Our Rural Future: Minister Humphreys welcomes the approval of Ireland’s CAP Strategic Plan by European Commission
· Early approval of CAP Strategic Plan by European Commission, which will deliver a package of almost €10 billion to rural Ireland
· Approval is a key step in the delivery of the €180 million LEADER programme for 2023-2027
· Continuation of administration funding for Local Action Groups in 2023 confirmed
Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD, has today welcomed the announcement that the European Commission has confirmed their approval of Ireland’s CAP Strategic Plan, 2023-2027.
The CAP Strategic Plan includes the LEADER programme, which has a budget of €180 million for the years 2023 to 2027. A number of further steps will now be completed by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine in advance of bringing the Plan to Government for final approval in the coming weeks.
Minister Humphreys said:
“I would like to congratulate Minister McConalogue in securing today’s approval for the new CAP Strategic Plan which will deliver €10 billion in supports across a range of schemes. This level of investment is clear testament to this Government’s commitment to families across rural Ireland.
“LEADER is a key part of the plan and also an important element of Our Rural Future. I have previously confirmed that €180m will be made available for the new LEADER programme, and my focus now is to continue working with key stakeholders over the coming weeks and months to finalise the design of the new LEADER programme.
“This programme will build on the fantastic success of the LEADER programme in Ireland over the last 30 years, and I am confident that LEADER will continue to play a central role in supporting rural communities for years to come.”
Minister Humphreys continued:
“I expect to be in a position shortly to confirm details of the selection process for the new LEADER programme, which will be an important next step.
“I can also confirm that Exchequer administration funding will continue to be made available in 2023 to the Local Action Groups delivering the current programme, and details in this regard will be confirmed shortly.”