Ann Phelan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Labour)
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The LEADER element of the Rural Development Programme (RDP) 2014–2020 will provide €250 million in financial resources to support the development of sustainable rural communities. Under the programme, funding will be distributed by Local Action Groups to rural communities in line with the local development strategies that are currently being developed within each sub-regional area in Ireland. As the value of the LEADER element of 2014-2020 Programme is less than the LEADER element of the 2007-2013 Programme, the allocations made on a county basis under the new Programme have inevitably reduced.

In determining the county allocations for the 2014-2020 LEADER programme, three objective criteria were used, namely, minimum allocation, population density and a Resource Allocation Model (RAM). Each county was given a minimum allocation of €3 million to ensure that each received a viable level of funding. However, Cork County was allocated €6 million as a minimum in order to ensure a viable allocation to each of the three administrative districts within the county, as the overall population outside of the city is almost twice that of any other county.

The methodology used to calculate the allocations was designed to ensure that the available funding was weighted towards the most rural populations and those experiencing most rural disadvantage. Using this methodology, which I am satisfied is fair and consistent, each county was allocated a proportionate share of the funding available through the LEADER elements of the RDP 2014-2020.

In relation to the Deputy’s specific queries, my Department has introduced a number of additional measures to support rural Ireland, including the Rural Economic Development Zone (REDZ)pilot scheme currently underway and the Town and Village Enhancement scheme, which is due to be rolled out in the near future, and which will see an investment package of €30 million to support the revitalisation of towns and villages with a view to improving the living and working environment in communities and enhancing their potential to support increased economic activity into the future.

These measures, coupled with increased coordination at a local level, will ensure that the impact of all available funding will be maximised to support the sustainable development of our rural communities.

In relation to the CLÁR programme, the majority of CLÁR measures were closed to new applications in 2008. While some measures accepted applications in 2009 and 2010, all were subsequently closed to new funding requests. There are no plans to reopen the CLÁ R programme or to establish a Rural Development Fund at this time.