EU funding for rural communities must be protected – Clendennen

Funding to develop rural communities must be protected as Ireland looks towards the EU presidency in the latter half of the year, a Fine Gael TD has said.

There will undoubtedly be competing interests when discussions on the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) post 2027 take place, but investment in rural communities through initiatives such as LEADER cannot be underestimated, Deputy John Clendennen maintains.

Deputy Clendennen said the EU funded LEADER programme provides grants to rural enterprises, community groups, and farmers, but is crucially delivered by communities themselves.

He explained: “Many rural locations have benefited greatly from the LEADER funding since its inception in 1991. It was incorporated into CAP in 2007, becoming a key intervention in Ireland’s rural development programme.”

Deputy Clendennen emphasised the importance of balanced regional development, saying: “For the purposes of the LEADER programme, rural areas are defined as all parts of Ireland, with the exception of the areas within the boundaries of the five main cities. That is the majority of our population.

“This funding is critical to the progression and advancement of Ireland as a whole, and I want to acknowledge the work of Offaly Local Development Company in the roll-out of many successful projects across my own constituency. Similar work is replicated across many counties around the country.

“The essence of the programme firmly puts its potential in the hands of local people. I’m cognisant that the CAP budget is under particular pressure, given the competing demands

“Therefore, it’s crucial that we take the opportunity during Ireland’s EU Presidency to send a clear message that community-led development here works. It delivers for communities and it must be protected for the future,” concluded Clendennen.