The Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD, has today announced details of the €180 million LEADER Programme for 2023-2027. The major investment will support locally-led rural development and enterprise projects over the next five years. This allocation is in addition to the €70 million already provided for LEADER for 2021 and 2022, bringing the total allocation for the seven-year programming period of 2021-2027 to €250 million.
The selection process for the new LEADER Programme will be conducted over two stages; the first stage is an ‘Expression of Interest’ by eligible groups followed by a more detailed stage which will involve the development of LEADER strategies. The first stage of the process was opened today.
Making the announcement, Minister Humphreys commented:
“The LEADER Programme has been integral to delivering locally-led projects that have brought major benefits to communities across Rural Ireland. LEADER operates on a ground-up approach and is all about empowering local communities to deliver projects that will revitalise our towns and villages. Today, I’m pleased to set out the process for selecting groups to deliver the new LEADER programme. The process will be open, transparent and competitive and I am encouraging groups in the private and public sector to work together to achieve the best possible results.”
As part of the new CAP Strategic Plan, funding of €180 million has been committed to LEADER for 2023-2027. The Minister confirmed that all of this funding will be allocated to the Local Action Groups (LAGs) who are appointed to deliver the new programme.
- The Department of Rural and Community Development in conjunction with the National Rural Network (NRN) will host an information webinar on the selection process for LAGs to deliver the new LEADER programme on Thursday 10th November 2022. Register here.
- Interested parties can now apply by visiting the Department of Rural and Community Development website and by downloading an application form here.
- Completed ‘Expression of Interest’ forms must be submitted by email to leader2327@drcd.gov.ie no later than 5.30pm on Friday 16th December 2022.
For more information on the announcement including a breakdown of the funding allocation published for each county, see here.
