Action soon on LEADER development groups

COMMUNITY, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs Minister Éamon Ó Cuív hopes to shortly commence selecting local action groups to deliver the LEADER element of the Rural Development Programme for Ireland 2007-2013.

The funding available for the delivery of LEADER-type activities under the Rural Development Programme for Ireland 2007–13 will amount to €425.4 million — almost treble the €150m available for the 2000–06 period.

He intends to have his revision of areas of coverage for LEADER and partnership groups completed before rolling out the LEADER scheme’s €425.4m funding and said he is satisfied there will be no loss to community or development groups due to the delay of the six-year scheme.