Gabrielle McFadden (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael)
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209. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government when the new round of Leader funding will be allocated to local action groups; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42027/15]

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 support the development of sustainable rural communities. As the Deputy will be aware, Ireland is conducting a two stage process for the selection of local development strategies to support the delivery of the LEADER elements of the Rural Development Programme 2014-2020. Stage one of the process is now complete and those successful at stage one have moved to stage two of the process, which is the preparation of local development strategies for their areas.

The preparation and submission of local development strategies is underway in each of the 28 designated sub-regional areas. A minimum period of six months to end-January 2016 has been allowed for the submission of strategies by all Local Action Groups, with the majority expected to submit strategies within that timeframe. To date, four local development strategies have been received and these are being considered at present.

Based on progress made to date, I expect that my Department will enter into contracts with a small number of Local Action Groups before year-end or in the first weeks of 2016. Following this, Local Action Groups will be accepting applications from both private promoters and community groups for projects which are consistent with the priorities identified in the local development strategies for their area. I am hopeful that the remaining areas will have their strategies approved and commence delivery on a rolling basis in early 2016.