Waterford Leader allocated €2,222,644
Local Groups urged to apply for funding immediately
Ground-Up approach of LEADER a key plank of ‘Our Rural Future’
Waterford Fine Gael Senator John Cummins has warmly welcomed the allocation of €2,222,644 to Waterford by Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys, T.D. as part of the €70 million Transitional LEADER programme for the period 2021-2022.
Under the programme €65 million is being allocated nationally to support locally-led rural development projects across the 29 Local Action Groups (LAGs). €3 million is being allocated to support the LEADER Co-operation measure which encourages rural areas to work together on collaborative projects and €2 million will be allocated to prepare for the next LEADER Programme.
Senator Cummins said “Last week my colleague Minister Humphreys launched “Our Rural Future”, the Government’s ambitious new policy for the development of rural Ireland. Every Town, Village and Parish is different and that means the people best placed to effect change in their communities are the people who live there and that is why one-size-fits all approaches in the main do not work. LEADER has always been about a ground up, community led approach and that is why this new €70million fund is so welcome.
He added “Waterford LEADER has delivered many projects in communities across Waterford over the years. This funding will add to that work and support locally-led projects which focus on many of the key themes of Our Rural Future such as building capacity and empowering local communities, embracing opportunities in the green economy, supporting remote working and the digital transformation, developing our outdoor amenities and creating jobs in rural areas.”
Minister Humphreys said “The new programme is now open for applications and I would encourage communities and local enterprises who wish to avail of funding to make contact with their Local Development Company to discuss how the LEADER Programme can assist their plans.
“If the pandemic has taught us anything it is to think outside the box so if you have an innovative idea that can make a real difference in your community then pick up the phone and contact your local LEADER Company today.
Contact details for Waterford LEADER Partnership CLG are 058- 54646 or info@wlp.ie