Activity in the LEADER programme has continued to increase as we progress into the second half of 2020. As of the end of May, there are over 3,100 LEADER projects across Ireland with a total value of over €122m.

This is an increase of over 120 projects, since our last news update of the LEADER programme at the end of March 2020, leading to an increased allocation of almost €7.5m in the 3-month period. Furthermore, an additional 424 projects are working their way through the approval process and these have an additional value of almost €32m.

This shows how the LEADER Programme has continued to operate during COVID-19 with many of the stakeholders involved in delivering LEADER working remotely to minimise the impact to the programme and continuing to work within their communities. The Department of Rural and Community Development (DRCD) in conjunction with Local Action Groups (LAGs) have continued to process payments so that funding is still reaching rural communities and businesses.

To learn more about LEADER funding and how to apply see: https://www.nationalruralnetwork.ie/leader/