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KERRY will receive €929,079 out of a €20 million national allocation from the LEADER Programme.
LEADER is a rural development programme co-funded by the EU which operates a locally-led approach to meeting the needs of local communities and businesses.
The programme aims to support job creation, foster entrepreneurship and encourage rural communities to build on their existing strengths and assets.
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Speaking about the announcement Minister for Education and Kerry Fianna Fáil TD, Norma Foley said: “This is very welcome news for the people of Kerry as the current Leader Programme is about to conclude.
“In line with a commitment in the Programme for Government, the Transitional LEADER Programme will provide close to €1 million for Kerry and provide pivotal funding for vital community groups”.
“This funding will ultimately bridge the gap between the wind-up of the current 2014-2020 LEADER Programme and the start of the next EU programme, ensuring that pivotal Kerry services and businesses are not left behind,” added Minister Foley.
The new funding is being released to act as a bridging payment as the present LEADER funding is due to run out by the end of this month.
The programme also aims to support projects which address the climate agenda, digital transformation and encourage rural communities to build on their existing strengths and assets.
A new initiative which will aim to support small food producers to address emerging challenges, such as responding to the impact of Brexit and developing markets for their products will be launched in 2021.
The Transitional LEADER Programme will commence on 1st April 2021 for the purposes of making new commitments under that programme.
However, Local Action Groups can work on identifying and animating potential projects from 1st January 2021.
