Rural Development Programme (LEADER) 2023-2027
The priority of LEADER is to promote social inclusion and economic development in rural areas.
Grants are available under the 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.
LEADER Programme 2023 – 2027 – Targeted Call for Tourist Accommodation Projects
Donegal Local Development Company CLG (DLDC) in partnership with the Donegal Local Community Development Committee (LCDC) is pleased to announce that Expression of Interests (EOIs) are now being accepted for tourist accommodation projects under the LEADER Programme. Interested applicants can request an EOI form by emailing rdpleader@dldc.org.
This initiative is part of an overall commitment to boosting rural tourism and supporting local tourism enterprises. These grants are designed to support enterprises in developing high-quality sustainable tourist accommodation that highlight the unique character and culture of Donegal’s rural areas
Theme: | Theme 1 – Economic Development & Job Creation
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Sub Themes: | Sub-theme 1b – Agricultural Diversification Sub-theme 1c – Rural Tourism & Recreation
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Eligible projects: | All types of tourist accommodation including but not limited to regeneration of derelict buildings, farm diversification and glamping projects.
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Overall Budget for Call: | €350,000
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Maximum Level of Funding available: | Up to €50,000 per project
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Maximum Rate of Aid: | 50% for private applicants and 75% for community applicants / social enterprises
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Qualifying Criteria: | Project must be located in the DLDC catchment area (excludes Inishowen, Gaeltacht & Islands)
Improvements/refurbishment of private residential property or B&B’s that are part of a private residence are not eligible for LEADER funding. |
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Closing Date for Receipt of Expression of Interest (EOI): | Friday 29th November 2024 @ 5pm
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Timeframe for notifying EOI applicants:
| Friday 20th December 2024 @ 5pm |
Those successful at EOI stage will be invited to submit an application for funding as part of the second stage (application stage) of the targeted call. \Only ‘shovel ready’ projects with full planning permission in place will be accepted at application stage.
Watch this short video – LEADER Funding – Tourist Accommodation Projects
