Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD, has confirmed the details of the final allocation of €20 million in funding through the LEADER Programme for the period 2021-2022.
The allocation is part of the €70 million in funding announced in April, secured by Minister Humphreys, as part of Our Rural Future – the Government’s five-year strategy designed to support rural communities in their recovery from the impacts of COVID-19.
The funding announced will see the development and enhancement of locally and rurally-led projects in areas such as enterprise development, climate change and the green, bio and circular economy.
It will also fund projects that maximise the potential of broadband and the digital economy in communities, with a particular focus on skills development and remote working.
Welcoming the release of the funding, Minister Humphreys said: “As we emerge from the Pandemic, this funding will support rural communities and enterprises across the country to adapt in a post COVID-19 environment.
“This funding will support locally-led projects and focus on many of the key themes detailed in ‘Our Rural Future’.
“I urge all communities and local enterprises who wish to avail of this funding to make contact with their Local Action Group or its Implementing Partner to discuss how the LEADER Programme can assist their plans.”
The full Department of Rural and Community Development press release can be accessed here.
