LEADER / Rural Development Programme (RDP) 2023-2027
The new LEADER/Rural Development Programme is currently open to applicants with the aim of improving the quality of life in rural areas and to encourage diversification of economic activity in rural areas. It seeks to bring about positive change helping to support and sustain rural areas for the better.
The LEADER Initiative (Liaisons entre actions de dévelopement de l’économie rurale) was established by the European Commission in 1991. It was designed to aid the development of sustainable rural communities following the reforms of the Common Agricultural Policy. LEADER promotes a ‘bottom-up’ approach to rural development, with the implementation of business plans and decisions on funding being made at a national level on projects.
Donegal Local Community Development Committee (LCDC) is the Local Action Group for delivery of the LEADER programme in Donegal. Donegal LCDC is a committee of Donegal County Council consisting of representatives from statutory and non-statutory agencies in the county.
In its capacity as the Local Action Group, the LCDC will administer the Rural Development/LEADER Programme in the County through the LEADER Local Development Strategy 2023-2027. Donegal has been awarded approximately €10.4m in allocation for the delivery of the new LEADER programme to cover the period.
Donegal Local Community Development Committee/Local Action Group (LCDC/LAG) submitted a Local Development Strategy for Donegal, which was approved by the Department of Rural and Community Development in November 2023.
LEADER / Rural Development Programme (RDP) 2023-2027
The LDS includes objectives to support local actions relating to:
- the Green Economy
- Agricultural Diversification/Rural food
- Rural Tourism and Recreation
- Enterprise Development
- Social, Community, Cooperative Enterprise
- Rural Infrastructure/Accessible Services
- Optimizing Digital Connectivity
- Rural Youth
- Sustainable Development of Rural Environment
- Climate Change Capacity Building
- Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation
While final decisions on project funding will rest with the LCDC/LAG, the LEADER programme in Donegal is being administered by four Implementing Partners and Expressions of Interest/Applications should be made to the respective geographical partner. These organisations will provide advice and support at a local level to groups and individuals seeking to develop projects.
The four Implementing Partners manage separate LEADER funding Lots across County Donegal, and develop projects and animate related actions associated with the implementation of the LDS. They carry out all work from the issuing of calls for proposals up to, and including, submitting project recommendations to the LAG for approval.
The four Implementing Partners in Donegal are:
- Comhar na nOileán: established in 2007 and provides a support structure to promote island development and sustainability using creative and innovative approaches to counter the effects of geographical, economic, social and cultural marginalisation. https://oileain.ie/
- Donegal Local Development Company (DLDC): administered the LEADER programme since 1995 across central Donegal. https://dldc.org/programme/rural-development-leader/
- Inishowen Development Partnership (IDP): successfully delivered LEADER programmes in the Inishowen peninsula since 1996. https://inishowen.ie/leader/
- Údarás na Gaeltachta: over 30 years’ experience in supporting the delivery of the LEADER programme within the Gaeltacht area. https://udaras.ie/en/community/leader-programme/
