A Government decision to take €10 million from LEADER funding to finance the Local Improvement Scheme (LIS) has been labelled as “sly” and “underhanded” by a Laois TD.
According to Sinn Féin TD Brian Stanley the cut in funding could directly affect projects such as the Derryounce Lakes and Trails Project.
“The Government made great fanfare over the recent announcement of the re-introduction of the LIS which funds the improvement of minor local access roads and laneways.
“However they failed to disclose that they were taking €10 million from LEADER funding to support the LIS,” he said.
This information was given in answer to a Sinn Féin Dáil Question to Minister Michael Ring who stated that his Department “sought approval from the Dept of Public Expenditure and Reform to transfer €10 million from LEADER to support measures under the LIS in 2017.”
Sneaky
“This sneaky move will have a huge impact on local Community Projects which rely heavily on LEADER funding to ensure they are implemented,” he said.
“One example of this in my own Constituency is the Derryounce Lakes and Trails Project which is currently being developed by the Portarlington Community Development Association just outside the town.
“Does the cut in LEADER funding mean that this worthwhile project will not receive the necessary grants to allow it to progress? How many other community projects will stall as a result?” he said.
Deputy Stanley said the Local Improvement Scheme is very welcome – “ but it should not be at the expense of essential community initiatives which will now suffer because of this move”.
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