4157. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht if he is aware of delays in project approvals arising from uncertainty around LEADER transitional arrangements; the impact this is having on community groups in County Offaly; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62242/26]

Firstly, I want to acknowledge the extensive work undertaken by Offaly Local Development Company in administering the LEADER programme to date. It is evident that the local led supports provided by Offaly Local Development Company and the funding awarded to local businesses and communities are aiding rural development and positively impacting rural communities throughout Offaly.

At the outset of the 2023-2027 LEADER Programme, funding allocations were allocated to each LAG at the beginning of the programme to provide them with greater flexibility in selecting and approving projects which will have a meaningful impact in their areas.

Offaly Local Development Company as LAG for the region received a budget allocation of over €6.25 million to deliver their Local Development Strategy, and this budget comprises of almost €4.7 million to support community and business projects, with the remainder covering the animation and administration and community animation costs associated with delivering the programme. I note that Offaly Local Development Company to date has approved grant aid funding under their project budget allocation to 78 projects with a value of over €2.7 million. In respect of projects completed, 41% of Offaly's projects have been completed to date, 46 projects worth €1.6 million remain to be completed and over €3.6 million of the project budget has yet to be drawn down. I look forward to seeing the projects completed over the remaining programming period.

In respect of the post-2027 LEADER programme, my department is working closely with the Department of Agriculture, Food and Marine, in respect of the draft regulations concerning the future Common Agricultural Policy and the Regional Partnership Plan, to ensure continued prioritisation of LEADER in Ireland.

Many details remain to be finalised as part of the ongoing EU wide negotiation process and detailed discussions will continue through Ireland’s term holding Presidency of the Council of the European Union. I remain committed to ensuring that LEADER continues to play a central role in the next programming period and into the future.