LEADER is the EU Community Initiative for Rural Development that provides approved Local Action Groups with public funding (EU and National) to implement multi-sectoral business plans for the development of their own areas.
LEADER in the current period 2000 to 2006 is being delivered via two programmes:
- LEADER+
- LEADER National Rural Development Programme
LEADER +
The essential aim of the measure, which has a public contribution of some €73.7 million, is to encourage the emergence and testing of new approaches to integrated and sustainable development in rural communities. The Initiative is in place in 22 areas throughout the country.
the LEADER National Rural Development Programme.
The Leader National Rural Development Programme, with a public contribution of some €75.6 million, forms part of the Regional Operational Programmes under the National Development Plan 2000 2006. The Programme complements the LEADER+ Programme and ensures the availability of funding in the 13 areas that were not appointed to deliver the LEADER+ Programme. In addition, the 3 collective bodies
( Muintir na Tire, Irish Farmhouse Holidays and Irish Country Holidays) that are not eligible under LEADER+ receive assistance under this programme.
Funding for Rural/Agri Tourism is provided from this Programme on a nation-wide basis.
Firstly, you should contact your Local Action Group that has responsibility for your area. Applications for grant aid should be made directly to the group. The approval of grants by groups is made within detailed operating rules drawn up by the Department and approved by the EU Commission.
LEADER is not intended for major development projects and an overall ceiling of
€65,000 per project will apply to all LEADER+ and National Rural Development
projects. In exceptional circumstances and subject to the prior approval of the
Department, aid up to €100,000 may be granted. The maximum rate of public funding
as a general rule will be 50% with the following exceptions,
· Administration up to 100%
· Animation up to 100%
· Training up to 100%
· Analysis and Development for community based projects up to 80%.
Aid under both programmes may take the form of support for the following measures;
- Training
- Analysis and Development
- Innovative rural enterprises, craft enterprises and local services/facilities
- Exploitation of agriculture, forestry and fisheries products
- Enhancement of natural/built/social/cultural environment
- Environmentally friendly initiatives
- Animation and capacity building
When your application has been approved by the Board and you have signed the letter of offer/contract, the project can commence. Grant payment may be made only on completion of the project (or an identifiable phase of the project), on submission of a fully documented, valid claim and on inspection by the Group as to the project's satisfactory completion.