Emmet Stagg (Kildare North, Labour)
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494. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government the reason for the delay in approving a lease grant (details supplied). [25858/13]

Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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An estimated programme allocation of €370m 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. 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 number of queries have recently been clarified by the relevant LDC with regard to the project referred to in the Question and in this context I would envisage that a decision on the project will be communicated to the LDC shortly.

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.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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495. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government the funding options available through his Department which may be available to support a project (details supplied) in County Meath. [25880/13]

Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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An estimated programme allocation of €370m is available under Axis 3&4 (LEADER) of Rural Development Programme (RDP) 2007-2013 for allocation to qualifying projects up to the end of 2013. The programme aims to support the diversification of the rural economy and improve the quality of life in rural areas. Measures under the programme can provide funding for both rural tourism initiatives and initiatives that facilitate the conservation and upgrading of the rural heritage. In this context the project referred to in the Question could, in principle, be eligible for funding under the RDP.

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. Contact details for LDCs can be found on my Department's website at