Brendan Griffin (Kerry, Fine Gael)
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181. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government when the Leader programme will be available for applications in County Kerry; the reason for the delay in rolling it out; if he will prioritise this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14133/16]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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My Department is currently concluding the selection of LEADER local development strategies, in accordance with strict EU regulatory requirements.  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 later this month.

To date, discussions regarding contracts and implementation arrangements have been held with 17 local action groups, including in County Kerry, whose strategies have reached the required standard.

The first LEADER contracts will issue to local action groups (LAGs), including in County Kerry, on a phased basis over the coming weeks as any remaining outstanding issues with local development strategies are finalised and contract and implementation arrangements are concluded with the respective LAGs.

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.