Boost to sustainable rural development for community led projects in South and West Cork
(11 May) Today marks the announcement of fourteen LEADER projects in communities overseen by SECAD Partnership CLG across South and West Cork.
The fourteen projects awarded funding were identified as most in need of support under the LEADER programme 2014-2020 which is co-funded by the EU and the Irish government. LEADER supports rural development projects and initiatives under the key themes of Economic Development, Social Inclusion and Rural Environment.
South & West Cork LCDC/LAGs (Committees of Cork County Council) are responsible for the approval of projects under the LEADER Programme. Working in partnership with SECAD Cork County LCDCs/LAGs are delighted to see these projects come to fruition.
As an Implementing Partner of the LEADER programme, SECAD Partnership has supported project promoters in each local community to ensure project ambitions are realised for the benefit of rural communities.
Finbarr Harrington, Chair of the West Cork LCDC said ‘’We are delighted to announce the funding for these community led projects today, projects that have great potential to promote sustainable development for rural communities across County Cork
Ryan Howard, CEO of SECAD said ‘’SECAD Partnership uses a ‘bottom-up’ or community-led local development approach to bring about positive change in rural areas through training and up-skilling in communities and in supporting individuals, businesses and communities to access the required funds for their business / development projects. The LEADER award of €380,000 to local communities will have a positive spin off for the rural economy and will result in an overall investment of close to €750,000 across those areas.
‘’We are committed to keeping up this pace of allocating funds for eligible projects in the remaining half of 2018, so I would encourage anyone with new ideas to contact SECAD and other Local Development Companies across the area to develop those project ideas’’ said Michael Hegarty, Chair of the South Cork LCDC.
LEADER is financed through the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development will bring a total of €250 million worth of grant aid to rural Ireland from 2014-2020 of which €13.9M has been allocated to Cork County. Individuals, businesses, social enterprises and community groups are eligible and invited to apply for LEADER funding.
West Cork: LEADER Projects
A Taste of West Cork Food Festival
Art installation to promote West Cork food
This project envisions the installation of five giant stainless-steel sculptures representing kitchen utensils to promote the annual West Cork Food Festival. These sculptures will be placed in key locations across West Cork along the Wild Atlantic Way in the lead up to the festival.
Ballinadee Community Hall, Co. Cork
Renovation of Ballinadee Community Hall
Similar to many rural areas, Ballinadee has suffered from rural isolation and decline in recent years. The renovation of the hall marks a new departure in the provision of a social space for all ages in the community. It is fulfilling the most basic need of all; the need to feel part of a community.
Darrara Muintir na Tire Community Council, Ballymacwilliam, Clonakilty, Co. Cork
External works at Community Centre
This capital expenditure project aims to complete the area external to the Community Centre refurbished in 2013, including completion of safe, well- lit car parking facilities, repairs to the boundary stone wall and conversion of an external toilet to a storage shed. These works should enhance the community centre and facilitate additional usage of the centre.
Drinagh Community Association, Co. Cork
Redevelopment of outdoor recreation complex
Drinagh Community Association has undertaken to upgrade and existing tennis and basketball court complex as well as the installation of an outdoor gym lighting for use all year round. This development will provide both young and old in the community with recreational facilities.
Saile Sports & Community Centre Kinsale, Co. Cork
Installation of a lift
The installation of lift access to upstairs rooms will maximise the utilisation of the recently upgraded facility. It will benefit the wider community and assist in maintaining a vibrant, socially engaged and inclusive community.
Tracton Arts and Community Centre Knocknamanagh, Minane Bridge, Co. Cork
Upgrade the external area of the centre
This project will include upgrading the entry way road surface, paving and the provision of a marked carpark to make the facility more accessible and safer for all to use. It will also develop sheltered seating and an outdoor gathering space. These works will maximise the utilisation of the recently upgraded facility and help to benefit of the wider community.