€6.9 million of LEADER programme funding to be allocated to Limerick

LEADER programme funding for 2023-2027 was announced by Heather Humphreys, Minister for Rural and Community Development in October.

Communities and enterprises in rural Limerick are being invited to apply for LEADER programme funding

By I Love Limerick correspondent Stella Gordon

The LEADER programme was launched in 1991 with the aim of helping rural communities across the European Union to enhance the development of their locality through community-led local development. The LEADER programme gives funding for rural tourism, enterprise development, broadband, basic services targeted at hard-to-reach communities, rural youth, sustainable water resources, biodiversity, and renewable energy.

The programme plays an important role in supporting communities and enterprises in progressing job creation, social inclusion, and environmental projects at a local level.

Funding is currently delivered by 29 Local Action Groups (LAGs) in 28 sub-regional areas. These groups are partnerships of public and private entities from a defined geographical area. LAGs are responsible for local projects in accordance with the Local Development Strategies they develop themselves.

Welcome announcement from colleague Minister @HHumphreysFG of the next #LEADER Programme

For the 2023-2027 #Limerick is receiving €6.9 million euro and groups are now invited to apply for its delivery ⤵️ #OurRuralFuture https://t.co/4JdL4XSp4f

— Kieran O’Donnell TD for Limerick City Constituency (@kodonnellLK) October 27, 2022

Heather Humphreys, Minister for Rural and Community Development, announced details of the new €180 million LEADER programme funding for years 2023 – 2027. €6.9 million of the programme is to be allocated to Limerick to support rural communities and businesses. Niall Collins TD and Minister for State said, “Funding streams like LEADER are imperative to supporting rural communities and enterprises across Limerick and I would encourage all interested groups to apply. LEADER funding has been a very successful project for the county, and I look forward to working with local groups in their applications for this funding.”

Communities and enterprises in rural Limerick that are interested in applying for LEADER programme funding for the next four years are invited to do so by downloading the application form from the Department 

Groups that are successful in Stage 1 will be provided with funding to assist with the costs associated with developing a Local Development Strategy in Stage 2 of the process. A fund of €2 million has been ring-fenced for this purpose which will begin in early 2023.

The Department of Rural and Community Development will host an information webinar for all interested parties on November 10, 2022.

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