LEADER is an EU-funded initiative aimed at supporting rural development projects across Europe. The name “LEADER” stands for “Liaison Entre Actions de Développement de l’Économie Rurale” in French, which translates to “Links Between Actions for the Development of the Rural Economy.”
LEADER operates through a bottom-up approach, focusing on supporting innovative projects that contribute to the sustainable development of rural communities, including initiatives related to agriculture, tourism, environment, social inclusion, and cultural heritage. LEADER funding can be used for a wide range of activities, such as infrastructure improvements, capacity building, business development, and community services.
Do you have a project in South Cork? Contact us and who knows, LEADER can help!
West Cork LEADER Footprint
Your Local Development Company
In West Cork there are three Local Development Companies, known as an Implementing Partners, who work in partnership with Cork County Council namely; Avondhu Blackwater Partnership CLG, Comhar na nOileán CTR and SECAD Partnership CLG.
Contact the relevant Implementing Partner below for an Expression of Interest and they will guide you through the LEADER process.
Avondhu Blackwater Partnership
The Mill,
Castletownroche,
Co. Cork.
P51 F9PX
022 46580
info@avondhublackwater.com
Comhar na nOileán
Comhar na nOileán CTR,
Inis Oírr,
Oileáin Árann,
Co. na Gaillimhe.
H91 D27X
099 75096
fios@oileain.ie
SECAD Partnership CLG
Community Enterprise Centre,
Owenacurra Business Park,
Knockgriffin,
Midleton,
Co. Cork
P25 Y893
021 461 3432
info@secad.ie
LEADER Themes
Economic Development & Job Creation
Theme One focuses on the need to support the development of the rural economy which has been identified as a focus for rural development. This is demonstrated by driving continued local economic development, including diversification of the rural economy and the creation of employment opportunities for the local community, and disadvantaged groups.
RURAL INFRASTRUCTURE & SOCIAL INCLUSION
Rural Ireland is becoming increasingly diverse and it is important to embrace this diversity ensuring that future community development recognises the needs of all members of society through improving access for all, developing infrastructure, digital connectivity and providing services for young people in rural areas.
SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT & CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION & ADAPTATION
This theme seeks to maximise the potential of environmental actions to contribute to the sustainable development of rural communities. It focuses on utilising the landscape within a local area, its features and natural resources, while simultaneously creating a greater environmental awareness and improving environmental protection.
News
Hello world!
Testimonials
Amazing to think the transformation and repurposing this historic building has gone through and what a contribution it has made to the sustainability of tourism and employment on the Island, all made possible by the help from Comhar na nOileán, West Cork LAG, with funding from LEADER. We are so grateful for both
– Tim O Leary and Kathleen Swanton
LEADER funding has been highly instrumental in enabling the construction of a Walkway
around the perimeter of St Mary’s GAA pitch, Enniskeane, along with the installation of an
Astroturf Ball Wall. The Club greatly appreciates the funding which has secured the future
of these very important community services, by creating new opportunities for outdoor
recreation across all age cohorts and abilities, thereby, meaningfully contributing to holistic
and inclusive Community Wellness.
– St. Marys GAA
‘I was able to avail of LEADER funding in 2022 to build a barn for my social enterprise Hairy Henry Care Farm, near Bantry/West Cork. This was a complete game changer and a great addition to our existing farm set-up, as we now have a safe dry space to hold our therapeutic and educational sessions all year around, no matter what weather. Although the application process for the grant and the realisation of my project involved a lot of paperwork and was not all the way straight forward, I found it was very do-able, especially with the help of my local LEADER co ordinator. LEADER made it possible for me to bring my project to the next level where I can now offer professional accessible services in a suitable environment to my community.’
– Sandra Schmid, Hairy Henry
