Rural Development Programme Funds:
The actions devised by Donegal Local Development Company Ltd. in the delivery of the NRDP 2007-2013, are outlined below. These actions were developed, approved and continue to be shaped through extensive local consultations.
- Diversification into non-agricultural activities
- Support for business creation and development
- Encouragement of tourism activities
- Basic services for the economy and rural population
- Village renewal and development
- Conservation and upgrading of the rural heritage
- Training
Project Eligibility
As a pan-European and National Programme, RDP project eligibility is determined in accordance with strict operating guidelines developed by the EU and the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs. DLDC endeavours to administer RDP grant aid for projects, however only those projects that are in keeping with the programmes objectives, operating guidelines and eligibility criteria, can be considered for RDP grant aid.
As was the case with previous LEADER programmes, the Programme places major emphasis on the implementation of innovative approaches to rural development at a local level. Innovation in products and processes must be continuously sought with needs and solutions identified at a local level. There is also a major emphasis on economic activity and enterprise, including diversification into non-agricultural activities, the creation of new and the expansion of existing enterprises, job creation and sustaining of existing jobs as well as the generation of additional and alternative incomes in rural areas. Support is also provided for the encouragement of tourism activities and for the maintenance, restoration and upgrading of the cultural heritage.
Grant Aid Available:
The amount of grant aid available to project promoters may vary in accordance with the measure under which an application is sought. In general, an overall ceiling of €150,000 grant aid per project will apply. In exceptional circumstances, and subject to prior written approval of EU Rural Development Division within the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, grant aid of up to €200,000 may be awarded.
Applicants will be asked to demonstrate the need for funding. Match funding is a pre-requisite and the level of funding awarded is dependent on the class of the applicant and the type of project. For private applicants, the grant aid will vary from 50% for capital type projects to 75% for Analysis & Development. For community applicants, the grant aid will vary from 75% for capital type projects to 90% for Analysis & Development. Funding of between 50% and 100% is available under Training.
GENERAL
Expenditure |
Maximum Grant |
Funding |
||
|
Private |
Community |
Private |
Community |
Capital |
150,000 |
150,000 |
50% |
75% |
Analysis & Development |
30,000 |
30,000 |
75% |
90% |
Training |
150,000 |
150,000 |
100% |
100% |
Note: Other sources of public funding cannot be used as a source of private matching funding.
DLDC must operate within the constraints of EU and national sectoral policies, competition policy, the Common Agricultural and Fisheries Policy and other national and EU sectoral exclusions. DLDC shall, therefore, acquaint itself with the objectives of, and aid available under, other official programmes. In this regard, DLDC will maintain close liaison with other development agencies including Local Authorities, CDBs, BIM, Údarás na Gaeltachta, Fáilte Ireland, CEBs, Teagasc, FÁS and Enterprise Ireland, when considering project applications.
