Applicants awaiting release of LEADER funds
And only three projects were approved in 2016.
However, there has been LEADER expenditure to date in 2017 of €689,201 for administration and animation costs, which can be up to 25% of total expenditure incurred by incurred by the Local Action Groups (LAGs) who deliver the LEADER programme.
LAGs are concluding calls for proposals and are working with potential applicants to develop and finalise project applications in each LEADER sub-regional area, said the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs Heather Humphreys in the Dail last week.
“I anticipate a significant increase in project approvals and payments over the coming months,” she said.
She was replying to a question from Fianna Fáil TD Éamon Ó Cuív. Some equine activities will be made eligible for funding in the current LEADER programme.
Ms Humphreys has said amendments to the list of activities could benefit a wide range equine activities and rural tourism projects, such as equestrian centres and riding schools.
She said: “The race and sport horse industries were deemed as ineligible activities under the 2007-2013 LEADER programme. However, support for ancillary activities for the provision of services was eligible, where this was in keeping with the Local Development Strategies developed in each area.
"These activities included a range of actions, such as equestrian centre and riding school projects.
“In light of the considerable investment already undertaken in ancillary activities under the prior programme, it was decided that support for such activities would not be eligible in the 2014-2020 LEADER programme.
"The LEADER Programme transferred to my Department last June and I launched the new LEADER Programme in July 2016.
"Since then, I have given consideration to this matter and it has become clear that there is still some demand for further investment in ancillary activities, particularly where this contributes to rural tourism.
“I intend to amend the ineligible list of activities to allow funding of ancillary activities for the equine industry. This will be on a targeted basis, with a particular emphasis on ensuring that the supported infrastructure is widely accessible to the public.”
