Latest setback in €425m scheme
It appears that the EU Commission became aware, during a presentation on LEADER funding by a farmer at last year’s Ploughing Championships, that initiatives were being funded from the incorrect funding stream.
Rural development officials have been told no further assessment or approval should be carried out on projects involving a farmer or member of a farm family which in any way involves food preparation, production or processing. IFA and others have demanded a speedy resolution to the impasse. But a Department of Community, Equality and Gaeltacht Affairs spokesperson said: “It may take some time to come to a final position. There is no guarantee that the outcome will be in our favour.”
