Local enterprise development scheme flawed, say rural leaders

Public representatives and rural development officials have warned that rural development has been seriously set back by changes in the €250m EU and Irish funded LEADER local development scheme.

Funding for the scheme has been reduced as much as 50% in some areas, and they say it will be 2017 before any money from the 2014-20 scheme is paid out in several regions.

LEADER aims for community-led economic development, enterprise development and job creation, social inclusion, and environmental protection.