Tom Fleming (Kerry South, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

17. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government in view of the current void in the financial support for rural projects, if he will urgently resume the Leader programme; if he will ensure the existing partnership companies will be given the substantial role to continue in delivering vital services to rural Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6681/15]

Ann Phelan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The LEADER elements of the Rural Development Programme 2014-2020 will provide €250 million in financial resources to address poverty reduction, social inclusion and economic development in rural areas. LEADER is delivered through the medium of Local Development Strategies (LDS) by Local Action Groups (LAGs ) and the selection process for both the LEADER Local Development Strategies and Local Action Groups will begin in the coming weeks.

The selection process will be open and transparent and will consist of two separate stages. Stage one, a call for Expressions of Interest to design and implement LEADER Local Development Strategies for the 2014-2020 programme period, will commence shortly. This stage will be open to any entity that can demonstrate broad local and community participation and that has a coherent vision for the development of their area. In stage two of the selection process, Local Action Groups successful in stage one will be invited to submit a Local Development Strategy for their area.

Itis the Government’s preference,indelivering on the mandate to bring improved coherence to local and community development, that there be a single, coherent LEADER strategy in each of the 28 Sub-Regional areas identified for the delivery of LEADER local development strategies. I recognise the benefits to the new programme for local development companies, and other community groups, to be active partners in the development and implementation of LEADER strategies.  Therefore, I will continue to encourage discussions at local level with a view to encouraging LCDCs, Local Development Companies and other interested entities to agree ona single, coherent approach in each area.  Where agreement is reached, and where the LCDC becomesthe designated local action group for their area, I would envisage that the existing local development companies will be key implementing partners.

Notwithstanding the level of work to be done in advance of the programme becoming operational, I expect that the programme will be in a position to start selecting Local Development Strategies for implementation by mid-2015.