Action groups to recruit in September

THE selection process for local action groups to deliver rural development schemes on behalf of the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs will begin in September, Minister Eamon Ó Cuív has confirmed.

More than €425 million will be provided over the next seven years to support improvements to the quality of rural life and the diversification and development of the local rural economy. These supports will be provided under the €6 billion rural development programme for Ireland, which the European Commission approved this week.

Mr Ó Cuív said he looked forward to seeing progress in developing the rural economy, particularly in rural/agri-tourism, and continued development of the small food producer sector.

Maura Walsh, Comhar LEADER na hÉireann, said it is a huge achievement to get LEADER on a mainstream footing.

“Such a large increase in funding means that the impact that LEADER can have will be very significant indeed,” she said.

ICMSA president Jackie Cahill said he hoped the problems being encountered with the establishment of the local action groups could be rectified soon to the satisfaction of all involved.

Martin Territt, director of the European Commission representation in Ireland, said the overall rural development programme is the most ambitious to be approved by the commission to date.

The emphasis is on environmental protection but it will also help Ireland’s rural economy and improve quality-of-life in rural areas, he said.

IFA president Padraig Walshe said the measures are of vital support for farmers and rural areas.

Agriculture Minister Mary Coughlan said the programme represents unprecedented investment in agriculture and will help to secure farmers’ income.