Over €2 million in funding has been allocated to Laois Leader for local community and enterprise projects this morning by the Government.
Laois-Offaly TD Sean Fleming, Minister for State , Department of Finance warmly welcomed the announcement that €2,104,992 has been allocated to Laois Leader.
This new funding is available for projects in Laois for this year and 2022.
This new extension to the existing Leader Programme is in place until a new long term Leader Programme is approved for future years.
“This new programme is now open for applications and I encourage Local Communities and Enterprises to make contact with Laois Leader to discuss their plans,” said Minister Fleming.
“This funding will support projects for Local Communities including developing outdoor amenities and creating jobs in rural areas and embracing opportunities for the green economy.”
Finally, Minister Fleming urged all local groups to apply for funding immediately.
In all €70m allocated to support rural communities and enterprises was announced by Heather Humphreys, Minister for Social Protection and Rural & Community Development.
Local Groups can apply immediately and funding is to support projects in green economy, remote working and job creation.
“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
The LEADER programme is delivered by 29 Local Action Groups (LAGs) in 28 sub-regional areas.
These groups are partnerships of public and private entities from a defined geographical area.
LAGs are responsible for identifying and helping to develop local projects which support the themes of Economic Development (including enterprise development and job creation), Social Inclusion and Rural Environment.
Of the €70 million, €65 million is being allocated across the 29 LAGs, €3 million is being allocated to support Co-operation projects and innovation between LAGs and €2 million is being provided to support the development of the next LEADER Programme.
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