Séamus Kirk (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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454. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government the position regarding Leader companies across the country; his plans for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21067/14]

Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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The changes that I am bringing forward under the reform of local government and arising from the Local Government Reform Act 2014 will see the establishment of Local Community Development Committees in each local authority area. In line with the plans to enhance the role of local government in local and community development, these committees will oversee community and local development programmes funded by my Department.

These programmes will continue to be delivered locally and I envisage a continued significant role for Local Development Companies (LEADER companies) in the delivery of the LEADER elements of the Rural Development Programme. Furthermore, Local Development Companies are expected to be members of Local Community Development Committees, which will also involve stakeholders from local government, state agencies and the community and voluntary sector through the new public participation networks and they will play a key role in the development of the local economic and community plan.