Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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The LEADER programme is administered by Local Action Groups (LAGs) which deliver funding in accordance with Local Development Strategies that have been agreed for each LAG area. €220 million of the €250 million approved for Leader under the Rural Development Programme (RDP) 2014-2020 has already been allocated to each LAG area. This allocation covers the full duration of the Programme as it provides greater flexibility to Local Acton Groups in managing their allocation within and between years.

As has been the case under previous Leader Programmes, there is a natural lead-in period required where the Local Action Groups conclude calls for proposals and work with potential applicants to develop and finalise funding proposals which will ultimately be delivered in each area. This is consistent with the experience of other EU programmes.

I believe that we are coming near the end of this lead in period. I anticipate that there will be a significant increase in project expenditure over the course of 2018 based on the progress which has been made by the LAGs in approving projects in recent months

My Department has also introduced a number of administrative improvements to the Leader programme which will also assist LAGs and project promoters in their delivery of the programme. In fact the effect of these changes is already evident as approximately €5 million has been approved for projects to date in 2018 compared with less than €1 million in the first six months of 2017.

I am confident that progress now being made by the LAGs, along with the administrative changes introduced in 2017, will result in a continued increase in project approvals and substantial payments under the Leader programme over the coming months.