Minister signs off on LEADER funding
MINISTER for Arts, Her- itage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs Heather Humphreys has signed a Funding Agreement with County Wexford Local Action Group to approve €9,84m in funding under the LEADER Programme 2020.
The funding will support rural jobs and investment in the county over the next four years and puts local people at the heart of the decision-making process in determining where the money will be best spent.
Funding of €250 million will be distributed to entrepreneurs and community groups throughout Ireland by the Local Action Groups, which are made up of public and private representatives.
The LEADER programme funds projects under a diverse range of themes that include enterprise development, rural tourism, social inclusion and the environment.
‘The LEADER programme will deliver some €250 million into rural towns and villages right across the country over the next four years,’ said the minister. ‘By signing the funding agreements with Co Wexford Local Action Group, we are unlocking €9,840,140.56 in vital funding for rural communities across County Wexford. ‘I know that communities across Co Wexford are very eager to access this funding, for the benefit of local groups and organisations. Upon taking over responsibility for rural and regional affairs, I was very keen to ensure the Funding Agreements could be signed as quickly as possible so that this money can start to flow into rural Ireland. Now, the majority of Funding Agreements are being signed, meaning the Local Action Groups can start receiving applications for funding,’ she said. Minister Humphreys said one of the great strengths of the LEADER programme is that it puts funding decisions in the hands of the communities where the money is spent.