Fianna Fáil TD for Offaly, Barry Cowen, has welcomed €6.3 million in funding to support rural communities and enterprises across Offaly under the LEADER programme.
Interested groups are now being invited to apply for funding under the LEADER programme which will support thousands of locally-led rural development and enterprise projects over the next five years.
Encouraging groups from across Offaly to apply, Deputy Cowen said, "I'm delighted to see this significant allocation of leader funding which will support local development and enterprise projects across the county over the next five years.
"Rural development and supporting rural enterprises is a core belief and value for myself and Fianna Fáil.
"Funding streams like LEADER are imperative to supporting rural communities and enterprises across Offaly and I would encourage all interested groups to apply.
"LEADER funding has been a very successful project for Offaly and I look forward to working with local groups in their applications for this funding."
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Interested parties will have until Friday 16th December 2022 to submit their Expression of Interest (Stage 1).
All groups that are successful in Stage 1 will be provided with funding to assist with the costs associated with developing a Local Development Strategy in Stage 2 of the process.
A fund of €2 million has been ring-fenced for this purpose which will commence in early 2023.
Interested parties can now apply by visiting the Department’s website and downloading an application form via the following link
Completed Expressions of Interest forms must be submitted by email only to leader2327@drcd.gov.ieno later than 5.30pm on Friday 16th December 2022.
The Department of Rural and Community Development will host an information webinar for all interested parties on 10th November 2022. Registration for this event is open at https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/selection-process-of-local-action-groups-lags-to-deliver-leader-2023-2027-tickets-450388322597
