I welcome the announcement of €695,986 to the LEADER Programme for Galway East to bridge the gap between the wind-up of the existing scheme and the introduction of the new programme which is expected to be in place in 2023 due to delays at EU level.
“From the 1st of April 2021 projects can be approved. I also welcome the fact that the grant rate for enterprise and commercial projects will be increased from 50% to 75% to support enterprise development and job creation in rural areas”.
“I want to pay tribute to Galway Rural Development Company who have administered the Programme in East Galway. Their expertise and community knowledge have helped deliver the programme to so many communities”.
“I understand that the €659,986 is an initial fund and more money will be forthcoming following a review of the programme in the first half of 2021”.
“I have raised this issue with Minister Heather Humphries, and I acknowledge her swift action in putting this initial funding in place”.