Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

14. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development if he is satisfied that the application process for community groups applying to LEADER is efficient and that the process is not turning groups off making an application; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46130/18]

Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The LEADER programme has made a huge contribution to supporting rural areas and rural communities for many years.  As is the case with many EU-funded programmes, certain procedures must be followed to ensure transparency and accountability.  However, I am committed to making the application process for LEADER in Ireland as efficient as possible for community groups.

My Department engages regularly with the Local Action Groups (LAGs) that deliver LEADER to identify potential areas for programme improvement.

Following a Forum held with the LAGs in May of last year, I have implemented 31 improvements over the last 17 months to streamline the LEADER programme.

These actions have simplified the process for LEADER applicants. Improvements include:

- the introduction of a standardised application form,

- greater flexibility for LAGs in seeking project proposals through rolling and targeted calls, and

- the introduction of a single administrative check of project applications which has replaced the previous two-stage process for most applications.  The number of questions to be completed as part of this administrative check has also been reduced by more than half.

The impact of these improvements are clear to be seen in the level of applications and funding being approved under the LEADER programme this year.

The level of project funding approved this year to date, at €30 million, is nearly double the €16 million approved in 2017. 

Overall, since the programme commenced delivery in 2016, 1,450 LEADER projects have been approved to a value of €46.3 million, while a further 329 projects with a value of over €22 million are going through the approvals process.

I will continue to examine ways to further improve the application and delivery process under LEADER, in consultation with stakeholders.