£14.5m for Leader rural programme

An additional £14.5 million has been allocated to the Leader II programme, bringing the total to date to £87.5 million

An additional £14.5 million has been allocated to the Leader II programme, bringing the total to date to £87.5 million. Thirty four rural development programmes around the State will benefit.

This follows a decision by the European Commission in April last year to provide additional funds for the programme. It is co-financed by the EU and the Exchequer on a 70/30 basis,

A further allocation may be made later.