Louth gets €1.8mil LEADER funding
LOUTH is to get €1.8 funding out of a total of €70 million funding for the Transitional LEADER programme for the period 2021-2022, announced last week by Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD
‘ This funding will support locally-led projects which focus on many of the key themes of Our Rural Future such as building capacity and empowering local communities, embracing opportunities in the green economy, supporting remote working and the digital transformation, developing our outdoor amenities and creating jobs in rural areas,’ she said.
She encouraged communities and local enterprises who wish to avail of funding to make contact with their Local Development Company to discuss how the LEADER Programme can assist their plans.
‘If the pandemic has taught us anything it is to think outside the box so if you have an innovative idea that can make a real difference in your community then pick up the phone and contact your local LEADER company today,’ she added.
The funding was welcomed by local Fine Gael Senator John McGahon.
LEADER is a rural development programme co-funded by the EU which operates a locally led, bottom-up, approach to meeting the needs of local communities and businesses. The programme supports private enterprises and community groups in rural areas. LEADER forms part of Ireland’s multi-annual Rural Development Programme which is co-financed by the EU and is part of the Common Agriculture Policy (CAP).
‘ This provides an opportunity for our towns and villages in Louth to effect change in our communities by the people who live here’ Senator McGahon said.
‘It is anticipated that this funding will support locally led projects together with empowering local communities. This will include items such as developing outdoor amenities, creating jobs in rural areas, supporting remote working together exploring opportunities in the green economy,’
‘I would like to encourage communities and enterprises to start making applications as this new programme is now open for applications. Anyone wishing to avail of funding should contact their Local Development Company to discuss just how the LEADER Programme can assist their plans. This funding will support ground-up, locally led projects in our rural communities, he added.