- €7 million fund to assist thousands of community groups across the country
- Local Enhancement Programme to focus on disadvantaged areas
- Supporting community groups a key focus of ‘Our Rural Future’
Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Dara Calleary TD, and Minister of State with responsibility for Community Development and Charities, Jerry Buttimer TD, have today (Friday, 5 December) announced €7 million in funding under the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht’s Local Enhancement Programme (LEP) 2026.
This funding will provide capital supports that are essential for many small community groups and organisations, particularly those who serve disadvantaged communities in rural and urban areas.
There will be a particular focus on small capital works/improvements, and the purchase of equipment for community use. The funding may be used for, but is not limited to; improving access for persons with a disability; enhancing community participation for disadvantaged and marginalised groups, and improving energy efficiency of community facilities to reduce ongoing costs.
The scheme is designed to ensure local priorities are identified and met, to improve and enhance community facilities for all. Funding will be available to a diverse range of community groups including, but not limited to, community centres, parish halls and local voluntary groups.
Minister Calleary said:
“Today, together with Minister Buttimer, I am delighted to announce a new round of funding of €7million for the Local Enhancement Programme. This funding that will support thousands of small but vital community groups across the country.
“Since becoming the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, I have had the pleasure of visiting many of these communities groups and have and felt the vibrancy that is exists within them. I really commend these community groups and their hard-working committees for their volunteerism and for providing valuable spaces that strengthen bonds and maintain the fabric of communities.
“Supporting local communities to shape their future is a key focus of the government’s current rural development policy, ‘Our Rural Future’. A consultation process is currently open to inform the development of the next iteration of this policy and I encourage people to share their views on what matters most for rural Ireland and its people.
“The LEP funding I am announcing today will benefit people in every single county across the country and will ensure that a wide range of important small scale, ground-up projects can be delivered to the areas that need them most, by committed people serving their local communities.
“I encourage all interested groups to get in touch with their Local Community Development Committee (LCDC) that administers the fund in their area.”
Also announcing the funding today on a visit to Páirc Uí Chaoimh in Cork, where both Cork City and County have been allocated over €500,000 in LEP funding in 2026, Minister Buttimer said:
“I am delighted to announce the latest iteration of the Local Enhancement Programme funding which will help our community groups to realise the ambitions they have to improve and enhance their facilities and equipment for the benefit of their communities. These groups are immensely proud of their areas and are committed to building resilient communities through services, resources, and facilities.
“It gives me great pleasure as Minister of State with responsibility for Community Development and Charities to be able to support community groups across Ireland in the fantastic work that they do on a daily basis.
“We can see by the fantastic work that has been completed here in Cork City that the LEP funding provided by my Department can deliver real tangible support to groups where they need it most.
“I also want to acknowledge the work of the local authorities who support communities throughout the year, fostering environments where people feel connected, supported, and empowered to thrive. We will continue to work together so that we can build strong, vibrant spaces for all members of our communities.”
LEP 2026 Funding allocation includes €217,741.96 for County Mayo.
Photo Caption: Ministers Calleary and Buttimer announce new €7 million Local Enhancement Programme 2026