Applications Invited for Local Enhancement Programme 2026

• €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’

In December, 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, 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.”

LEP 2026 Funding allocation for each Local Authority area

The Local Enhancement Programme

The Local Enhancement Programme (LEP) provides funding to support community groups across Ireland. The LEP is funded by the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht (the Department) and administered by the Local Community Development Committees (LCDCs) in each Local Authority area. The Department provides funding to each Local Authority area and the LCDCs then administer this funding locally to ensure funding is targeted appropriately towards addressing disadvantage in the areas that need it most.

This funding is targeted towards supporting communities that are impacted by disadvantage as identified in the LECP. The funding has been allocated by providing a baseline amount to each Local Authority and allocating the remainder based on the population and disadvantage level in each Local Authority area. Groups will be able to use the funding to carry out necessary repairs and improvements to their facilities, purchase equipment e.g. tables and chairs, tools and signage, ICT equipment, and lawnmowers.

The Department has recommended that LCDCs ring-fence 30% of the funding to provide small capital grants of €1,000 or less. Ring-fencing funding at this level will allow a larger volume of those with limited resources to receive funding. The programme can also fund or partially fund larger scale projects to address disadvantage.

It is important to note that other agencies and departments also invest in disadvantaged areas. The LEP will operate in a complementary manner to add value to other front-line schemes and programmes being operated in communities.

Applications for funding can be made to the relevant Council or LCDC. 

Contact details for County Councils are available here.

Contact details for LCDCs are available at this address.

Please contact your Local Authority for specific deadline for applications.