To ask the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development for an update on the formation of Local Action Groups, and their full implementation, under the Rural Development Programme 2014-2020.

The Local Action Groups (LAGs) have now selected their Board members and are currently completing application forms to submit to my Department to qualify as the LAG within their area. These applications will be assessed during May and the successful LAG’s will be appointed to develop an Interim Local Rural Development Strategy for their area.

The strategies will be assessed by my officials and LAGs whose strategies are successful will enter into a contract with my Department to deliver the LEADER element of the Rural Development Programme. In parallel to this each LAG will commence funding workshops for potential project promoters at the Balmoral show. These workshops will continue through the summer to enable calls for applications to open once the programme and business case are approved.