Around 80% of West Cork's €5.015 million LEADER funding has been left untouched, according to new figures released to Fianna Fáil.

Just €983,997 of the allocation has been spent during the 2014-2020 programme, with only €146,440 of that utilised on projects.

Fianna Fáil TD for Cork South West, Margaret Murphy O'Mahony has hit out at the the Department of Rural and Community Development over its failure to spend the funding.

Deputy Murphy O'Mahony said: "We are now into year six of a seven year funding programme, yet just €983,997 of West Cork's allocation has been spent to date.

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"To make matters worse, just €146,440 has actually been spent on projects with the remaining amount spent on administration costs.

"One could forgive little funding being allocated in year one or year two of a scheme of this nature, but we are not in year six. It's just not on, and just not fair.

"Historically, the LEADER programme has been extremely successful in revitalising rural areas through community led schemes but the roll-out of funding under the current programme is hampering communities."

The Cork South West TD noted the "arduous and complex" application process as a deterrent for potential applicants.

"This is a disgrace, and is damaging to rural communities. Questions need to be asked as to why so little of the funding has made its way to rural and community development organisations.

"Why the hold up? It's as if they don't want to spend this money on rural Ireland," concluded Murphy O'Mahony.

(CM/MH)