Largest Ever Rural Development Programme Allocation For County Clare

Under the Programme, funding of EUR14,028,529 is being provided to Clare Local Development Co. Ltd., 55% from the European Union and 45% from the Exchequer.

Welcoming the announcement, Minister of State and Clare T.D. Tony Killeen said that the Programme would provide individuals and organisations in every corner of Clare with an ideal opportunity to invest in their own communities.

Minister Killeen explained, "Despite the economic challenges facing the country, I believe that this is a time of great opportunity for rural areas. With the increasing urbanisation of society, there is renewed interest in rural recreation, marine-associated activities and indigenous small food production."

"The range of activities to be funded under this Programme are varied and include, diversification into non-agricultural activities, support for business creation, encouragement of tourism activities, basic services for the economy and rural population, village renewal and development, conservation and upgrading of rural heritage and training and information", the Junior Agriculture Minister added.

The LEADER funding allocations have been made under Axes 3 and 4 of the new Rural Development Programme 2007-2013. The EUR425.4 million announced nationally today is almost treble the amount available in the last Programme (2000-2006), and the largest ever package for rural development.

-ENDS-

Notes to Editor:
- For further information please contact Mark Dunphy of Dunphy Public Relations on 00353868534900 or media@dunphypr.com
- High-resolution images of Minister Killeen are available

Mark Dunphy
Dunphy Public Relations
www.dunphypr.com
media@dunphypr.com
00353-868534900