Minister for Rural and Community Development Heather Humphreys has announced the details of the allocation of the €70 million transitional LEADER programme for the period 2021-2022.

The allocation is as follows:

Speaking today (Friday, April 9), Minister Humphreys drew attention to the new rural development policy 'Our Rural Future'.

“As I said at the launch, government alone does not have all the answers and there can be no one-size-fits all approach," the minister said.

“LEADER has always been about a ground up, community-led approach and that’s why I am delighted to announce details of this new €70 million fund today.”

The minister said that the funding will support locally-led projects which focus on themes like: building capacity and empowering local communities; embracing opportunities in the green economy; supporting remote working and the digital transformation; developing outdoor amenities; and creating jobs in rural areas.

The new LEADER programme is open for applications. Communities and local enterprises that wish to avail of funding are encouraged to make contact with their local development company to discuss how the programme can assist their plans.

“If the pandemic has taught us anything, it is to think outside the box," the minister said.

Contact details for all local action groups and their implementing partners (local development companies) can be located here.