Funding Pathways

The LEADER Rural Development Programme is organised into Three Funding Themes that reflect the overarching needs of rural Ireland. Each theme represents a key area where the LEADER programme can offer support. If you think your project falls into one of these funding areas please click below to find out how we can support you.

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Rural Economy Funding

This theme supports new businesses, economic development & local job creation.

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Social Inclusion Funding

This theme supports community facilities, services and social inclusion.

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Green Future Funding

This theme supports sustainable rural development & Climate Change

SUB THEMES

Funding Pathway

Growing the Rural Economy

This theme drives rural economic growth by backing local job creation, new business ideas, and the expansion of rural enterprises. This funding is delivered through several sub themes (categories) as below:

  • Supports for start-ups, SMEs, training, job creation, and entrepreneurship.

  • Projects linked to renewable energy, circular economy, bio-economy opportunities, sustainability and low-carbon innovation. Significant potential for employment opportunities for rural areas are presented by the green economy.

  • In enterprise development, we place a strong focus on helping farm families explore new diversification opportunities, in line with the aims of the CAP Strategic Plan. New on-farm enterprises such as food production, farm shops, visitor experiences, recreational activities, or additional income streams.

  • Tourism experiences, heritage development, trails, outdoor recreation, visitor amenities, and local destination marketing

  • Artisan food production, local food brands, food processing, upskilling, product development, and food tourism.

  • Enterprises with a social, community, or environmental purpose rather than profit maximisation.

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SUB THEMES

Funding Pathway

Social Inclusion Funding

This theme is focused on strengthening rural infrastructure, services, and social inclusion across Dublin’s rural areas. This funding is delivered through several sub themes (categories) as below:

  • Measures to develop and/or enhance rural infrastructures, in order to provide an opportunity for more people to live and work in their rural communities.

  • This sub-theme focuses on improving access to basic services for people living in rural and remote areas and groups who are at risk of social exclusion, including hard to reach and new communities. In some cases, it might involve the introduction of a new service or the re-introduction of a previously withdrawn service under the following categories:

    • community

    • training

    • social/cultural

    • recreation

  • Digital connectivity is essential for rural development, with the pandemic underscoring how crucial digitalisation is in daily life. Alongside strong IT infrastructure and reliable high-speed broadband, rural areas also need digital skills and literacy to fully benefit. Better connectivity supports local businesses, attracts new enterprise, and creates employment by opening access to markets and services. This sub-theme supports local actions that complement national broadband initiatives—such as basic ICT training for priority groups, digital skills development, and feasibility work on community broadband—while major infrastructure remains under the National Broadband Plan.

  • Gaps exist in the diversity of activities available in rural areas for young people, outside of sports. There is a need to encourage rural youth participation in issues that affect their daily lives, to build their leadership capabilities and to provide on-going input to the development of future rural youth initiatives.

    The promotion of youth entrepreneurship and associated training can provide improved pathways for young people to access economic opportunities in rural areas. Actions that develop the social infrastructure of rural areas provide important opportunities for young people to realise their potential. These might include:

    • the provision of youth clubs/cafés

    • improved access to ICT

    • sports/recreation activities

    • arts-based projects

    • youth development programmes

    Young people, particularly those who may be vulnerable, also have distinct needs regarding the type of services they may need to access.

    For the purposes of LEADER, young people are defined as people aged 15 to 40 years.

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Funding Pathway

SUB THEMES

Green Future Funding

Sustainable development and climate action are central to all LEADER projects, but this theme focuses specifically on environmental opportunities. It helps rural communities make the most of their local landscape, natural resources and environmental assets, while building awareness and strengthening environmental protection. This theme is delivered through the sub-themes below:

  • Projects that protect, restore, or enhance the rural environment. For example biodiversity, habitat protection, water quality, and green infrastructure.

  • Building local knowledge and skills in climate awareness, resilience, adaptation planning, and community climate action.

  • Supporting practical on-the-ground activities that reduce emissions, support renewable energy, improve energy efficiency, or strengthen climate resilience.

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