John Paul O'Shea (Cork North-West, Fine Gael)
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876. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development if communities can apply for sports capital funding and follow on with application for Leader funding to complete the project as part of the Leader Programme 2023-2027 given there appears to be conflicting guidance currently in the public domain; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6178/25]

Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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The 2023-2027 LEADER Programme supports a broad range of private enterprises and community groups who improve the quality of life and economic activity in rural areas. The Programme is delivered by a network of Local Action Groups (LAGs) selected to implement Local Development Strategies for their respective geographical areas.

In line with the LEADER Operating Rules, when evaluating project applications the LAGs should primarily focus on supporting projects where LEADER is the main funding source. For LEADER funding to be considered eligible by the LAGs to work in tandem with other public funding streams such as the sports capital funding, separate projects, or parts of projects, should be identified at the outset to be supported through each of these public funds. The project or the part of the project being considered for LEADER funding must be stand-alone and operable in its own right in order to be deemed eligible. LEADER funding cannot be used with the sports capital to fund the same part of a project.

Prospective applicants should, in the first instance, contact their relevant LAG, through its Implementing Partner, to discuss the eligibility of the project and the funding that may be available. The list of all LAGs, their Implementing Partners and contact details, is available on the Department's website www.gov.ie/LEADER