Ryan O'Meara (Tipperary North, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

86. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development to consider providing additional LEADER funding to an organisation (details supplied) for the sub-themes of social inclusion funding once they are depleted, considering the budget in this area is now running low for the organisation and further funding is not expected until the next CAP, while demand from local organisations for these sub-themes remains high; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14387/25]

Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The 2023-2027 LEADER Programme supports a broad range of enterprises and community groups to develop projects which improve the quality of life and economic activity in rural areas.

The Tipperary Local Action Group, for which North Tipperary Development Company is an implementing partner, has an allocation of €7.8 million for the period 2023-2027.

The funding is allocated to the Local Action Groups at the outset of the programme to provide them with greater flexibility managing their budgets across the various subthemes. Payments are then made by my Department as costs are incurred and claims for payment are submitted.

At this stage of the new LEADER programme, many Local Action Groups are focused on engaging with applicants throughout the country to develop and progress project applications and expressions of interest.

While the level of projects approved at present is relatively low, this is consistent with previous programming periods and reflective of the time spent by Local Action Groups with applicants to generate high quality project proposals. I look forward to seeing the level of approvals grow in the coming months as applications are progressed.

I have no plans to increase the level of funding to the current programme as there is considerable funding yet to be allocated by the Local Action Groups across the country.

However, as committed to in the Programme for Government, my Department will engage at EU level to seek to increase funding for the next LEADER programme.