Rural Communities and Enterprises across the midlands have been asked to avail of the €23.5 million fund which was launched today.

The funding comes as part of the national €180 million LEADER programme 2023-2027, which aims to support thousands of locally-led rural development and enterprise projects.

Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD, today announced details and she has published the funding allocation for each county.

Offaly has been allocated the largest amount in the region, at €6.3 million.

Laois and Westmeath have both been granted €5.7 million and Longford was granted €5.8 million.

Making the announcement, Minister Humphreys said,

“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.

Parties have until December 16th to register an expression of interest. The selection process 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 see them develop their LEADER strategies. 

Interested parties can submit an application 

https://www.gov.ie/en/service/87e09-leader-programme-for-rural-development/