The LEADER Programme is continuing to operate during the COVID-19 pandemic. Many of the different actors involved in delivering the programme have found new means of working to ensure that LEADER is still being delivered. For example, LEADER Project Officers and staff are continuing to work remotely behind closed doors with many Evaluation Committee and Local Action Group (LAG) meetings being held remotely to ensure incoming projects are reviewed. This ensures that impacts to the Rural Development Programme are minimal. Furthermore, the Department of Rural and Community Development (DRCD) in conjunction with LAGs are continuing to process payments so that much needed funding can reach rural communities and businesses during this difficult time.
Just recently Sligo LEADER Partnership and Wexford Local Development have launched project calls to support local enterprise development in their regions, with €1m worth of LEADER funding available in Sligo and a further €1.5m of LEADER funding available to invest in the Wexford economy.
Source: NRN
