CONCERNS OVER CHANGES TO LEADER PROGRAMME

Date Published: 17-Jan-2013

North West MEP Marian Harkin has raised concerns over proposals to change the community led aspect of the LEADER programme.

The aim of the Rural Development LEADER Programme is to improve the quality of life of people and to diversify the rural economy of Galway.

MEP Harkin says plans are being discussed by Environment Minister Phil Hogan to take the Leader programme out from under the control of community sector to be run under the local authority.

The matter was discussed in a meeting between Leader groups and MEPs in Brussels earlier this month.

Speaking to Galway Bay fm news, MEP Harkin says that while the work of local authorities is invaluable, the leader programme must be kept within the control of the community sector