The LEADER funding programme supports community-led local development in rural Ireland.
Note: The LEADER programme is currently in a transitional phase with the 2023-2027 programme due to launch at the end of the summer.
The specific aim of the Transitional LEADER Programme is to allow locally-led rural development projects to continue to be delivered using the 2014-2020 LEADER model until the new EU programme commences in 2023.
The other main priorities of the Transitional Programme:
LEADER supports projects that fall under three themes:
Theme 1: Economic Development, Enterprise Development and Job Creation
Theme 2: Social Inclusion
Theme 3: Rural Environment
Private businesses or community based groups in rural areas are eligible to apply. Rural areas are defined as all parts of Ireland outside the city boundaries of Dublin, Waterford, Cork, Limerick, and Galway. All areas outside of these boundaries are eligible.
€70 million for the Transitional Programme period of 2021-2022.
LEADER Project Examples Ireland
Local Action Groups (LAGs) are responsible for identifying and helping to develop LEADER projects. The LAGS for the 2023-2027 programme will be announced at the end of the summer.
Contact your Local Action Group directly to find out about LEADER funding available for your community.
Learn more about LEADER on the National Rural Network's website.
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