Cathy Bennett (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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102. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development the allocation to the LEADER programme since 2007, by programme; the average allocation by year in each programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26188/25]

Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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The current LEADER Programme runs to 2027 and is now up and running across the country. It supports a broad range of enterprises and community groups to develop projects which improve the quality of life and economic activity in rural areas. It is delivered through Local Action Groups across rural Ireland, facilitating a community-led, bottom-up approach to rural development.

The LEADER programme is co-financed by the European Commission under the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), through the European Agriculture Fund for Rural Development. The budget for the CAP for the period 2021-2027 forms part of the Multiannual Financial Framework, or the EU Budget for that period. It is therefore a multi-annual programme, with allocations being linked to a programming period, rather than an annual basis.

Table 1 below gives a breakdown on the LEADER allocations for the periods requested by the Deputy.

The total amount of funding allocated to LEADER for the period of 2021-2027 is €250 million. This funding is made up of €70 million for the Transitional LEADER programme for the years 2021 and 2022, and €180 million for the 2023-2027 LEADER programme , maintaining the level of funding at €250 million for the 7 year period, in line with the previous 2014-2020 LEADER programme.

Prior to this, the programming period covered 2007-2013. The original allocation of €399,999,998 for that period was revised to €376,758,090, on foot of the agreement with the EU Commission of a formal amendment to the 2007-2013 Rural Development Programme - both allocations are included in the table below.

The Programme for Government includes a commitment to engage at EU level to increase funding for the next LEADER programme, which will form part of the post 2027 Multiannual Financial Framework.

The funding for the LEADER programme should be considered in the context of the expanding capital allocations which have been made available across the range of rural development schemes and supports under my Departments Rural Development Investment Programme in recent years.

Table 1: LEADER Programme Allocations

Aindrias Moynihan (Cork North-West, Fianna Fail)
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103. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development the specific funding initiatives available to support rural development projects in County Cork and in particular those aimed at enhancing local infrastructure and community services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25651/25]

Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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The development and enhancement of rural local infrastructure and community services via capital projects across the country is a priority for me and this Government. Full details of the supports available within my Department and funding awarded can be accessed at www.gov.ie/en/department-of-rural-and-community-development/services/available-funding-and-supports/ This information also outlines the eligibility criteria for each scheme, including the type of organisations who can apply for funds.

The Community Centre Investment Fund (CCIF) has provided in excess of €109 million in capital funding since 2022 for the enhancement and refurbishment of existing Community Centres and the construction of new centres. Over €33 million has now been approved for in excess of 770 projects under the 2024 fund. A decision in respect of the next round of the fund will be made later in the year, in line with the commitment in the Programme for Government for this to become a permanent rolling fund.

The Community Recognition Fund (CRF) was introduced in 2023 to recognise efforts made by communities in welcoming and supporting people coming to Ireland. To date €100 million has been allocated to support cities, towns and villages and has included funding for projects. The Government continues to look at how we can further support impacted towns and villages across a range of different schemes and services. Any decision in respect of a further round of funding under the Community Recognition Fund will be considered in the context of those deliberations and the annual budgetary process.

The CLÁR programme provides funding for small-scale projects in designated rural areas. The programme provides funding for community recreation facilities and amenities, including community centres and sports facilities.

Measure 1 of the programme, Developing Community Facilities & Amenities was launched on 4 April 2025, with a closing date for returns by local authorities to my Department of 13 June. As this measure is administered by the local authorities, potential applicants are encouraged to check their local authority’s website for specific details on closing dates locally for submission of applications.

The current LEADER Programme runs to 2027 supports a broad range of enterprises and community groups to develop projects which improve the quality of life and economic activity in rural areas. It is delivered through Local Action Groups (LAGs) across rural Ireland who have responsibility for the selection and approval of projects. Further information, including projects that have previously been allocated funding and contact details for LAGs, is available on www.gov.ie/LEADER.

The Town and Village Renewal Scheme (TVRS), which is currently open for applications, is designed to support the revitalisation and resilience of rural Ireland by focusing on stimulating town centre economic and social regeneration. TVRS is administered through local authorities, who work closely with local communities and businesses in developing proposals that can make a lasting impact on rural towns and villages. Projects which support the development of various forms of local infrastructure and community facilities are eligible under the fund.

The Rural Regeneration and Development Fund (RRDF) is a major capital investment programme which seeks to support large-scale, ambitious projects which can achieve sustainable economic and social development in rural areas. Funding under the RRDF is made available for local infrastructure and community centres and is allocated to local authorities and other State-funded bodies, who take the lead role in individual projects.

The fourth Call for Category 2 RRDF applications was launched in October 2024 and typically provides funding of up to €1m per project. The closing date for applications under this Call was the 14 March 2025. Following the assessment of applications, I anticipate an announcement of successful projects will be made in Quarter 3 this year. In relation to Category 1 RRDF funding, it is my intention that a Call for Proposals would be opened towards the end of this year.

The Local Improvement Scheme (LIS) is an important support for rural communities in improving rural non-public road infrastructure and laneways not usually maintained by local authorities. Since 2020 over €9m has been allocated to Cork under LIS, and Cork is consistently amongst the counties with the highest allocations under the scheme.