The LEADER Programme in the Ballyhoura Development area has the potential to support local and community projects across a diverse range of themes including; rural tourism, enterprise development, rural towns, access to broadband, basic services targeted at hard-to-reach communities, rural youth, protection and sustainable use of water resources, protection and improvement of local biodiversity, and development of renewable energy.   

Currently, there are three Funding Calls open and applicants with project ideas are invited to submit a LEADER Expression of Interest form.  All Expressions of Interest received will be assessed, and if the project idea is eligible for funding and in line with the LEADER funding criteria, you will be invited to submit a full application.  

Apply for LEADER Funding

• Call 1 – Economic Development, Enterprise & Job Creation (rolling call)  
• Call 2 – Social Inclusion (rolling call)  
• Call 3 – Rural Environment (rolling call)  

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Transitional LEADER Programme 2021

Please note the current LEADER Programme is now fully allocated however the new Transitional LEADER Programme has been announced in January 2021.

Projects approved from April 1st 2021 will be eligible to avail of funds through the Transitional LEADER Programme. There is no change to the process as outlined above.

The priorities of the Transitional LEADER Programme are as follows: 

• Supports to rural businesses seeking to reach new markets, expand, innovate and/or diversify in response to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and/or Brexit, with a particular emphasis on providing support to businesses in the food sector.
• Community-based projects that seek to address the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Supports and capacity building for communities that have not previously received assistance under LEADER or other rural programmes, engage directly with new applicants to develop projects and enhance collaboration within communities.
• Support for new and innovative projects in the areas of climate change, environmental protection and the green economy.
• Maximising the potential of broadband and the digital economy in communities, including through skills development and building awareness and usage of available remote working facilities.

To discuss your project idea or proposal, or to find out how you, your community, or your business could benefit from opportunities available through LEADER by contacting your local development officer.

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You can view some of our LEADER Project Stories here:

Our LEADER Project Stories

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