LEADER Programme 2023-2027

LEADER is a community-led approach to local development funded through Ireland’s CAP Strategic Plan 2023 – 2027. It promotes social inclusion, poverty reduction and the economic development of rural areas. The LEADER Programme is based on a bottom-up approach to rural development whereby rural communities and people identify their own needs and propose solutions.

A total of €6.3 million has been allocated to County Leitrim under the LEADER Programme 2023-2027 under the following themes:

• Theme 1: Economic Development and Job Creation
• Theme 2: Rural Infrastructure and Social Inclusion
• Theme 3: Sustainable Development of the Rural Environment and Climate Change Mitigation and Adoption

Programme Delivery

Leitrim Local Community Development Committee (LCDC) has the ultimate responsibility for the delivery, implementation and finances of the LEADER Programme.

Leitrim Development Company is the Implementing Partner (PI) with responsibility for implementing actions on behalf of the LCDC. They are the main communication point for the programme. 

Leitrim County Council are financial partner with responsibility for maintaining and retaining records of all financial aspects of the programme. Leitrim County Council will also be responsible for making payments to project promoters.

All projects funded under LEADER must be in line with the programme Operating Rules, Themes and Sub-Themes, and the Local Development Strategy (LDS). The LDS sets out a number of priority objectives and strategic actions for the delivery of the LEADER Programme in Leitrim.

Application Process:

To apply for LEADER funding, please submit an Expression of Interest to leader@ldco.ie

The purpose of this is to determine if your project is deemed 'eligible in principle' for LEADER funding. If eligible, you will receive an invitation to submit a funding application.

Further information is available by contacting Leitrim Development Company via leader@ldco.ie or visit www.ldco.ie/leader