LEADER programme is now open in the Ballyhoura area

THE LEADER programme is now OPEN for communities across the Ballyhoura Development area. Expressions of Interest have opened for the programme since January 3rd 2017. The LEADER Programme has the potential to support local and community projects across a diverse range of themes including; rural tourism, enterprise development, rural towns, access to broadband, basic services targeted at hard-to-reach communities, rural youth, protection and sustainable use of water resources, protection and improvement of local biodiversity, and development of renewable energy. The programme is co-financed by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development.

While the available budget is greatly reduced from previous LEADER programmes in the Ballyhoura area, interest in the programme is anticipated to be high, with communities having no access to LEADER funding over recent years, a strong pipeline of projects ready to be assessed is predicted. Aidan Gleeson, Chairperson of Ballyhoura Development welcomed the commencement of the LEADER programme adding ‘The funding under the LEADER Programme provides an opportunity to build on the achievements delivered by communities through previous programmes in designing, building and delivering new services and facilities in communities across the Ballyhoura Development area’.

Ballyhoura Development has opened four funding calls in Cork and four funding calls in Limerick. • Two funding calls are rolling open ended calls, one to support groups looking to complete feasibility studies and the second to support environmentally sustainable community initiatives. • Two funding calls are time limited calls, with set closing dates. The first is for Community Services and Facilities and the second for Community Economic Infrastructure and Services. The Expression of Interest submission deadline for these two funding calls is February 27, 2017.

All calls will require applicants to complete an Expression of Interest form. The Expression of Interest form will be assessed and if deemed eligible, applicants will then be invited by Limerick or Cork LCDC to complete the Full Application process

Ballyhoura Development staff members are pleased to offer support to communities in submitting an Expression of Interest for LEADER. Clinics and information sessions will be available across the area from the week commencing January 16th until February 26th 2017

Contact details, clinic dates, information session dates, Expression of Interest forms and all the latest LEADER updates are available at http:// www.ballyhouradevelopment.com/ leader-programme.