.

The table outlines the €42 million worth of projects across the various LDCs.

Once this exercise is complete my Department will then be in a position to establish the remaining balance of funding in the RDP and will notify each LDC of their allocation to the end of the Programme.