Call for LEADER to be protected
Sinn Féin MEP for Ireland South, Kathleen Funchion MEP, has said Cohesion Policy, LEADER and the future of EU funding must be protected to ensure economic growth, modernisation and development of skills across our regions.
Speaking following a conference focusing on the future EU funding in Carrick-on-Suir, Co Tipperary, MEP Funchion said: “Ireland has been transformed by Cohesion Policy since joining the EU. It has reshaped our road infrastructure, particularly roads, upskilled our workforce through FÁS and its successor programmes, and continues to contribute to supporting the most vulnerable in society through the EIST programme.
“I have also seen first-hand the hugely positive impact LEADER has had on rural communities. It has supported local businesses, community organisations and projects that have made a real difference on the ground, while showing people the positive impact EU funding can have in their communities.
“Cohesion Policy is the EU’s key mechanism for investing in people, communities and public infrastructure. It supports modernisation, skills development and economic growth across regions and countries.
“While Ireland is now a net contributor to the EU budget, we continue to benefit from Cohesion Policy today. It is essential that these programmes are adequately funded in the next funding period to ensure communities across Ireland can continue to benefit.
“At its heart, LEADER puts communities in the driving seat. Its bottom-up approach allows local people to identify the challenges and opportunities in their areas and develop solutions that work for them.
“This is an approach we should be strengthening, not dismantling.
“Despite their success, Cohesion Policy and LEADER funding has declined over successive long-term budgets and new proposals threaten the availability of these funds in areas considered highly developed, like much of Ireland South.
“However, those of us living and working in rural areas know that large parts of the country remain in urgent need of greater investment and funding.
“The Irish Government has a responsibility to protect the future of Cohesion and LEADER in the upcoming negotiations and to fight for a Cohesion Policy that delivers for all and a properly funded, ringfenced LEADER Programme.
“I will continue to advocate for this at European level. Communities that rely on Cohesion Policy and LEADER deserve consistency, certainty and properly funded programmes that will continue to deliver for them into the next decade.”