The LEADER programme has been operating in Ireland and across EU Member States for over 30 years. Over the three decades of its existence, the programme has supported the development of a wide range of innovative and sustainable projects that have brought increased jobs and vibrancy to rural communities across the EU. Local Action Groups may provide financial support to community and voluntary groups and businesses to develop rural tourism, enterprise development, broadband and renewable energy projects to improve rural economies and the quality of life in rural areas.
The Local Action Group at present in Carlow, is the Carlow Local Community Development Committee (LCDC) and is delivering the LEADER Programme in partnership with Carlow County Development Partnership.
The LEADER Programme 2014 - 2020 and the Transitional LEADER Programme 2021-2022 is being wound up at present. Carlow LCDC in partnership with Carlow County Development Partnership CLG has prepared the new Local Development Strategy (LDS) for the new LEADER Programme 2023 - 2027 to support and promote economic development, social inclusion and the rural environment in designated rural areas. This was carried out through extensive consultations with all key stakeholders and the LDS was completed and submitted to the Department of Rural and Community Development in July 2023 and received initial approval in late August 2023. It is expected, that implementation of the LDS will start in the last Quarter of 2023.
https://www.gov.ie/en/policy-information/179274-leader-rural-development/