2023-2027 LEADER Programme
The priority of LEADER is to promote social inclusion and economic development in rural areas.
Grants are available under the 2023 - 2027 LEADER programme to support community groups, social enterprises and businesses with both capital projects and feasibility studies.
About the Programme
LEADER has been at the heart of rural development in Ireland and EU member states for over three decades. Originating as an experimental rural development programme in 1991, LEADER has evolved through five successive programming periods to become a key intervention within EU rural development policy. Over the three decades of its existence, the programme has supported the development of a wide range of innovative and sustainable projects that have brought increased jobs and vibrancy to rural communities across the EU.
LEADER is a community-led approach to local development funded through Ireland’s CAP Strategic Plan 2023 – 2027. It is financed by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD). It is a key intervention of Our Rural Future, the Government’s Policy for rural development launched in 2021, which aims to deliver a wide range of actions to rural communities over the lifetime of the policy.
Further information on the LEADER programme
The LEADER booklet will provide important information about the LEADER programme, including the LEADER themes and sub-themes, eligibility criteria, funding ceilings, grant rates, and the application process.
The Local Development Strategy (LDS)
As a community-led local development initiative, the LEADER programme is designed to engage, resource and enable local communities to manage local development in their areas. Central to this process is the Local Development Strategy (LDS). The LDS is a community-led plan that was designed in partnership with the local communities throughout Donegal to achieve a collective vision for the sustainable development of the county. The LDS sets out a number of priority objectives. For a project to be eligible for LEADER funding, it must be linked to at least one of the LDS objectives.
LEADER Success Stories
You can also read about some of the projects funded under the last programme, which will give you a flavour of the type of initiatives that LEADER supports.
How do I apply for LEADER funding?
Engaging with the LEADER programme involves a clear and straightforward process. Throughout the process, a Project Officer will be available to provide valuable support and guidance. Contact the LEADER Project Officer in your area to determine if your project is eligible for funding. Contact details can be found below.
Funding of up to €200,000 Available for Rural Infrastructure & Social Inclusion Projects in Donegal
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.
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.
Funding of up to €200,000 Available for Climate Change Mitigation & Adaptation Projects in Donegal
Donegal Local Development CLG (DLDC), in partnership with the Donegal Local Community Development Committee (LCDC), is now accepting Expressions of Interest (EOIs) for community and private projects focused on Environmental Sustainability and Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation under the 2023 – 2027 LEADER Programme.
This targeted call seeks to support innovative projects that reduce environmental impact, build resilience, and empower rural communities to take meaningful climate action. Funding of up to €200,000 per project is available, with a maximum funding rate of 75% for community applicants and 50% for private promoters.
Projects can address several key priorities, including:
- The Green Economy – creating new opportunities for sustainable enterprises and employment in the circular and bio economy.
- Sustainable Development of the Rural Environment – protection and sustainable use of water resources, protection and improvement of local biodiversity and development of renewable energy.
- Climate Change Capacity Building – raising awareness, engaging communities, and developing local skills and knowledge to respond to climate challenges.
- Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation – delivering actions that complement national climate policy and enable communities to prepare for and adapt to climate-related impacts.
“This funding represents a vital opportunity for Donegal to take the lead in building a greener future. By supporting projects that create green jobs, promote sustainable practices, and prepare our communities for the realities of climate change, we can ensure a more sustainable Donegal for generations to come,” said Sinead McLaughlin, Rural Development Manager, DLDC.
Interested applicants can request an Expression of Interest (EOI) form by emailing rdpleader@dldc.org or by contacting Simon Canning (Donegal Town office) at 086 102 0281 or Anne Marie Rodgers (Letterkenny office) at 087 760 5532.
Eligible projects must be located within the DLDC catchment area, excluding Inishowen, Gaeltacht, and the Islands.
Further details on the LEADER Programme and this targeted call can be found on the DLDC website: https://dldc.org/programme/rural-development-leader/.
Meet the Team:
- Sinead McLaughlin
- Rural Development Manager
- 086 811 8681
- smclaughlin@dldc.org
