LEADER Rural Development

LEADER is a community-led approach to local development that supports private enterprises and community groups who improve quality of life and economic activity in rural areas.

Funding is delivered to 28 sub regional areas through Local Action Groups (LAGs). These groups are partnerships of public and private entities from a defined geographical area. Local action groups are responsible for local projects in accordance with the local development strategies they develop themselves.

This aid is provided to projects under the following themes:

• economic development, enterprise development and job creation
• social inclusion
• rural environment

Promoters interested in accessing assistance under the LEADER Programme should submit an expression of interest to their local action group.

See the following link for approved projects: Local Action Groups Approved Projects 2014-2023.

The current LEADER programme period is 2023-2027. Detailed information on the current programme can be found on this page: LEADER programme for Rural Development 2023-2027.

A local development strategy is a community-led plan. It is developed and driven by rural communities, through local action groups, setting out its vision and objectives for the area. The objectives will be delivered by the local action group for the area and any project funded must be in line with the priorities identified in the Strategy.

LEADER Guidelines set out how the programme should be carried out. They are made in conjunction between the European Commission and Irish government departments. Legal requirements are clarified throughout this collection which must be adhered to by local action groups.

To view more information on the monitoring and evaluation of LEADER, please click the following link: Monitoring and Evaluation: LEADER 2014-2020.

The Transitional LEADER Programme came into effect on 1st April 2021.

A total of €70 million has been allocated to support rural communities and private enterprises over 2021 and 2022. The breakdown is as follows:

• €65 million is being allocated to support locally-led rural development across the 29 Local Action Groups (LAGs)
• €3 million is being allocated to support the LEADER Cooperation measure which encourages rural areas to work together on joint projects with mutual benefits for each participating area
• €2 million will be allocated to prepare for the next LEADER Programme.

A key focus of the Transitional LEADER Programme will be on building capacity within communities which have not received LEADER funding to date and responding to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The programme will also support:

• Job creation,
• Foster and encourage entrepreneurship,
• Support projects which address the climate agenda, digital transformation, and
• Encourage rural communities to build on their existing strengths and assets.

Other changes to the LEADER Programme include an increase in the maximum rate of aid for enterprises and commercial projects from 50% to 75%.

The €70 million is being financed by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD), the European Union Recovery Instrument (EURI) and Exchequer funding.

Accompanying Documents

Circular on Transitional LEADER Programme 2021

Guidelines document - Outline of Transitional LEADER Programme 2021

National Rural Network – Information about LEADER Case Studies and examples of projects supported under the previous LEADER Programme.

LEADER Allocations 2014-2020 - A listing of Funding allocations of each Local Action Group.

European Commission Regulations laying down rules for LEADER 2014-2020 - Listing of European Commission guidelines governing the LEADER programme.

National Rural Development Programme 2014-2020 – Link to the Department of Agriculture website. LEADER is an element of the National Rural Development Programme.

To apply for funding for your LEADER project, please contact your nearest local action group.

If you have any questions about LEADER Rural Development please contact rdp1420@drcd.gov.ie

Information on funding allocated LEADER can be found here: <strong>LEADER Funding Allocations 2014-2023</strong>