LEADER funding through the Sligo LEADER Partnership supports rural development in County Sligo, Ireland. The program provides financial assistance to projects aimed at improving economic, social, and environmental conditions in rural areas. Key areas of focus include enterprise development, social inclusion, and the enhancement of rural infrastructure and services. Funding is available to community groups, businesses, and individuals for innovative and sustainable projects. The goal is to foster vibrant, sustainable rural communities with improved quality of life.
What is LEADER?
What is LEADER? (Rural Development Programme 2024-2027)
Since its launch in 1991, LEADER has provided rural communities in Sligo with the resources to actively direct the local development in their areas, villages and small towns though community led local development. Over the three decades of its existence, the programmes had supported the development of a wide range of innovative and sustainable projects that have brough increased jobs and vibrancy and sustainability to rural communities across the EU.
LEADER is a community led approach to rural development funded through Irelands CAP Strategic Plan 2023-2027. It is financed by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD). Sligo LEADER Partnership are Implementing Partners with Sligo County Council (Financial Partners) and Sligo LCDC (LAG).
LEADER Themes and Sub Themes
The new round of LEADER Themes are reflective of the key challenges and opportunities facing rural Ireland today. Each theme is given further definition through a number of sub themes, which reflect the key areas that require the most support, and have the greatest potential to promote sustainable development in rural communities.
What types of Projects are eligible for funding?
The LEADER Programme supports a broad range of community and non-mainstream enterprise projects. Some activities and sectors are not eligible for funding under the programme.
| Eligible Costs | Ineligible Sectors & Activities ( A sample list) |
|
· Construction or upgrading of immovable property · Purchase of specialised machinery and equipment · Marketing materials and activities · Feasibility Studies and Analysis & Development costs. |
· Primary Agriculture:
· Primary Horticulture (including bee-keeping): · Fisheries · Conventional retail operations · Schools and colleges, Montessori’s and Creches. · Research bodies · Loans · Residential property’s including B&B’s that are part of a private residence · Working capital (including stock) and/or Operational Costs of Project Promoters – salary/overheads etc. · Insurance · Statutory fines and penalties, criminal fines and damages. · Statutory & Legal Costs · Planning application fees · Reclaimable VAT. · All motor vehicles including trailers to transport same · General maintenance works of public bodies and/or Works that normally come within the remit of Local Authorities and/or is included in the development plan of a Local Authority. · Childcare. · Health Care & Health Care equipment · Nursing homes. · Housing. |
Rates of Aid Available
| Rates and Levels of Aid | ||||
| Proposed Activity | Measure | Applicant Type | Maximum Rate of Aid | Maximum Funding |
| Capital, Equipment & Marketing | Community & Environment | Community | 75% | €200,000 |
| Capital, Equipment & Marketing | Enterprise Development | Private & Community | 75% | €75,000 |
| Training | All Measures | Private & Community | Up to Maximum of 100% | €200,000 |
| Analysis & Development | All Measures | Private & Community | Up to a maximum of 90% | €30,000 |
How to Apply for Grant Aid?
First Step – make contact with our Project development Officers, who will provide you with valuable advice, guidance and support to help you identify if the LEADER Programme is the solution for you. Please see Step by Step Guide below:
Additional Considerations
Key things to consider when applying to LEADER whether you are a community group, social enterprise or private promoter. Local Development Strategy (LDS) All projects funded under LEADER must be in line with the programme Operating Rules, Themes and Sub-Themes, and the LDS. The LDS was devised in consultation with local communities and stakeholders throughout County Sligo and sets out a number of priority objectives and strategic actions for the delivery of the LEADER Programme in Sligo.
State Aid & De Minimis
Has your group/organisation/enterprise received public funding in the past 3 years? This may deem you ineligible for LEADER funding. Under State Aid Rules, you cannot receive grant aid of more than €300,000 in a three year period if your project involves economic activity.
Displacement
Take a look at your local community. Are there other similar projects in existence? Would your project take away from these projects/services or result in the closure or loss of business for another enterprise? Remember your product/service does not need to be identical to activities already in existence to result in displacement.
Deadweight
Do you really need the funding? If you have the finance to fund the project yourself then you will not be eligible to apply for LEADER funding. Innovation Projects should demonstrate new innovative ideas which show a degree of new thinking and originality to the community
Matching Funding
Can you source funding from a private or public source which is not an EU funding source e.g. County Council funding? Please note only community bodies can use match funding from a public source. 5% Rule – You must contribute at least 5% cash to the overall cost of the project.
Bridging Finance
As grant aid is paid retrospectively, you will need to organise bridging finance for the project. This could be from a financial institution such as a Credit Union or Bank. Community bodies may apply to Clann Credo, Community Finance Ireland or Western Development Commission for bridging loans.
Public Procurement
As LEADER is public funding, applicants to the LEADER programme will need to obtain quotes for the project costs in line with Public Procurement rules. Depending on the scale of your project, you may need to advertise the contract on the e-tenders website. A summary of the public procurement thresholds is available upon request.
Planning Permission
Generally, planning permission is required for any development of land or property. Documentary evidence confirming that planning permission has been granted by Sligo County Council must be provided at Application Stage. If the development is exempt from planning permission, evidence of same must also be provided from Sligo County Council.
Title Leasehold
If you are applying for funding for the development of land or property, you must provide proof of ownership. In the case of owned land/buildings – a recently certified copy (by solicitor) of the Folio/Stamped Deed of Conveyance and map, showing you as owner or a letter and map from your solicitor certifying ownership. In the case of Leasehold, certified signed documentation outlining lease details (at least 6 years) and appropriately witnessed must be provided.
Previous LEADER Funded Projects
Previous LEADER Funded Projects
Click here
Find out more
If you would like to discuss your idea further or wish to submit an Expression of Interest, please contact a member of our Rural Development Programme Team:
Email: leader@sligoleader.com
Phone: 071 91 41138
