Fiona O'Loughlin (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)
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1533. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development if there are grants available to assist an area (details supplied) in completing work on a hall for upgrading; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55194/17]

Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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I am advised that an expression of interest for funding under the LEADER programme in respect of the project referred to in the Deputy’s question was received on 20 November 2017 by the Local Action Group which administers the programme for the area concerned. I also understand that the Local Action Group has invited the project promoter to submit a full application for funding.

LEADER is a multi-annual programme covering the period 2014-2020.  It is co-funded by the EU and funding is delivered through Local Action Groups in each of the 28 LEADER sub-regional areas around the country.  The LEADER programme funds projects under three policy themes:

- Economic Development, Enterprise Development and Job Creation

- Social Inclusion, and

- Rural Environment.

In order for a project to be eligible for LEADER funding, it must be compatible with the actions outlined in the approved Local Development Strategy in the sub-regional area concerned, and it must comply with the Operating Rules and EU Regulations in place for the programme. 

The decision to approve a project, or otherwise, is a matter for the Local Action Group in the relevant area.