10. 11.08:
LEADER funding announced
The Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs announced the funding allocations under Axes 3 and 4 of the new Rural Development Programme 2007-2013 on 4 November. In what is by far the largest ever support package for this type of action, funding of EUR425.4 million (55% from the EU) will be provided towards activities to stimulate economic vitality and social well-being across all areas of Ireland not designated as gateways or hubs under the National Spatial Strategy.
The focus of Axis 3 is on quality of life and diversification into non-agricultural activities. Though complementary to on-farm measures under the programme, its actions are centred on the wider rural community including the need to provide alternative and suitable employment opportunities and the range of services that people living in rural areas need and expect. These challenges are to be addressed through support for the development of rural enterprises based on local natural resources, service provision, tourism and recreational activities, village enhancement, environmental initiatives, conservation and upgrading of rural heritage, and training.
The funding will be delivered to community groups and individuals using the well-established LEADER methodology through 36 integrated Local Action Groups (LAGS) established under Axis 4. While many of these retain their identities from previous rounds of the LEADER programmes, a certain amount of rationalisation has taken place to create more structures to operate at a ‘county-level’ where appropriate.
The list of LAGs and their allocations is available at:
http://www.pobail.ie/en/PressReleases/htmltext,9566,en.html
