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Public Meetings on New LEADER Programme

Potential applicants are being advised that there are major changes to the process involved in accessing LEADER funding under the new programme that is due to start in Kerry in October. Both South Kerry Development Partnership Ltd. (SKDP) and North, East & West Kerry Development (NEWKD) will be holding a series of public meetings in the coming weeks to advise those interested in applying for funding of the new requirements. Circa €10m is available under the new LEADER programme in Kerry which represents a 60% drop when compared to the last programme.

SKDP CEO Noel Spillane said that in light of the major budget cuts for Kerry, which are down by some 60%, in addition to a number of other significant changes resulting from government policy decisions, significant changes have been made in the way the LEADER programme will be rolled out in the county this time. “Both the business and the community & voluntary sectors will be affected by these changes and we strongly recommend that as many people as possible attend the upcoming information meetings in order to ensure they are fully informed of the requirements” Noel said. He added that both SKDP and NEWKD will be putting information on the new LEADER programme on their websites in the coming weeks to help people become acquainted with the changes”

Eamonn O’Reilly, CEO of NEWKD pointed out that the LEADER programme will be rolled out on a consistent basis across the county to help minimise confusion for those interested in applying. “One of the major changes under this round of LEADER is that applicants will have to submit projects seeking funding during specific periods or calls which is completely different to the approach taken under the previous programme” Eamonn said. “The approval process under the new round of LEADER is also likely to be significantly longer due to the Government policy changes” he added.

SKDP’s public meetings will be held on Tuesday 13th in Kenmare (Brook Lane Hotel), Wednesday 14th in Cahersiveen, (Community Centre) Tuesday 20th in Killarney (Travel Inn) and Wednesday 21st in Killorglin (Library Place). All meetings start at 8pm.  Beidh crinniu ar leith sa ceantair na Gaeltachta í gCiarraí Theas í mBaile na Sceilge ar an 4ú Deireadh Fómhair, aris ar a 8 a clog.

NEWKD will hold their meetings in Dingle (Skellig Hotel) on Wednesday 21st, Listowel (Seanachaí Centre) on Monday 26th, Castleisland (River Island) on Tuesday 27th and Tralee (Áras an Phobail) on Monday, 3rd of October.

Expressions of Interest from applicants will be sought for projects under the headings of Rural Tourism, Enterprise Development, Rural Towns and Basic Services when the programme opens in the county on the 3rd of October. Full details of the LEADER Programme and its operation will be given to potential applicants and both Development Companies are encouraging people to attend.