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October 19, 2009

Cill Dara ar Aghaide Teoranta has funding to allocate

Local Fianna Fail TD Michael Fitzpatrick has been informed by Minister Éamon Ó Cuív TD that Cill Dara ar Aghaide Teoranta has significant funds to allocate under the LEADER programme this year.  

“In a time when money is scarce, the Rural Development programme, which is co-funded by the Government and the EU, is of vital importance to the renewal and regeneration of rural Ireland.”

“Under the Programme, funding of €425.4 million will be provided. This is almost treble the amount available in the last Programme (2000-2006), and the largest ever package for rural development. Allied to the private investment that it will attract, this funding should ensure a spend in rural Ireland of over €1bn.”

“Minister Ó Cuív’s announcement in August that capital-type projects under three measures – village renewal and development, basic services for the economy and rural population, and conservation and upgrading of the rural heritage – may now be co-funded by Local Authorities is very positive, and I believe that it will give a major boost to the Programme. In such cases up to 95% of funding for projects can be provided.”

“I also welcome the announcement that the provision of 3-phase electricity is an eligible action under the programme.”

“I have been informed that each Integrated Local Development Company has been given significant money for immediate approval as grants.  In the case of Cill Dara ar Aghaidh Teoranta, the details are that they have over €1.7 million to allocate with immediate effect.  I would now urge the company to ensure that this money is allocated to good projects as speedily as possible.  The Department has also assured me that when this money is allocated, consideration will be given to the provision of a further allocation of money to each company.”

“I am delighted that it is now all systems go with the LEADER programme and I will encourage community groups and private individuals to work with their Integrated Local Development Company to ensure that good projects are developed and that this money is used to the best advantage for rural Ireland,” concluded Deputy Fitzpatrick.