Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

104. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government the status of an application by a group (details supplied) for Leader funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10870/16]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The selection of applications and the provision of funding under the LEADER Programme 2014-2020 will be a matter solely for the local action group selected to implement the local development strategy in its area. My Department has no role in this regard.

I can confirm, however, that an inquiry for funding under the new programme has been received from the organisation referred to in the Question. The application will be progressed, as appropriate, by the relevant local action group when the new programme commences.

In this regard, my Department is currently concluding the selection of LEADER local development strategies. I expect to issue the first contracts to local action groups this week as discussions on contract and implementation arrangements are concluded, with a phased commencement of the programme anticipated across all areas between now and July.