4 November 2008
Government Grants Fingal over €7.7m for Rural Development Programme.
Trevor Sargent T.D., Minister for Food and Horticulture, expressed his delight at the announcement today of funding for Fingal under the LEADER Rural Development Programme. Under the scheme, Fingal will receive €7,766,780 in funding.
The overall national allocation represents almost a three-fold increase on the funds available under the previous LEADER programme. The LEADER programme is 55% funded by the EU with the other 45% coming from the Exchequer.
The Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs today announced the selection of the Local Action Groups and associated approved funding. Among the activities that will receive support are:
- Business creation and development
- Tourism activities
- Village renewal and development
- Conservation and upgrading of the rural heritage
- Diversification into non-agricultural activities
- Training and skills acquisition for preparation and implementation of a local development strategy
As well as the increased funding, other changes from previous Programmes include increases on rates of aid for community projects (from 50% to 75%) and an increase in the aid ceilings for capital projects (from €100,000 to €200,000 in most cases). In exceptional circumstances, provision has been made for grant aid of up to €500,000 for non-commercial community flagship projects.
Commenting on the announcement, Minister Trevor Sargent said, “I am glad to see Fingal being granted such a significant amount of support, particularly in the difficult economic climate we now face. I look forward to seeing how this money will be used, particularly as the community will themselves largely decide where it will be spent. Leader funding has to date been a critical help to communities developing Farmers’ Markets and cultivating local food economics. Fingal has seen a tremendous growth in population and there is now an opportunity to develop a range of activities and new businesses. This funding will greatly assist in this.“
