Minister of State for Disabilities and Fianna Fáil TD for Galway East, Anne Rabbitte TD, has welcomed the allocation of €1.1 million today to Local Action Groups in Galway under the Transitional LEADER Programme, which will come into effect in April 2021.
As committed to in the Programme for Government, the Transitional LEADER Programme will bridge a gap between the wind-up of the current 2014-2020 LEADER Programme and the start of the next EU programme, which is not likely to commence until 2023 due to delays at EU level.
“The LEADER Programme is such a pivotal funding source for groups across Galway, and I know there were a lot of concerns around a shortfall in funding after April so the allocation of €695,986 to Galway East and €412,730 to Galway West is welcome news that I’m sure will provide some relief to Local Action Groups,” said Minister Rabbitte.
“This government recognises how important this funding is to rural Ireland in particular so it’s great to provide advanced notice to avoid uncertainty.
“The funding will be reviewed in 2021 when there’s certainty regarding EU funding for the transitional period to 2023. While the Transitional Programme won’t commence from 1st April 2021, Local Action Groups can start working on identifying potential projects from 1st January 2021 so I’d call on these Groups to ensure the planning begins as soon as possible. “Importantly too, the rate of aid that may be awarded to enterprises and commercial community projects is being increased from the current 50% to 75% for the duration of the Transitional Programme, which should hopefully help local economies post-Covid ” concluded Minister Rabbitte.
