489. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if a rural development basic services programme fund will be established to run in parallel with the new Leader programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7783/16]

The LEADER element of the Rural Development Programme 2014–2020 will provide €250 million in financial resources to support the development of sustainable rural communities. Under the programme, funding will be distributed in rural communities by Local Action Groups in line with local development strategies which are currently being developed in respect of each of the 28 designated sub-regional areas in Ireland.

I have no plans to establish a Basic Services Programme fund to run in parallel with LEADER.