Minister Carey welcomes €12 million increase in Leader Budget

The Minister for Community, Equality and Gaeltacht Affairs, Pat Carey TD, has welcomed the increased allocation for the Rural Development Programme (Ireland) for 2011.
“The €62m allocated for the RDP in 2011 represents a significant increase on the original €40m allocation for 2010 and will ensure that the Leader Programme continues to transform the social and economic fabric of rural Ireland. It clearly shows the Government’s ongoing commitment to rural Ireland and the vital part it plays in the social and economic life of our country.”
Minister Carey paid tribute to the work that has been done to date by Local Action Groups under the Programme:

“The Local Action Groups (LAGs) who are contracted by my Department to deliver the Rural Development Programme (RDP) across the country have been very successful in disbursing significant financial resources to rural communities in 2010. This is illustrated by the fact that they are managing to spend extra funding of up to €8m which has been made available this year, bringing the total RDP budget for 2010 up to €48m.”

The Minister said that projects funded through this Programme directly address issues that impact on the social and economic fabric of rural communities, including the creation of employment and enterprise.

“Many of the groups are already providing valuable training opportunities in rural communities in order to increase skill levels to help in building sustainable communities in rural Ireland. The Programme also continues to fund the provision of the community halls and meeting places that are vital to the social cohesion of rural Ireland. Most importantly in the current economic climate, the Programme has the capacity to create sustainable employment opportunities in rural areas which are critical in supporting rural communities in these difficult times.”

Expenditure under the Programme is co-funded by the EU at a rate of 55%, reimbursed on a quarterly basis.

Issued by the Press & Information Office at the Dept. of Community, Equality & Gaeltacht Affairs
Eisithe ag Oifig Preasa & Eolais na Roinne Gnóthaí Pobail, Comhionannais agus Gaeltachta.
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