LEADER Programme Funding

Since its launch in 1991, LEADER programme has helped rural communities across the European Union to actively engage and to direct the local development of their area, through community-led local development.

The LEADER Programme accepts applications based on projects which improve:

rural tourism
enterprise development
broadband
basic services targeted at hard-to-reach communities
rural youth
protection and sustainable use of water resources
local biodiversity
renewable energy

The programme is administered at a local level by 29 local action groups. These contain local representatives from the community, public and private sector.

Each group is responsible for selecting and awarding LEADER funding to projects within their geographical area.

A project must be aligned with the priorities of the local development strategy.

The total funding available under the LEADER 2014-2020 Programme is €250 million.

The projects funded in January 2020 under LEADER include;

Feasibility study into restoring the old flax mill in Murmod, Virginia, Co Cavan focusing on replacing the roof, repairing the water wheel and reconnecting a water supply to the mill.
LEADER funding of €9,963
Purchasing material to enable classes in computer skills/web design in Spórtlann Naomh Anna in Leitirmóir, Connemara.
LEADER funding of €5,125
To develop a new children's playground beside the GAA pitch in Spiddal, Co Galway.
LEADER funding of €100,458
Funding to establish a sustainable music festival of international standing in Ballina, Co Mayo ,which was successfully piloted in September 2018 as LOCAL VOICES.
LEADER funding of €150,000
A farm diversification project to purchase equipment for the production of ice cream on site on the farm at Scartlea, Co Kerry.
LEADER funding of €28,619
Funding for Leitrim Integrated Development Company to put in place a system in relation to the wide range of social inclusion and other supports it provides to individuals and community groups across the county.
LEADER funding of €37,296
Engaging a trainer to deliver a tailored training initiative to provide participants e.g. TidyTowns groups, teachers etc. with the skills to lead biodiversity- related activities in their communities and groups in Co Limerick.
LEADER funding of €8,613
Renovating and restoring farm yard buildings into offices and manufacturing facilities for business relocating at Newrath, Castlebellingham, Co Louth.
LEADER funding of €55,269
Purchasing new IT equipment and software to support the promoters Positive Parenting Skills training programme in Drogheda Co Louth.
LEADER funding of €2,568
To purchase equipment for the development of a malting plant, which will provide peat-smoked malt for the distillery industry at Nephin Whiskey Company Ltd, Ballina, Co Mayo.
LEADER funding of €200,000

For more information on LEADER, go to the following page: LEADER Rural Development

LEADER Programme Funding

The projects funded in January 2020 under LEADER include;

Part of

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