LEADER programme for Rural Development
From Department of Rural and Community Development
Published on
Last updated on
From Department of Rural and Community Development
Published on
Last updated on
The LEADER programme is administered at a local level by Local Action Groups (LAGs), which contain local representatives from the community, public and private sector. Each group is responsible for selecting and awarding LEADER funding to projects within their geographical area in accordance with the local development strategies they develop themselves.
The LEADER programme accepts applications based on projects which improve:
For the purposes of the LEADER programme in Ireland, rural areas 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.
In order for a project to be eligible for LEADER funding, it must be compatible with the actions outlined in the approved LDS in the geographical area concerned, and it must comply with the EU Regulations and Operating Rules in place for the programme.
A project promoter is an individual, group or other body (e.g. company) that submits a funding application to the LAG and, where successful, is given a contract to deliver the approved project.
The project promoter must be able to demonstrate that they can provide matching contributions to meet the full costs of the project and ensure that they will be operational as funded for five years from the date of final LEADER grant payment.
Prospective applicants should contact their LAG through its Implementing Partner (where applicable) to register an expression of interest and discuss the eligibility of a project proposal and the funding that may be available.
LEADER Operating Rules and 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 LAGs.
The table below sets out the maximum LEADER grant aid that may be awarded for various project types.
LEADER Funded Projects 2014-2023 - A listing of funding allocations of each Local Action Group.
CAP Strategic Plan CAP Strategic Plan – Link to the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine website. LEADER is an element of the EU Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) Strategic Plan.
CAP Network Ireland – CAP Network Ireland is designed to support the networking of a diverse range of stakeholders across the fields of agriculture, rural development and innovation, including information about the LEADER programme such as case studies and examples of projects supported under the programme.
EU CAP Network EU CAP Network - the EU CAP Network helps drive and steer all aspects of the implementation of the CAP.
Information on funding allocated LEADER can be found here: LEADER Funding Allocations 2014-2023