IFA at odds with Leader over share of development programme funding

Leader groups and the IFA are divided on how much of the Rural Development Programme should be set aside for local development companies (LDCs).

The Irish Local Development Network, which represents LDCs in Ireland, is asking for 10%. The IFA has suggested 5% of the €660m annual RDP budget be directed towards Leader companies.

The ILDN has approached both Environment Minister Phil Hogan and Agriculture Minister Simon Coveney to urge that they secure 10% of the RDP budget for Leader.