Service
Available funding and supports
From Department of Rural and Community Development
Published on
Last updated on
From Department of Rural and Community Development
Published on
Last updated on
There are a range of different investment schemes and supports available for rural and community development. Here is a brief description of each as well as links to the individual services and how to apply for them.
CLÁR (Ceantair Laga Árd Riachtanais) or Funding for Small-Scale Rural Projects is a targeted investment programme which provides funding for small-scale - infrastructural projects in rural areas that have suffered the greatest levels of population decline.
... more on CLÁR-Funding for Small-Scale Rural Projects
The Community Centres Investment Fund is the largest ever capital investment in Community Centres. It provides funding for investments in Community Centres in order that these vital services remain useable, accessible, and safe and continue to meet the needs of the community into the future.
… more on the Community Centres Investment Fund
The Community Recognition Fund is a major initiative designed to support and reward communities that have welcomed people from Ukraine and other countries.
It supported nearly 900 projects in 2023, ranging from largescale multi-purpose sports facilities, upgrades to community centres, equipment for sports clubs, outdoor walkways, playgrounds, community buses and equipment for festivals.
... more on the Community Recognition Fund
The Community Services Programme supports community-based organisations to provide local social, economic and environmental services through a social enterprise model, creating employment opportunities for specific disadvantaged groups and people.
… more on the Community Services Programme
LEADER is a rural development programme co-funded by the European Union. It operates a locally-led, bottom-up, approach to meeting the needs of communities and businesses in rural areas.
The programme plays an important role in supporting communities and enterprises in progressing job creation, social inclusion and environmental projects at local level.
Those interested in accessing assistance under the LEADER Programme should contact their local action group.
... more on LEADER
The Local Enhancement Programme (LEP) provides capital supports essential for many small community groups and organisations, particularly those who serve disadvantaged areas.
... more on the Local Enhancement Programme (LEP)
The Local Improvement Scheme (LIS) provides funding to help local authorities carry out improvement works on private and non-publicly maintained roads.
These roads can often lead to multiple homes, farmland and amenities such as lakes, rivers or beaches.
If you have or know a road in need of repair that's not maintained, then contact your local authority to see if LIS funding would be available.
... more on the Local Improvement Scheme (LIS)
The Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS) provides funding for the development of new outdoor recreational infrastructure. It also provides support for the necessary repair, maintenance, enhancement or promotion of existing outdoor recreational infrastructure in rural areas across Ireland.
... more on the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme
The Rural Regeneration and Development Fund (RRDF) is a commitment of €1 billion by government to be invested in rural Ireland over the period 2019 to 2027.
The purpose of the fund is to support job creation, address de-population of rural communities and support improvements in our towns and villages with a population of less than 10,000.
... more on the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund
The Seniors Alert Scheme provides funding for personal emergency alarms to enable older people to continue to live securely in their homes with confidence, independence and peace of mind.
… more on the Seniors Alert Scheme
SICAP is the Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme.
SICAP aims to reduce poverty and promote social inclusion and equality. It does this through Programme Implementers, agencies and companies, who work with the most disadvantaged and the hardest to reach in communities.
The central aim of the Town and Village Renewal Scheme is to support the revitalisation of towns and villages, to improve the living and working environment of their communities, and increase their potential to support increased economic activity into the future.
The type of projects to be funded under this scheme is primarily a matter for the local authorities to identify in partnership with local business and communities.
...more on the Town and Village Renewal Scheme
The Walks Scheme facilitates the development and maintenance of key walking trails by private landholders.
The scheme is administered by Local Development Companies (LDCs) who deliver the scheme in their area on behalf of the department.
Under the Programme for Government and Our Rural Future, the department committed to doubling the number of trails under the Scheme.
… more on the Walks Scheme