Rural Development Programme (LEADER) 2014-2020
“Do you have a business idea, a plan for your community or a project you think could benefit you, your family, your farm or your local community?
Through the LEADER Programme, DLDC can help you in a range of ways - with assistance to put plans around your ideas, to provide funding for studies and capital funding for projects.
About the Programme
The aim of the LEADER Rural Development Programme 2014 – 2020 is to promote social inclusion, poverty reduction and economic development in rural areas. Grants of up to €200,000 are available under the programme.
View the wide range of projects in County Donegal which have previously benefited from LEADER funding. (PDF)
Leader Themes and Sub-themes
The LEADER Programme includes 3 main themes and 9 sub-themes as outlined above. The sub-themes are considered to be the key areas in need of the greatest support and have the greatest potential to promote the sustainable development of rural communities.
Rural Environment
Economic Development, Enterprise Development & Job Creation
Social Inclusion
What type of project is eligible for LEADER funding
All funding decisions are underpinned by the Local Development Strategy (LDS) objectives and priorities. For a project to be eligible for LEADER funding, it must be in line with at least one of the LDS objectives.
How do I apply for LEADER funding? (Application Process)
- Contact a project officer in your area (see below) to discuss the details of your project.
- Fill in an Expression of Interest (EOI) before submitting a funding application
- If you are successful at EOI stage you will be invited to complete an application.
Should you wish to then formally apply for LEADER funding, an Application Form and Check List outlining all the required information will be made available to you. Your application will then be fully appraised which may include further discussions with you regarding the application.
This process will also include submission of the application to an Evaluation Committee whose recommendation will then be presented to the Local Community Development Committee (LCDC) for final approval. Following the final decision of the LCDC, formal correspondence confirming your applications final outcome will be communicated to you.
Find out more about this Programme...
- Sinead McLaughlin
- Rural Development Manager
- 074 9127056
- smclaughlin@dldc.org
Catchment Area: North Donegal
The LEADER programme is funded under the extended Rural Development Programme (RDP) 2014-2022 and is a very important part of the Our Rural Future – Rural Development Policy 2021-2025
