Our Rural Future: Ministers Jerry Buttimer and Minister Dara Calleary announce support for over 5400 projects countrywide benefitting almost 4500 community organisations under the Local Enhancement Programme 2025
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From: Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht
- Published on: 13 June 2025
- Last updated on: 13 June 2025
- Ministers announce successful projects under Local Enhancement Programme 2025
- Small grants to benefit community groups across the country
- Supporting community groups a key focus of ‘Our Rural Future’
Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Dara Calleary TD, and Minister of State with responsibility for Community Development and Charities, Jerry Buttimer TD, have today (Friday, 13th June) announced the successful projects under the Local Enhancement Programme (LEP) 2025.
The Local Enhancement Programme 2025 was launched in November 2024 with funding of €7 million available, which included €1 million in current funding to support local groups with ongoing running costs. The funding also provides capital supports essential for the many small community groups and organisations, particularly those who serve disadvantaged areas in rural and urban areas. Almost 4,500 community organisations will receive funding, with a total of over 5,400 individual projects funded.
The Department of Rural and Community Development and Gaeltacht’s Local Enhancement Programme 2025 is administered by Local Community Development Committees, with support from the Local Authority, in each area.
Announcing the successful projects today, Minister Buttimer said:
“The Local Enhancement Programme is about giving a helping hand to our local groups and clubs, who are the building blocks of Irish community life.”
“Since my appointment I have had the pleasure of visiting many of the community groups that will benefit from grants under the LEP – although small in nature the value of the projects funded to the groups are considerable”
“With over 5000 projects approved the number of communities and people that these grants will benefit is vast.”
Minister Buttimer added:
“The funding I am announcing today will ensure that important work can continue to be delivered by communities on the ground and I’m delighted that every single county will benefit. This Government is committed to supporting local communities to shape their future.”
“I would like to thank each County Council and the Local Community Development Committees for their assistance in administering this fund.”
Also announcing the successful projects today, Minister Dara Calleary said:
“The Local Enhancement Programme 2025 continues to build on the vital supports provided to community groups through previous iterations of the fund helping them improve their facilities. It provides small-scale funding for projects which range from purchasing IT equipment to minor renovations to buildings and this year also provided an opportunity to groups to apply for help with their operational costs.
“The impact of the Local Enhancement Programme is considerable, and it allows community groups to carry out the invaluable work they do on behalf of others in local areas throughout the country.”
List of the successful projects is available here
Notes:
The Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht
From June 2nd, 2025, The Department of Rural and Community Development will be known as The Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht. Our Minister’s titles are Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Dara Calleary TD and Minister of State with Responsibility for Community Development and Charities, Jerry Buttimer TD. The above titles should be used when referring to the Department and Ministers going forward.
Local Enhancement Programme
Local Enhancement Programme 2025 is targeted towards enhancing facilities in disadvantaged communities. It provides small grants to community groups in a manner consistent with each area’s Local Economic and Community Plan.
The Local Enhancement Programme was launched in November 2024. The fund replaces the Department’s Community Enhancement Programme.
The funding is administered locally by Local Community Development Committees (LCDCs) across the country, with support from their Local Authority. Contact details for LCDCs are available here.
List of county allocations are available here.