Jim Daly (Cork South West, Fine Gael)
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24. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government his views in relation to the reduced funding available to Leader groups for distribution to community organisations in order to develop local public amenities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18123/15]

Ann Phelan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Labour)
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The LEADER element of the Rural Development Programme 2014 – 2020, will provide €250 million in financial resources to rural communities over the next 5 - 6 years, for a range of rural activities, including the development of local public amenities.

While the LEADER allocation for the 2014-2020 Programme is less than the value of the LEADER element of 2007 – 2013 Programme, I am confident that within the confines of the fiscal environment we have experienced in the recent past, the Government has allocated the maximum amount possible to support the LEADER elements of the 2014-2020 programme.

The €250 million funding available, coupled with the Government's drive to increase coordination at a local level and the commitment to the delivery of the recommendations in the Report of the Commission on the Economic Development of Rural Areas (CEDRA), will ensure that the impact of the available funding will be maximised to support the sustainable development of our rural communities.