Departmental Programmes
Seanad Éireann — 2026-07-01
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Patricia Stephenson (SD), Labour Panel

I welcome the opportunity today to raise the matter of the future funding for Kilkenny LEADER Partnership and, indeed, all local development companies and networks across the country. I acknowledge the incredible work of Kilkenny LEADER through the LEADER programme and also through social inclusion and community activation programme, SICAP, funding. Every day, it supports rural businesses, helps people to enter employment, provides education and training opportunities, and does a huge amount of work strengthening social and cultural integration within our communities. It is often the first place people turn to when they need practical support. LEADER has had some really exceptional success on the ground in crucial community development.
With that in mind, there is a lot of uncertainty about future funding. The EU's decision to remove the ring-fencing obligation has raised questions and worries about what the future of LEADER will look like. The Local Development Companies Network, LDCN, is worried that the integration of LEADER funding into broader CAP funding will see a decrease in the dedicated ring-fenced budget, which may lead to greatly reduced programming in rural and traditionally isolated communities.
While discussions continue at EU level on the next multi-annual financial framework, on which we will obviously be highly engaged in our capacity during the EU Presidency, and on the future of the LEADER programme beyond 2028, we need to be very clear about what this is going to look like for programming at home. The ultimate decision on how Ireland chooses to fund rural and community development is made by the Irish Government, regardless of the decision around ring-fencing that happens in Brussels.
The current allocation is €180 million for five years and it does not meet existing needs. The LDCN is requesting a return to pre-austerity funding of around €450 million. Could the Minister of State, Deputy Buttimer, comment on what funding commitment will be made towards this in the next budget and on SICAP funding? SICAP has an exceptional track record in tackling disadvantage, supporting employment, reducing exclusion and fostering integration in communities in Kilkenny and beyond.

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Record URI: https://data.oireachtas.ie/akn/ie/debateRecord/seanad/2026-07-01/debate/main
Retrieved: 2026-08-14T04:55:08+00:00
Sitting date: 2026-07-01