North and East Kerry Development has joined forces with other local development companies from across the country. They’re calling on communities to get behind the forthcoming LEADER Rally in support of the retention of the bottom-up approach of LEADER, by local development companies. The rally will take place on Wednesday July 9th at 1.30pm at Dáil Eireann and will be addressed by Marian Harkin MEP, Liadh Ní Riada MEP and others.
“Local Development Companies have successfully delivered the LEADER Programme for over 20 years. Now, however, the government is proposing to change this system, which is regarded by the EU as being a model of best practice throughout Europe, and one that has successfully supported the economic, social and community development of rural communities throughout Ireland in recent decades,” according to a rallying call from the NEKD.
“The proposed policy change being driven forward by the Minister Hogan & the Department of Environment Community and Local Government is called alignment, and aims to transfer the delivery of the LEADER Programme to newly established committees within each Local Authority Area. Local Development Companies are now entering a critical phase in determining the outcome of this alignment process; the protection of the LEADER model in Ireland, which is the most successful LEADER delivery structure in the EU, is in danger of being lost, and with it, the years of experience, skills, expertise and local relationships built up over the years by North and East Kerry Development and similar companies.”
“Now, more than ever, we need your support, so that communities – and not Local Authority Committees – can continue to decide how
LEADER funding should be administered in this area. Buses leaving Tralee, Listowel and Castleisland at 8am returning at 9pm. Transport costs will be covered by NEKD. To book a place or for further information contact 086 6090029.” the message concludes.
