Application of the Leader Method and Establishment of a National Network for Rural Development

1
Application of the Leader Method and
Establishment of a National Network for Rural
Development

• Implementing LEADER step by step
• An Irish Perspective
• Tim Hickey
• Project Management Ltd.
• Ireland

2
Overview of Presentation

• European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development
  (EAFRD)
• LEADER concept
• LEADER structure and operation
• Lessons learned

3
European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development

• Four Axes
• Axis 1 Improving the Competitiveness of the
  Agricultural and Forestry Sector
• Axis 2 Land Management
• Axis 3 Diversification of the Rural Economy and
  the quality of life in Rural Areas
• The LEADER Approach Axis

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LEADER Principles

• Specific features of LEADER
• Area based approach (Thematic and without
  Predefined Borders)
• Bottom up approach
• Participatory approach
• Local Action Group (LAG)
• Consensus based approach (Local Area Action
  Plans)
• Innovative character of actions
• Multisectoral approach
• Networking
• Decentralized management and financing
• Transparency and Accountability

5
The Irish LEADER Evolution
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LEADER Structure

• Thematic Prioritization
• Establishment of Local Area Group (LAG)
• Local Area Action Plans
• Development of Integrated Local Development
  Business Plan
• Application Submission

7
Priority Themes

• The use of new technologies and know how to make
  the products and services of rural areas more
  competitive
• Improving the quality of life in rural areas
• Adding value to local products, in particular by
  facilitating access to markets for small
  production units via collective actions
• Making the best of natural and cultural resources
  including enhancing the value of sites of
  community interest selected under NATURA 2000

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Local Action Group (LAG)

• Autonomous group
• Legally constituted (company, co-op, partnership)
• Formal constitution
• Representatives of local community
• Private sector business interests
• State agencies including Local Authority
  Representatives
• Other support Agencies (i.e. social inclusion)

9
LAGs continued

• Geographical areas of population between 10,000
  and 100,000 people
• Exploit indigenous and natural strenghts
• Board Representation (40 min female with 25 at
  the outset of programme)

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Local Area Action Plans

• Driven by truly local needs
• Hands on participation
• Ownership
• Project oriented
• Integrated into LAG Business Plan and Strategy

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Integrated Business Plan

• Drawn up by LAG
• Must be sustainable and of a pilot nature
• Sets out organisation of LAG
• Incorporation of Local Areas Action Plans
• Centered on a strong theme typical of the
  identity of the area
• If more than one theme then strategy must be
  consistent
• Must demonstrate that its not just a collection
  of projects of sectoral measures
• Priority attention to be given to groups that it
  considers to represent the key to the development
  of rural areas
• Young people
• Women
• Strong focus on innovation, including an
  innovative approach in the local context in terms
  of method, product etc.

12
Leader Application Submission

• Calls for Applications
• Evaluation Process
• Rationalisation
• Approval

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Lessons Learned

• Good Experience and Practice Available
• Avoid Destructive Competitive Forces
• LAG Preparation now does not guarantee future
  participation
• Strong Central Co-ordination and Capacity
• Municipal Support