Galway’s LEADER Programme for the municipal districts of Athenry, Ballinasloe, Loughrea and Tuam is now to open to accept ‘Expressions of Interest’. Community groups, individuals – and new and existing businesses are being invited to find out more about the application process.

LEADER 2023-2027 will be delivered in East Galway by Galway Rural Development who will be focusing on three main areas – ‘economic development and job creation’, ‘rural infrastructure and social inclusion’, and ‘sustainable development and climate change mitigation and adaptation’.

“We encourage communities and enterprises across East Galway to work with us and ensure that they, and LEADER, can continue to deliver projects and initiatives that are directly linked to their local needs and priorities,” said LEADER Team Leader Conor Carty.

“While it’s certainly not the budget we hoped for, I know that the team will work to maximise the impact of LEADER over the next four years. From Smart Villages to economic development initiatives and rural infrastructure, we are focused on delivering the best programme possible,” he added.

LEADER is a rural development programme co-funded by the EU which operates a locally led, bottom-up, approach to meeting the needs of rural communities and businesses. The 2023-27 LEADER funding allocation for East Galway is €4.1million.

Chairperson Cllr Pete Roche said that GRD was fully committed to the LEADER approach.

“This involves the participation of communities in developing responses to economic, environmental, and social challenges. It is also fitting that this launch coincides with our 30th anniversary,” he said.

“LEADER is open to community and voluntary groups, private individuals, and small to medium enterprises across East Galway. LEADER can offer grant aid to projects which promote the quality of life and economic opportunities under the approved Local Development Strategy,” he added.

A special video and accompanying booklet on the new programme were also launched, as GRD commemorate the 30th anniversary of their establishment. Those looking for more information on the new programme can email leader@grd.ie.

Pictured: GRD CEO Steve Dolan and chairperson Cllr Pete Roche, with Team Leaders Mary Claire Brennan and Conor Carty at the new LEADER programme launch.