Mayo Minister reiterates the importance of CAP to rural Ireland

Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Dara Calleary TD, has today (Wednesday, July 16) reiterated the importance of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) to rural Ireland. The Mayo Minister was speaking ahead of the publication of proposals for the next EU Budget (MFF) post-2027 and the next Common Agriculture Policy (CAP).

Minister Calleary stated: “The Common Agriculture Policy (CAP) critically supports the economic, social and environmental performance of rural Ireland. The development of the post 2027 CAP is therefore a matter of significant importance for my department. I will advocate for the continued prioritisation of rural development measures particularly the LEADER Programme which provides vital funding and is administered through my department.

READ MORE: 'Absolutely vile' - Mayo TD speaks out on social media comments

“Since its inception in 1991, the LEADER programme has been at the heart of rural development in Ireland, empowering bottom-up, community-led rural development. It has supported thousands of local projects, revitalised our rural communities and supported jobs and services across rural Ireland.  I want to reiterate my commitment to ensuring that the LEADER programme remains a core element of the new CAP framework, continuing this key element of support to rural Ireland.”

The Ballina native concluded: “It is important to note that today’s publication is just the beginning of the process. I will be working closely with my colleague, Minister for Agriculture, Food and Marine Martin Heydon, EU Commissioner Michael McGrath and colleagues in the European Parliament to ensure that Ireland, and specifically rural Ireland, is kept front and centre in all negotiations.”