Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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28. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government the total project funding provided under the Leader programme 2007-2014; the amount spent to date; the amount spent to date in 2014; if he is satisfied that all of this funding will be drawn down by the end of the programme; the latest date for the completion of projects under the programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34307/14]

Alan Kelly (Tipperary North, Labour)
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The original value of the LEADER element of the Rural Development Programme 2007 -2013 was €427 million. In late 2011 the European Commission offered Member States that were part of the Financial Stabilisation Mechanism an opportunity to avail of an increased co-financing rate from 55% up to 85%. The increased rate was to apply to 2012 and 2013 expenditure only. This reduced the Programme value to approximately €370 millionand was based on the co-financing rate returning to 55% for 2014 and 2015.

During 2013 Local Action Group allocations were revised in line with the €370 million estimate, taking account also of project approvals and spend position at the time.

In December 2013, the European Commission revised their position and allowed Member States to continue to avail of the increased co-financing rate of 85% for 2014 and 2015. That had the effect of reducing the value of the LEADER element of the Programme again to approximately €317 million.

Accordingly, there are commitments well in excess of what is required to ensure full drawdown of the EU contribution towards the Programme and I am satisfied that full drawdowns will be achieved. Therefore, any project funding which is de-committed at this stage will not be re-committed.

The value of project commitments is €284 million, of which €225.7 million has been paid to date. The total paid to date is almost €296 million, which includes €225.7 million for projects, €12 million on animation expenses and €58 million on administration. To date in 2014, €55.2 million has been paid by my Department.

Local Action Group contracts expire on 31 December 2014 and in that context my Department has allowed LEADER project promoters’ contracts to be extended to 15November 2014, where necessary. EU Regulations allow for expenditure up to end of 2015 and in that context my Department will be keeping a close eye on progress and will make any necessary decisions regarding contract extensions and the final dates for project completion on a case by case basis as the need arises.