‘There should be a public outcry’: CAP funding reform plan could impact Offaly

By Rebekah O'Reilly

Councillors have raised concerns over the impact upcoming reforms to the EU's Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) from 2027 will have on Offaly.

During a presentation at a recent meeting of Offaly County Council, CEO of Offaly OLDC Roisin Lennon outlined changing CAP rules and LEADER funding.

"LEADER has been here in Offaly since 1998. Communities have changed, and what people need has changed," she said.

She highlighted Offaly's social enterprises, noting the county has been "leading the way" in this area.

"Social enterprises don't get CSP funding. They have all the headaches of a fully fledged business, but they're run by volunteers," she added.

Ms Lennon said CAP funding for Offaly had decreased from €11.8 million in 2010, to €6 million in 2026.

The EU is currently debating whether to maintain the traditional two-pillar framework (Direct Payments and Rural Development) or merge both into a single funding mechanism, a move that could significantly affect rural development programmes.

Ms Lennon said the government will no longer be obligated to match funding given by the EU under the reforms.

"This means the government could match 50%, 10%, or they could match nothing," she said.

Councillors warned about the potential impact of these changes. "It can't be underestimated how impactful the reduction is," said Cllr Neil Feighery. "It is the cornerstone of rural communities."

Cllr Frank Moran said the return of POBAL's Gateway scheme, which afforded those who are unemployed with the opportunity of shortterm quality work placements and break the cycle of unemployment, would be a "great" idea.

Cllr Peter Ormond suggested bringing up concerns about CAP reforms and LEADER with both national and European politicians.

Cllr Aoife Masterson added it was "disappointing" to hear that funding was decreasing.

"With the absence of match funding from the government, it doesn't look good for Offaly," she said.

"There should be a public outcry for funding for Community Services Programme funding," said Cllr Fergus McDonnell.

Cllr Eddie Fitzpatrick said CAP has been continually decreasing in relation to rural development, and suggested writing to European Commissioner Michael McGrath to highlight the importance of funding in rural Ireland.