 |
 |
 |
 |
|
 |
|
04.11.08 Ó Cuív announces allocations under the largest ever Rural Development ProgrammeAt the European Commission offices in Dublin today, Tuesday November 4th, Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, Éamon Ó Cuív TD announced the LEADER funding allocations under Axes 3 and 4 of the new Rural Development Programme 2007-2013. Under the Programme, funding of €425.4 million will be provided, 55% from the European Union and 45% from the Exchequer. This is almost treble the amount available in the last Programme (2000-2006), and the largest ever package for rural development. The funding will be channelled through the new, integrated Local Action Groups to support and facilitate the continued development of rural communities all over Ireland. Projects will commence next month, November 2008. Each of these Local Action Groups will distribute funding to community groups and individuals in rural areas for the range of activities to be funded under this Programme. These activities are varied and include diversification into non-agricultural activities, support for business creation, encouragement of tourism activities, basic services for the economy and rural population, village renewal and development, conservation and upgrading of rural heritage and training and information. “I am delighted to be announcing the allocations today as I know you are all eager to get your programmes underway as soon as possible. I would like to take the opportunity to wish the staff and new Chairs of the Local Action Groups every success with the work ahead,” said Minister Ó Cuív. “Despite the economic challenges facing the country, I believe that this is a time of great opportunity for rural areas,” he continued. “With the increasing urbanisation of society, there is renewed interest in rural recreation, marine-associated activities and indigenous small food production. Under this Rural Development Programme, I am expecting that each Local Action Group will implement a clear plan with particular focus on the above. In the last five years, we have seen the numbers of visitors coming to Ireland for rural recreation more than double. I believe that we can double this again by 2013. With this new Rural Development Programme, in association with other major programmes run by my Department such as the CLÁR Programme and the Rural Social Scheme, I am confident that we will see significant developments and sustainable job creation in rural Ireland between now and 2013.” The full list of the allocations is as follows:
Editor’s Note: 37 applications were received from Local Action Groups around the country, which were evaluated by independent consultants, Fitzpatrick and Associates, based on specific criteria (see Editor’s Note), population and rurality. Of these, 36 applications were successful. To receive funding, the new companies must be fully cohesed before the contracts are signed. In addition, Rural Social Scheme participants must be fully transferred to the new companies. Allocations were evaluated on the following criteria, as well as on population and rurality:
Compliance with Departmental guidelines on governance in relation to the composition of board membership and objects of the LAG (20%) Overall allocations per measure:
Top of Page |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
HOME | LEARN IT | CASE STUDIES | ABOUT | FAQ | NEWS | CONTACT | FUNDED PROJECTS | FUTURE OF LEADER LOUTH LEADER Market Street, Ardee, Co. Louth. Tel: +353 (0)41 685 6804 Fax: +353 (0)41 685 6787 Email: info@louthleader.com Louth LEADER - Administrators of the EU LEADER+ and National Rural Development Programmes. Funded by the Irish Government and part-financed by the European Union under the National Development Plan, 2000 - 2006. LEADER (Liaison Entre Actions de Development de l'Economie Rurale)  |