WCD to host two LEADER funding events in October
Westmeath Community Development (WCD) have confirmed details of upcoming information sessions for the 2023-2027 LEADER programme, aimed at supporting community groups, private individuals, and enterprises in the county. The events will provide insights into the funding opportunities available for local development projects, WCD said in a statement.
The LEADER programme, a key initiative in rural development, has been running for more than 30 years and has contributed to the growth of rural economies, with a focus on job creation, economic development, and community sustainability.
The 2023-2027 LEADER programme is guided by the Local Development Strategy and will operate under three core themes: Economic Development and Job Creation; Rural Infrastructure and Social Inclusion; and Sustainable Development and Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation.
Funding under the new programme will be allocated to projects that align with one or more of the sub-themes under those categories, including the green economy, agricultural diversification, rural tourism, enterprise, social enterprises and food production, social inclusion and accessibility, and climate change adaptation.
The Local Community Development Committee are responsible for the delivery of the strategy, and stakeholders include Westmeath Community Development as the implementing partner and Westmeath County Council as the financial partner.
Event Details
Westmeath Community Development will host the following events: October 1, 7.30pm, Mullingar Park Hotel; October 2, 7.30pm, Radisson Blu Hotel Athlone. The sessions will provide an opportunity for attendees to learn about the objectives and goals of the 2023-2027 LEADER programme, as well as the process for applying for funding. Development officers from WCD will be available to discuss the funding criteria and answer any questions from attendees.
A spokesperson for WCD stated: "We look forward to introducing the new phase of the LEADER programme, which continues to play a vital role in driving positive change and development in Westmeath. Whether you’re a community group with a project idea, a private individual, or an enterprise looking for funding, we encourage you to attend these sessions to learn more about the opportunities available."
Funding Opportunities
The LEADER programme will offer a total of €4.275 million in funding for the 2023-2027 period. The LEADER 2014-2023 programme invested €7.1 million in Westmeath.
Projects examples include Mullingar Town Band, who received grant aid to refurbish the Bandhall, which is now widely used by the community.
Mullingar Equestrian centre received grant aid towards portable stables that enable them to now host larger national show jumping events and attract visitors to Mullingar. Mollie Moos, an award winning family-run pet farm and a growing visitor attraction close to Lough Ennell, received LEADER support for park upgrades to accommodate the changeable weather.
Athlone Boat Club extended their boat club on the banks of the Shannon in Athlone, and it has the capacity to host regattas and bring tourism to the town.
Hidden Heartland Tours received funding for a passenger boat to targets visitors who would like to explore by river the monastic sites of Clonmacnoise, Rindoon and St John’s Castle, Inchcleraun, a monastic site founded by St Diarmuid in 560 AD.