Ó Cuív launches the largest ever rural development package -

Rural Development Programme 2007-2013

 

On 20th May last Éamon Ó Cuív T.D., Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs launched the LEADER elements of the new Rural Development Programme.

Under the Programme, funding of €425.4 million will be provided, 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 Local Action Groups to support and facilitate the continued development of rural communities all over Ireland.

Proposals are being sought from Local Action Groups throughout Ireland to administer this funding. East Cork Area Development Ltd. will submit a plan for their area of operation in July. It is expected that funding will not be available locally until the end of the year but this will depend on the evaluation of plans by the Dept. of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs.

The Rural Development Programme will be delivered through the LEADER approach, an innovative ‘bottom up’ approach that encourages rural areas to explore ways to become or remain competitive, to make the most of their assets and to overcome whatever challenges they may face. This approach is community driven and is managed through the Local Action Groups.

Each of the Local Action Groups selected to administer the Rural Development Programme will distribute funding to communities, enterprises and individuals in rural areas following an application process. The range of activities to be funded under this Programme are varied and will include diversification into non-agricultural activities, support for business creation and development, encouragement of tourism activities, basic services for the economy and rural population, village renewal and development, conservation and upgrading of rural heritage and training.

Announcing the funding, Minister Ó Cuív said: “I am delighted to announce the commencement of the selection process for Local Action Groups to deliver the LEADER elements of the new Rural Development Programme. The level of funding available has increased significantly since the last Programme, as has the percentage of grant funding in many cases, particularly for community activities. For example, in some cases, the rate of aid for capital projects has increased from 50% in the last Programme to 75% under this new Programme. This will give community groups and individuals in rural areas more flexibility in making their valuable contributions to the continuing development of rural Ireland.”

Following a national review of the boundaries of development agencies, East Cork Area Development Ltd. has expanded its area to include the Carrigaline Electoral area. This means that ECAD will now support communities and others living east and west of Cork Harbour.

“ECAD is pleased that details of the new programme have finally been announced. We look forward to working with communities across the area over the next few years and would hope to see actions being delivered from the beginning of next year” said Ryan Howard, CEO of ECAD.

ECAD has been involved in consultations with individuals and groups across a range of sectors over the past year or so. If there are community groups or others who have additional key actions they wish to highlight, please contact ECAD on 021 4613432.