Groups urged to apply for €6.4m Leader funding earmarked for Cavan

ANNOUNCEMENT Total of €12.4m allocated to Cavan Monaghan constituency

A total of €6.4 million in Leader funding has been allocated for Cavan for the coming years. The investment, under the 2023-2027 programme is intended to support locally-led rural development and enterprise projects over the next five years.

The funding allocation for each county was published today with Monaghan receiving €6.0m; Leitrim €6.3m; Longford €5.8m; Meath €5.5m; and Westmeath €5.7m.

The selection process will be conducted over two stages; the first stage is an ‘Expression of Interest’ by eligible groups followed by a more detailed stage which will see them develop their Leader strategies.

The first stage of the process was opened by Minister Heather Humphreys today.

“Leader operates on a ground-up approach and is all about empowering local communities to deliver projects that will revitalise our towns and villages.

“Today, I’m pleased to set out the process for selecting groups to deliver the new Leader programme.”

The announcement was welcomed by local politicians. Encouraging groups from across Cavan and Monaghan to apply, Deputy Brendan Smith said, "I'm delighted to see this significant allocation of leader funding which will support local development and enterprise projects across both counties over the next five years.”

His Fianna Fáil colleague Niamh Smyth TD echoed these sentiments: "Funding streams like Leader are imperative to supporting rural communities and enterprises across Cavan-Monaghan and I would encourage all interested groups to apply.

"Leader funding has been a very successful project for both counties and I look forward to working with local groups in their applications for this funding."

Parties will have until Friday, December 16 to submit their Expression of Interest (Stage 1).

All groups that are successful in Stage 1 will be provided with funding to assist with the costs associated with developing a Local Development Strategy in Stage 2 of the process.

A fund of €2 million has been ring-fenced for this purpose which will commence in early 2023.

Interested parties can now apply by visiting the Department’s website and downloading an application form via https://www.gov.ie/en/service/87e09-leader-programme-for-rural-development/

Completed Expressions of Interest forms must be submitted by email only to leader2327@drcd.gov.ieno later than 5.30pm on Friday, December 16.

The Department of Rural and Community Development will host an information webinar for all interested parties on November 10. Registration for this event is open at https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/selection-process-of-local-action-groups-lags-to-deliver-leader-2023-2027-tickets-450388322597