Recent figures obtained by Deputy Fiona O’Loughlin from the Minister for Rural and Community Development show that Co Kildare has not benefitted from Leader funds aimed at supporting rural development. Instead, almost €200,000 has been spent on administration costs, according to Deputy O'Loughlin.
546 projects around the country have accessed funding from the LEADER programme with a value of over €14 million approved.
Deputy O'Loughlin said: " As of 6TH December, no projects had been approved by the Kildare Local Action Group with no money accessed from the Leader Grant Amount. The LAG’s or Local Action Groups, deliver funding in accordance with Local Development Strategies that have been agreed for each LAG area. The funding comes from LEADER which is an EU co-funded programme to support rural development. Ireland has an allocation of €250 million under the programme for the period 2014-2020."
She said: "Kildare’s spend of €0 is in contrast to counties like Waterford which has had €1.7 million approved for 22 projects and Offaly which has 41 projects approved with a leader grant of over €740,000. "
Despite no money being spent on projects in Kildare, the Kildare LCDC has spent €192,781 on what is described as “Preparatory Support, Administration (which includes Animation) and Project expenditure.
Deputy O’Loughlin said “It is a scandal that €200,000 has been spent on administration costs with nothing to show for it. None of this money has made its way to actual projects to enhance the lives of rural constituents in Kildare . There are parts of my constituency which desperately needs funds such as these to revitalise communities, improve infrastructure and generate employment opportunities. I will be pursuing this matter with the Minister and with all relevant parties in Kildare to ascertain why these much-needed funds are not being utilised in the manner intended.”
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