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THE Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, Heather Humphreys, has signed a funding agreement with Kerry Local Action Group to approve €10,219,868.29 in funding under the Leader Programme 2020.

The funding will support jobs and investment in Kerry over the next four years.

Funding of €250 million will be distributed to entrepreneurs and community groups throughout Ireland by the Local Action Groups, which are made up of public and private representatives. The Leader programme funds projects under a diverse range of themes that include enterprise development, rural tourism, social inclusion and the environment.

Minister Humphreys said: “The Leader programme will deliver some €250 million into rural towns and villages right across the country over the next four years. By signing the funding agreements with Kerry Local Action Group, we are unlocking €10,219,868.29 in vital funding for rural communities across Kerry.

“I know that communities across Kerry are very eager to access this funding, for the benefit of local groups and organisations. Upon taking over responsibility for rural and regional affairs, I was very keen to ensure the Funding Agreements could be signed as quickly as possible so that this money can start to flow into rural Ireland. Now, the majority of Funding Agreements are being signed, meaning the Local Action Groups can start receiving applications for funding.

“One of the great strengths of the Leader programme is that it puts funding decisions in the hands of the communities where the money is spent; local decisions by local people. The Leader programme will fund a wide variety of projects in Kerry over the coming years; projects large or small; projects with economic, social or environmental dimensions.

“Leader is built on local people facilitated by Local Action Groups. The investment provided through Leader at a national level can only make a meaningful impact with the vision and effort of community groups and entrepreneurs at a local level. I wish the Local Action Group in Kerry the very best and I look forward to facilitating their work, and funding their investments, in the coming years.”

The Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, Heather Humphreys, pictured with Kerry County Council chief executive Moira Murrell, standing, and Norma Moriarty of Kerry Leader Local Action Group. PICTURE: BRIAN MULLIGAN