Under the Programme, funding of €425.4 million will be provided, almost treble the amount available in the last Programme (2000-2006).

“The largest ever package for rural development will be channelled through Local Action Groups to support and facilitate the continued development of rural communities all over Ireland, including many across Clare”, explained Minister Killeen.

The Clare T.D. added, “Advertisements placed in national papers this week have called for proposals from Local Action Groups to administer this funding. Each of the chosen groups will distribute funding to community groups and individuals in rural areas for the range of activities to be funded under this Programme.”

The Junior Agriculture Minister said that the Programme would provide individuals and organisations in every corner of Clare with an ideal opportunity to invest in their own communities.

“The range of activities to be funded under this Programme are varied and include, diversification into non-agricultural activities, support for business creation, encouragement of tourism activities, basic services for the economy and rural population, village renewal and development, conservation and upgrading of rural heritage and training and information”, Minister Killeen concluded.

Of the €425.4 million, €234 million will come from the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development and €191 million from national exchequer.

The Programme will be delivered through the LEADER approach, an innovative ‘bottom up’ approach that encourages rural areas to explore ways to become or remain competitive, to make the most of their assets and to overcome whatever challenges they may face. This approach is community driven and is managed through the Local Action Groups that will be chosen through the selection process being launched today.

-ENDS-
 
Notes to Editor:
- Tony Killeen T.D., Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (with special responsibility for Fisheries and Forestry), is available for interview and further comment on 0035387-2525304. Alternatively please contact Mark Dunphy of Dunphy Public Relations on 00353868534900 or This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
- High-resolution images of Minister Killeen are available on request

Mark Dunphy
Dunphy Public Relations
www.dunphypr.com
00353-868534900 (mobile)
00353-656839692 (fax)