Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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368. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development the extent to which his Department will interact with the LEADER programme when identifying suitable projects for attention and support in 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50823/19]

Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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My Department provides funding for a range of rural schemes such as the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund (RRDF), the Town and Village Renewal Scheme, CLÁR, the Walks Scheme and the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund.

Each scheme has specific aims and objectives and collectively they fund a wide range of projects from small scale local improvement projects to high value infrastructural projects, all of which have the potential to transform rural economies and communities.

The relevant criteria applicable under each funding stream differs. My Department ensures, through its rigorous assessment process, that there is no duplication of funding under these programmes.

Decisions regarding funding approved under the LEADER Programme are a matter for the Local Action Groups (LAGs) that administer the Programme. LEADER may co-fund community based projects with other funding streams operated by my Department in order to complete high value projects. However, each element of funding sanctioned must be distinct in nature, and full details of all financial components of a project must be made known to the LAG before the project is fully approved.