Local Enhancement Programme
The Local Enhancement Programme 2025 is funded by the Department of Rural and Community Development. Please click here for the link to the press release announcing the Local Enhancement Programme 2025 at National Level, by the Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD, and the Minister of State with responsibility for Community Development and Charities, Joe O’Brien, TD. The Department of Rural and Community Development Local Enhancement Programme (LEP) 2025 will provide small scale capital and current funding to support community groups across Ireland.
The capital funding will support groups, particularly in disadvantaged areas to carry out necessary repairs and improvements to their facilities, purchase equipment such as tables and chairs, tools and signage, laptops and printers, training equipment etc.
The current funding will support groups/organisations with running costs associated with their facilities and groups – such as electricity bills, refuse costs, rental costs, etc that were incurred and paid for between 1st June 2024-20th February 2025
The total allocation for Leitrim for 2024 is as follows:
- €102,037 capital funding to use towards carrying out necessary repairs and improvements to facilities, energy efficiency type projects, purchase of equipment etc.
- €17,006 current funding to be used towards running costs e.g. rental/lease costs, utility bills, insurance costs.
The grant is small in nature and is available to a range of community groups, including Men’s and Women’s sheds/groups, community centres, local voluntary groups, etc. Offers of funding may be for a lesser amount than requested as the programme may be oversubscribed.
The following funding will be available:
Capital Funding: Grants up to €5000
Current Funding: Grants up to €750
How to apply
The LEP 2025 Application process is online only. There are two application forms, Capital Funding application Form and Current Funding application Form.
Groups can apply for both funding streams. Applications open on the 10th January 2025. Closing Date for applications is Friday 21st February 2025 at 4pm. Late applications will not be accepted.
Application forms will be available here from 10th January 2025
Scheme Guidelines and Terms and Conditions
Applicants are strongly recommended to read the Scheme guidelines and Terms and Conditions below before submitting applications.
Scheme Guidelines- Capital and Current
Terms and Conditions- Current Funding Scheme
Terms and Conditions- Capital Funding Scheme
Supporting Documentation Required as part of application:
- XY ITM Co-ordinates are required by Department of Rural and Community Development – please guide on finding your ITM Coordinates here
- Procurement: Quotations/estimates from a minimum of three different independent suppliers for each element for which you are applying for funding (Capital Funding Scheme only)
- Proof of payment- Bills/Invoices and redacted bank statements showing evidence that payment has been made. (Current Funding Scheme only)
Further Information and Training:
Leitrim County Council will be hosting online workshops to guide you through the process of submitting an online application form for the Local Enhancement Programme on the following dates:
Wednesday, 22nd January 7-8pm
Thursday, 23rd January 7-8pm
You must register to attend. Places are limited, please limit to 2 representatives per group.
Please see link to register. (Link will be available in early 2025)
If you have further questions, please email community@leitrimcoco.ie or call 071-962005 ext 855 or 157.