PROGRAMMES

LEADER Programme

The LEADER programme (an acronym in French meaning Links between actions for the development of the rural economy) is a European Union initiative to support rural development projects initiated at the local level in order to revitalise rural areas and create jobs.

It is part of the Rural Development Programme (RDP) for Ireland 2014-2020 and funded in part through the Common Agricultural Policy and national exchequer.

It was first introduced in 1991 in response to the failure of traditional, top-down policies to address problems faced by many rural areas in Europe. Through its ‘bottom up’ framework, the LEADER Programme now supports the delivery of local development actions which address the overarching needs of rural communities across the European Union (EU) in an innovative, integrated and inclusive manner.

The Department of Rural and Community Development (DRCD) and the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) announced the allocation of €70 million to LEADER Programme until the end of 2022 as part of the two-year Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) transition period. This builds on the 2014 – 2020 programme. It will provide rural communities and local enterprises throughout Ireland with an opportunity to respond to emerging challenges in their area by supporting measures that provide employment and job creation, as well as promoting the value of social capital and environmental protection.

Pictured, clockwise are Anna Slattery from the Dunmore Playground Committee and Claire Conroy (GRD); David Walsh, Frank Keane (GRD), Oliver Murray and (front) Gerry Galvin and Jimmy Noone of the Mountbellew Walled Garden; Claire Conroy with Teresa Roche of Kylemore Farmhouse Cheese; and work at Moanbaun Sports Complex.

Since its launch in 1991, the LEADER programme has helped rural communities across the EU to direct the rejuvenation of their area, through community-led local development. The programme accepts applications based on projects which focus on: