1. Rural Development Programme for Ireland – 2007 - 13 Pat Moynan, Dept. of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs

2. Aims of presentation Look at LEADER in Ireland up to now Look at new Programme and update on timetable Highlight opportunities Answer questions

3. LEADER in Ireland LEADER in Ireland since early 1990s Very strong base in rural communities 35 area based Groups Groups an integral part of life in their areas Growth to take on more and more Programmes both EU and national

4. Timetable Programme approved on July 24 th Evaluators of business plans appointed Request for business plans to issue shortly New Programme to start in mid 2008

5. Priorities Implementation of Countryside Recreation Strategy Support rural enterprise Support the development of the small food producer sector Funding has almost trebled

6. Terms of Regulations Council Regulation 1290/2005 Establishes the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD) Outlines general obligations and responsibilities Expenditure cannot be linked with any other EU funding

7. Terms of Regulations Council Regulation 1698/2005 establishes New Rural Development Programme funded through the EAFRD Four axes Axis 1 – Improving the competitiveness of the agricultural and forestry sector

8. Terms of Regulations Axis 2 – Improving the environment and the countryside Axis 3 – The quality of life in rural areas and diversification of the rural economy Axis 4 – LEADER

9. Axis 3 Diversification into non-agricultural activities (indicative budget €16.66m) Support for business creation and development (€48.26m) Encouragement of tourism activities (€45.4m) Basic services for the economy and local population (€49.61m) Village renewal and development (€54.2m)

10. Axis 3 Conservation and upgrading of the rural heritage (€51.7m) Training and information aimed at stimulating economic and social activity in all rural areas (€21.55m) Skills acquisition and animation Training and information to include, studies, animation of Programme, staff training etc. (€34.63m)

11. Axis 4 LEADER Area-based local development strategy intended for well-defined subregional rural territories Delivered by LAGs, bottom-up approach Innovative approach, cooperation projects, networking of local partnerships

12. Any Questions?