Donegal Local Development Company CLG (DLDC), in partnership with the Donegal Local Community Development Committee (LCDC), is now accepting Expressions of Interest (EOIs) for community-based Rural Infrastructure and Social Inclusion projects as part of the 2023 – 2027 LEADER Programme.
This targeted call aims to strengthen rural communities by improving infrastructure, enhancing access to essential services, and supporting young people. Funding of up to €200,000 per project is available, with a maximum funding rate of 75% for community applicants.
Projects can focus on developing and enhancing rural infrastructure to enable more people to live and work in their communities, improving access to essential services for those at risk of social exclusion—including hard-to-reach and new communities—or creating opportunities for young people to reach their full potential through social infrastructure investments.
“This funding is a vital opportunity to invest in the future of Donegal’s rural communities. By enhancing infrastructure, improving access to essential services, and supporting young people, we aim to create more inclusive, sustainable, and thriving communities across the region,” said Sinead McLaughlin, Rural Development Manager at DLDC. “We encourage community groups and organisations to get in touch and explore how their projects can benefit from this funding.”
Interested applicants can request an Expression of Interest (EOI) form by emailing rdpleader@dldc.org or by contacting Anne Marie Rodgers at 087 760 5532.
Eligible projects must be located within the DLDC catchment area, excluding Inishowen, Gaeltacht, and the Islands. Childcare facilities, including community-owned creches, are not eligible for LEADER funding.
Further details on the LEADER Programme and this targeted call can be found on the DLDC website: https://dldc.org/programme/rural-development-leader/.