Since its launch in 1991, LEADER has provided rural communities across the European Union with the resources to enable local partners to actively engage and direct the local development of their area, through community-led local development.
The total funding available under the LEADER 2023-2027 Programme is €180 million.
Since its launch in 1991, LEADER has provided rural communities across the European Union with the resources to enable local partners to actively engage and direct the local development of their area, through community-led local development. The LEADER Programme aims to support the local development of Ireland’s rural areas which, for the purposes of the programme, are defined as all parts of Ireland with the exception of the areas within the boundaries of the five main cities of Dublin, Cork, Limerick, Waterford and Galway.
Eligibility for funding will be determined on a case-by-case basis with reference to the relevant legislation governing the eligibility of funds. Guidance on eligibility is forthcoming from the Department
Assessment of projects will be conducted on a case-by-case basis with reference to the applicable Local Development Strategy governing the area in which the proposed project will take place. The LEADER Local Area Group should be contacted once the LDS are finalised to apply for funding.
Further information can be found on the Pobal website or contact your local LEADER Area Group.
All information is accurate at the time of writing; however, we recommend visiting the individual websites of the funding organisations for the most current and up-to-date information on their specified schemes.