Fears for future of LEADER funding

Cavan County Council has acknowledged concerns that proposed changes to European Union funding arrangements could have significant implications for rural communities, with elected members calling for a direct submission to Government to protect local interests.

The issue was raised by Independent Ireland’s Shane P. O’Reilly at the October monthly meeting of elected members, where he warned how the proposed National and Regional Partnership Plan (NRPP) could fundamentally alter how funding is allocated to local development projects.

Cllr O’Reilly called on the executive to convene a special meeting to prepare a submis sion to the Irish Government and the relevant departments, ensuring Cavan’s needs are considered at an early stage in the development of the new framework.

Under proposals outlined by the European Commission for the next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF), a single national plan will replace the current system of separate funding streams.

But Cllr O’Reilly expressed concern about the move away from the existing two-pillar structure of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), warning the changes could have wider consequences for a county where community organisations and local projects depend heavily on LEADER funding.

A key concern is the proposed removal of the EU-level mandatory minimum financial allocation for LEADER, potentially giving individual member states greater discretion over how funding is distributed.

Cllr O’Reilly, who was recently appointed his party’s spokesperson on Social Protection and Northern Ireland, warned that this could leave rural development and community-led initiatives competing for funding within a broader national allocations.

“We could always do with more funding,” he told the meeting, arguing that Cavan County Council should make its own submission rather than relying on the North-West Regional Assembly or another representative body to speak on the county’s behalf.

Director of Services Brendan Jennings acknowledged members’ concerns, saying the council recognised the potential impact of the proposed changes on LEADER.

He also paid tribute to the role Cavan County Local Development (CCLD) plays in administering support to communities, noting that the council works “hand in hand” with local development organisations to promote rural development.

Fine Gael councillor T.P. O’Reilly supported the motion, as did Independent councillor Brendan Fay.