€5m fund to create agri-food enterprises
This funding will bridge the gap left when this type of assistance was suspended in the 2007-2013 Rural Development Programme in early 2011. It will be delivered via the Leader approach through the 35 local development companies contracted to deliver the Rural Development Programme.
Mr Hogan said: “Leader has a long and productive history of support for the agri-food sector in Ireland, and I am happy to announce this funding which will continue to ensure this support.
“Based on recent research conducted by the Local Development sector this funding has the potential to create more than 200 jobs directly as well as sustaining a number of jobs currently available in the sector.”
“On top of the additional €5m being made available for the agri-food sector, the other Leader elements of the Rural Development Programme will continue to offer significant financial resources to rural communities and entrepreneurs.
“With a budget of €96m for 2012, it is critically important that the 35 Local Development Companies and rural entrepreneurs in the agri-food and other sectors, all over Ireland continue to harness their energies in order to avail of this funding and further develop all aspects of their businesses.
“Anyone wishing to inquire about this funding should contact their local development company.”
* Contact details for all companies contracted to deliver the RDP in Ireland can be found on the department’s website at www.environ.ie.
