Michelle Mulherin (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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194. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government the position regarding an application to Mayo north east Leader by a company (details supplied); when a decision will issue; if it will be expedited due to the delay to the planned completion date and the uncertainty that is being caused to the local community and the contractor; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37524/14]

Alan Kelly (Tipperary North, Labour)
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There are 35 Local Development Companies (LDCs) contracted, on my Department’s behalf, to deliver the LEADER elements of the Rural Development Programme 2007-2013 (RDP) throughout the country. In line with the ‘bottom-up’ approach to rural development the LDCs 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 the Programme’s Operating Rules and EU regulations.

The only exception to this is the requirement to seek final approval from my Department in respect of projects that request funding of €150,000 or more. The assessment of these higher value projects usually involves detailed consultations between my Department and the relevant local development company.

A letter of approval in relation to this project was issued by my Department to MNELP on 1 October 2014.