Irish Local Development Network (ILDN) representing the Country’s 35 LEADER providers have expressed deep disappointment at the allocation for LEADER 2023-2027 announced today as part of the indicative CAP measures.
Commenting on the allocation of €180 million for the period 2023-2027, ILDN Chairman Jim Finn said; “this allocation marks a continued decline in support for Rural Communities through LEADER over the course of successive programmes. Prior to 2016 the LEADER Programme exceeded over €400 million over the budgetary period. Today’s allocation points to another devastating cut to the Programme over the course of the last decade.”
Finn continued; “for 30 years LEADER has been a driver for Rural Development across Ireland. It is extremely disappointing to see how funding for the Programme has diminished significantly over recent Programmes. LEADER has been the life blood of Rural Community Groups and businesses in areas where alternative investment is simply not available. Today’s allocation sends out a very poor signal to Rural Communities as they face up to the challenges of Covid & Climate. “
“The ILDN are calling on Minister for Agriculture Food & Marine Charlie McConalogue and Minister for Rural & Community Development to revisit the allocations under CAP to ensure that the LEADER Budget is increased over the 2023-2027 period.”
