Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 13 June 2023
90. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development when the new leader funding will be available to community groups; if eligibility criteria has been set; and how long the programme will run for. [28348/23]
View answerThe LEADER Programme is a key intervention of Our Rural Future, the Government’s Policy for rural development launched in 2021.The programme is based on a community-led approach to rural development and plays an important role in supporting communities and enterprises in progressing job creation, social inclusion and environmental projects at local level.
The process to select Local Actions Groups (LAGs) to deliver the new LEADER programme is under way at present. Applicant groups are due to submit completed Local Development Strategy (LDS) documents for consideration by 14thJuly 2023. These LDSs will form the basis for the approval of projects under the new programme, which is due to run until 2027 (with what is termed a N+2 period of two years for the closing out of the programme).
As draft LDSs are approved across individual LEADER areas, the LAGs can commence seeking and approving applications for funding from communities. My officials are currently reviewing learnings from the current LEADER programme, including eligibility criteria, and these will be incorporated into the new programme where feasible. Work on developing the new operating rules for the programme is currently ongoing in conjunction with stakeholders.
I look forward to the implementation of the 2023-2027 programme and to ensuring that LEADER continues to play a central role in supporting rural communities into the future.
