Tony McLoughlin (Sligo-Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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383. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government the date of commencement of the new Leader programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9672/16]

John Brassil (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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395. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government when Leader funding will be available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9947/16]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 383 and 395 together.

I anticipate a phased commencement of the LEADER programme across all areas between now and July. My Department is currently concluding the selection of LEADER local development strategies, in accordance with strict EU regulatory requirements. I expect to issue the first contracts to local action groups this week as discussions on contract and implementation arrangements are concluded. At this stage, 32 strategies have been received from the 28 designated LEADER areas, of which 26 have been evaluated. The remaining six strategies will be evaluated by the Selection Committee at the end of May.

Discussions have commenced on contracts and implementation arrangements with 12 local action groups whose strategies have reached the required standard. Discussions will progress with the remaining groups over the coming weeks with a view to commencing programme implementation in all areas as soon as possible, while also focussing on securing high quality LEADER strategies that will yield optimum results for rural Ireland.