LEADER Programme 2023-2027

Welcome to the LEADER (Liaisons Entre Actions de Developpement de l’ Economie Rurale i.e. Links Between Actions for the Development of the Rural Economy) Programme which has played a key role in the development of County Roscommon for over 30 years. Piloted in 1991, LEADER has become a mainstream source of funds for communities and businesses alike.

The LEADER Initiative was established by the European Commission as a method of activating and delivering rural development in local rural communities. LEADER uses a ‘bottom-up’ or ‘community-led local development’ (CLLD) approach to rural development.

Over the three decades of its existence, the LEADER 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 County Roscommon, Ireland and the wider EU.

Funding for projects under LEADER 2023-2027

The County Roscommon Local Development Strategy (LDS) is the plan for the delivery of the LEADER Programme 2023-2027 in Co. Roscommon. The LDS sets out the methodology for the delivery and implementation of the LEADER Programme in Co. Roscommon as well as the Programme Themes, Sub Themes, Local Objectives and Strategic Actions. All projects funded under the LEADER Programme 2023-2027 in County Roscommon must be in line with the objectives and actions of the LDS.

Who can apply for LEADER funding?

Businesses seeking to expand or diversity, business start-ups, including greening of business and food production.
Farmers and Farm Families looking to diversify into non-agricultural activities to supplement farm income.
Social Enterprises providing social and environmental services, products and supports, including community services.
Community and voluntary groups and organisations promoting social, cultural, historical and local recreation/amenity projects.

Rates of Aid

The following rates of aid are the maximum rate available. Please note that applicants who are approved LEADER funding may not receive the maximum rate of aid sought. The decision to award funding to projects, including the rate of aid, will be made by Roscommon LCDC.

LEADER funding is paid retrospectively, i.e. if approved LEADER grant aid, a promoter implements their project, pays for all work, equipment, etc. and submits a grant claim to draw down the LEADER grant. Any project activity commenced prior to the date of LEADER contract (Letter of Offer of Grant Aid) will be not be eligible for grant assistance.

Promoters must have adequate funds to cover bridging finance and any match funding element of their project.

Summary of Current Funding Ceilings and Support Rates

Type of Project	Applicant	Maximum Rate of Aid	Maximum Funding
Community Projects not involving Economic Activity	Community	Up to a maximum of 75%	€500,000
Community Projects involving Economic Activity	Community	Up to a maximum of 75%	€200,000
Investment and other supports (including promotion undertaken as part of the implementation of a project)	Private	Up to a maximum of 75%	€200,000
	Community	Up to a maximum of 75%
	Community under accessible services sub-theme targeted at hard to reach communities	Up to a maximum of 75%
Analysis and Development	Private	Up to a maximum of 90%	€30,000
Analysis and Development	Community	Up to a maximum of 90%	€30,000
Training	Private or Community	Up to a maximum of 100%	€200,000

Minimum Funding (Grant) Threshold

Roscommon LCDC will not approve funding of less than €5,000 for any project.

How to apply for LEADER funding

To apply for LEADER funding, complete an Expression of Interest form and email to leader@ridc.ie. If you wish to have an advance meeting to discuss your project concept and eligibility, please contact the appropriate Project Officer:

Municipal District	Staff	Phone	Email
Boyle	Tomás Beades	086 046 0176	tomas@ridc.ie
Athlone	Niamh Nolan	086 046 0046	niamhnolan@ridc.ie
Roscommon	Denise McDonnell	086 771 6574	denise@ridc.ie

If your Expression of Interest is deemed eligible in principle, you will be invited to submit a full application for LEADER funding.

For a full application to LEADER you must have the following where relevant

A completed LEADER Application Form;
Business/Marketing Plan with 5 year financial projections (for enterprises and social enterprises);
Planning Permission or an exemption from Planning Permission for any works;
Completed Public Procurement (Project Costs) using appropriate procurement guidelines;
Tax Clearance for Promoter
Proof of ownership/leasehold for the premises/site where works are to be carried out, including a map identifying the project location;
Proof of bridging and matching finance;
Proof of Vat Status from Revenue/ROS (where promoter cannot redeem the Vat portion of the project costs);
3-years Audited Accounts or Income & Expenditure as appropriate. Note that Abridged Accounts cannot be accepted;
3-months Bank Statements for ALL bank/financial institution accounts held by promoter(s);
Governing Documents (e.g. Group Constitution, Memorandum & Articles of Association, Co-Operative Rules, etc.);
Other supporting documentation identified by your Project Officer as required for your project.

Eligible and Ineligible for LEADER funding

All LEADER funding decisions are focused on achieving the objectives and priorities of the LDS. Projects are only eligible where they are in line with at least one of the LDS objectives.

Projects must also be located, in their entirety, within the Co. Roscommon Sub-Regional Area (i.e. the administrative area of Roscommon County Council, comprising the Municipal Areas of Athlone, Boyle and Roscommon).

Main Eligible Costs

Construction, acquisition or improvement of immovable property;
Purchase of machinery and equipment
Feasibility Studies (consultancy fees)

Main Ineligible Sectors and Activities

Primary Agriculture
Primary Horticulture (including bee-keeping)
Fisheries
Childcare
Schools, Colleges, Montessori Schools, Crèches
Health Care & Health Care equipment
Nursing Homes
Housing
Conventional retail operations
Working capital (including stock) and/or Operational Costs (salary/overheads)
The training provider cannot be a project promoter
Statutory fines and penalties, criminal fines and damages
Residential property including B&B’s that are part of a private residence
All motor vehicles including trailers to transport same
Statutory & Legal Costs
Loans
Insurance
Reclaimable VAT
Planning Application Fees
General maintenance works of Public Bodies and/or works that normally come within the remit of Local Authorities and/or are included in the development plan of a Local Authority

Note that this list is not exhaustive but captures the main Ineligible Sectors and Actions.

Delivery of LEADER 2023-2027 in County Roscommon

Roscommon Local Community Development Committee (LCDC) has responsibility for the overall delivery of LEADER 2023-2027 across the county, guided by a local development strategy. Roscommon LEADER Partnership is the Implement Partnership is the Implementation Partner.