RURAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME (LEADER)

INTRODUCTION 

The LEADER Programme has been a driving force in grassroots local development within Laois  since 1995, investing in literally hundreds of projects across the county through grant aid, technical specialist supports and training initiatives.

LEADER (Liaison Entre Actions pour le Development d’lEconomie Rurale) is an EU Rural Development Programme to support activities and improve the quality of life in rural areas.  LEADER has made a significant contribution to the development of rural areas throughout Europe since 1991, by providing supports to community groups and innovative small businesses.  The LEADER (2014-2020) Programme is 63% funded by the EU & 37% by the Irish exchequer.

The LEADER PROGRAMME 2014-2020 Summary for Co Laois

Laois Local Community Development Committee (LCDC) has responsibility for the delivery of LEADER 2014-2020 in the county.  The key implementation partner is Laois Partnership Company (LPC).  During the period 2016-2020, almost €7m of LEADER funding will be invested in innovative community and private enterprise projects throughout County Laois.

 Following a public consultation process across the county, a number of key objectives which focus on Economic Development, Social Inclusion and Rural Environment have been agreed. These objectives reflect the key challenges facing Co Laois with regard to economic recovery, employment creation, tackling social exclusion and on a national level, reducing the impact of global warming and resource depletion. The objectives cover the key areas in need of the greatest support and are sufficiently broad and flexible to facilitate a wide range of projects throughout the county.

 How it will work:

In a change from the rolling application process that applied during previous LEADER programmes, the new Programme will have competitive Targeted Calls for applications from different sectors at specific times throughout the duration of the programme.  Sectors will be based on the themes and objectives agreed following the public consultation process.  Targeted calls with a pre-defined budget will assist in ensuring that only the best and most worthy projects will be approved for grant aid.

Targeted Calls for different sectors will be publicised well in advance.  We will initially invite “expressions of interest” and then work with eligible potential applicants to guide them through the process. Completed applications received by the relevant deadline will be assessed by an Evaluation Committee and a final decision regarding funding will then be made by the LCDC.  

The focus of the LEADER Programme (2014-2020) is:

“To promote social inclusion, poverty reduction and economic development in rural areas”

In line with this, Laois LCDC has prioritised the following themes and objectives which will underpin all funding decisions during the lifetime of the Programme:

Theme 1: Economic Development, Enterprise Development & Job Creation

 Objectives

• To support the Rural Tourism sector – e.g.feasibility studies, marketing, infrastructure
• To support sustainable, innovative enterprises- e.g.artisan foods, social enterprises, creative industries etc.
• To assist rural communities and towns to become more attractive environments in which to live and visit – e.g.building & streetscape enhancements, development of unique events/activities
• To assist small scale Broadband projects

Theme 2: Social Inclusion

 Objectives

• To support rural communities to have access to a range of high quality social and recreational facilities – with a particular focus on disadvantaged communities and areas that lack such facilities – e.g.develop/upgrade facilities, arts & culture, recreation, education & training
• To help young people reach their full potential in society – e.g. develop youth facilities, training in youth development & entrepreneurship

Theme 3: Rural Environment

 Objectives

• To develop initiatives which protect and sustain best use of water resources – e.g. training & capital supports for water conservation measures, community rainwater harvesting etc.
• To support biodiversity initiatives which protect and improve the environment – e.g. training & capital supports for biodiversity projects such as parks, community gardens, allotments etc.
• To support the use of renewable energy for enterprise development – e.g. new and existing renewable energy related businesses

LEADER Summary Brochure

LEADER Operating Rules

LCDC Local Development Strategy Document 

Expression Of Interest Document