Major row over LEADER funding

Greater alignment of local government and local development has sparked a major political row over the €314m of LEADER funding for rural development.

Environment Minister Phil Hogan said improved alignment will involve greater co-ordination of local development activities, with an enhanced role for local government.

But Co Cork TD Michael Moynihan has accused Minister Hogan of gutting community-based provision of local services through the EU’s LEADER Programme. LEADER activities are co-financed by the European Union at a rate of 85%.