The LEADER Programme 2023 -2027 aims to improve the quality of life in rural areas and to encourage diversification of the rural economy. Under the current programme, local projects may be funded under three LEADER themes and nine sub-themes as shown below
Theme 1: Economic Development and Job Creation
Sub Themes:
- The Green Economy
- Agricultural Diversification
- Rural Tourism and Recreation
- Enterprise Development
- Rural Food Production
- Social, Community and Cooperative Enterprise
Theme 2: Rural Infrastructure and Social Inclusion
Sub Themes:
- Rural Infrastructure
- Accessible Services
- Rural Youth Support
Theme 3: Sustainable Development of Rural Environment and Climate Change
Sub Themes:
- Sustainable Development of Rural environment
- Climate Change Capacity Building & Reversing Biodiversity Loss
- Adapting to & Mitigation of Climate Change
The programme operates on the basis of two types of Calls:
- Targeted Calls: Targeted periodic Calls for Expression of Interest/Applications are issued to ensure that funding is targeted where it most delivers value, are awarded based on comparative assessment and secures equal opportunities for potential applicants.
- Rolling Calls: Applications are accepted on a “first come, first served” basis.
How it Works:
An eligibility assessment of your idea is conducted by the Rural Development Officer. This can be conducted via telephone. If the project is eligible in principle the applicant is invited to make a formal application for funding. Applicants are invited to engage with LEADER 2023-27 programme staff in completing and returning applications in line with the requirements as set out in each particular LEADER Funding Call and the LEADER Operation Rules. Please note the timeline for approval of projects will be significantly longer than under previous programmes. If the project is successful and the applicant is issued with a contract, the grant funded works can only commence after the signing of the grant award contract.
Tipperary Local and Community Development Committee (LCDC) is the Local Action Group (LAG) for County Tipperary and is responsible for the management of the LEADER Local Development Strategy (LDS) in the county. North Tipperary Development Company CLG is its implementation partner in the North Tipperary area and will deliver the majority of project and animation related actions associated with the implementation of the LDS including managing calls for proposals. Tipperary County Council are the financial partner and secretariat.
Expressions of Interest & Application Forms can be requested from lmckeogh@ntdc.ie or by calling 067 56676
LEADER TARGETED CALL – ENHANCING TIPPERARY’S ENVIRONMENT 2024
Overview
Funding is available through the LEADER Programme for community groups and social enterprises to carry out projects which will contribute to enhancing Co. Tipperary’s environment. Eligible projects will address one or more of the following:
- improve our biodiversity;
- restore and develop habitats;
- improve water quality on lakes, rivers and streams, and conserve water resources;
- facilitate energy conservation and renewable energy initiatives.
Total Budget Available: €300,000
Minimum grant per project: €5,000 Maximum grant per project €50,000
This is a competitive call for projects across Tipperary. Projects will be evaluated by a county wide independent evaluation committee, and the final decision on funding will be made by the Tipperary Local Community Development Committee.
Who can apply?
Community and voluntary organisations and social enterprises are entitled to apply. Individuals, public bodies, or for-profit businesses are not eligible.
Rates of Grant Aid available:
| Type of Project | Grant aid
|
| Capital Projects eg equipment, works etc | Up to 75%, Maximum €50,000 |
| Analysis and Development / Audits / Feasibility Studies. | Up to 90%, Maximum €30,000 |
| Training Projects | Up to 100%, Maximum 50,000 |
Types of Projects
Potential project areas which could be funded under this theme include:
- Development of community environmental, habitat restoration and improvement projects, leading to enhanced biodiversity on land and/or water.
- Development of Community Gardens, Allotments / Grow-it-Yourself initiatives operating on high nature value principles, with priority given to disadvantaged areas.
- Feasibility and technical studies and action plans for biodiversity, water conservation and quality on lakes and river catchments, energy conservation or renewable energy.
- Feasibility and technical studies relating to green technologies for communities and social enterprises.
- Community-based renewable energy production models, e.g., solar PV, biomass, anaerobic digestion, community wind and hydro generation and community-based district energy schemes, and support for local supply chain development, particularly for biomass and forestry residue.
- Supports for energy efficiency and carbon reduction measures in community facilities, including retrofitting, renewable energy, electric car charging points, bike racks and storage to facilitate active travel etc.
- Supports for waste reduction, upcycling, circular economy etc.,
However, this is not exhaustive and we welcome all project ideas that contribute to the theme.
Application Process
You should first complete a short Expression of Interest (EOI) form outlining your project idea. To download the form click on appropriate link below.
South Tipperary Development CLG (STDC) https://stdc.ie/rural-development-programme-leader/
North Tipperary Development CLG (NTDC) NTDC Expression of Interest Form 2024
This must be submitted by 5pm on Wednesday 18/12/2024 to STDC or NTDC depending on where you are located in Tipperary.
Projects in the Municipal Districts of Cashel/Tipperary/Cahir, Carrick on Suir, and Clonmel Borough District should apply to STDC, while those in the Municipal Districts of Thurles and Nenagh should apply to NTDC.
Development Officers in South Tipperary Development CLG (STDC) and North Tipperary Development CLG (NTDC) are available to advise and assist in the process.
An Expression of Interest just needs some brief information about you, your project idea, the approximate cost and how you would fund the part which is not grant aided. For example, if your project was to be grant aided at 75%, it would need to show that you could fund the other 25% (from your own resources / loan etc).
If your EOI is deemed eligible you will be invited to submit a full application with more detailed information by 28/02/2024 (indicative date). Each project differs, and STDC / NTDC can discuss your specific requirements with you. However, in general you would need information about who is applying for funding, including accounts, tax clearance, track record, planning if required, quotations for the work in line with public procurement guidelines and any development or business plans you may have etc.
Further information
Please contact one of the project development officers for an informal discussion. Detailed information about the LEADER programme is available on the websites below.
North Tipperary Development Company on 067-56676 www.ntdc.ie Email: lmckeogh@ntdc.ie
South Tipperary Development CLG on 052-7442652 www.stdc.ie Email: rdp@stdc.ie
