From Department of Rural and Community Development
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Minister for Rural and Community Development Heather Humphreys and Minister of State with responsibility for Community Development and Charities Joe O’Brien have today announced the successful projects in Co. Westmeath under the Local Enhancement Programme (LEP) 2024.
The Local Enhancement Programme 2024 was launched in December 2023 with funding of €6 million available, which included €1 million in funding ring-fenced specifically to support Women’s Groups. The funding will provide capital supports essential for the many small community groups and organisations, particularly those who serve disadvantaged areas in rural and urban areas.
The Department of Rural and Community Development’s Local Enhancement Programme 2024 is administered by Local Community Development Committees, with support from the Local Authority, in each area.
Announcing the successful projects for Co. Westmeath today, Minister Humphreys 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. I want to congratulate the successful applicants and to thank them for the vital work they do in providing services in their local communities. These grants will help thousands of community organisations, clubs, men’s and women’s sheds, youth centres and parish halls, to continue to provide their valuable services to the people in their areas.”
Minister Humphreys added:
“Supporting local communities to shape their future is a key focus of the government’s rural development policy, ‘Our Rural Future’. 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. I would like to thank Westmeath County Council and Local Community Development Committee for their assistance in administering this fund.”
Also announcing the successful projects today, Minister Joe O’Brien said:
“The Local Enhancement Programme 2024 provides vital support to community groups in order to help them improve their facilities. It supports small-scale funding for projects which range from purchasing IT equipment to minor renovations to buildings. Ultimately the Programme responds to local needs. These investments allow community groups to carry out the invaluable work they do on behalf of others in local areas throughout the country. The impact of the Local Enhancement Programme is considerable.”
Local Enhancement Programme 2024 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 December 2023. 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.