What is LEADER?
LEADER is a Rural Development Programme (RDP). Since its launch in 1991, LEADER has provided rural communities across the European Union with the resources to enable local partners to actively engage and direct the local development of their area, through community-led local development. LEADER has awarded over €35m in grants to 1340 local enterprises and community groups in County Wexford since its inception.
LEADER is co-funded by the Irish government and the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD). In Ireland, the national LEADER budget for the period 2023 - 2027 is €180m, with a budget of €7.3m allocated to County Wexford.
Decisions on LEADER funding are made at a local level by a Local Action Group (LAG) through the framework of a Local Development Strategy (LDS). The LEADER programme and the LAG in County Wexford are administered by Wexford Local Development (WLD).
How to apply for LEADER Funding?
The LEADER programme accepts applications based on projects under the following themes:
Theme 1 - Economic Development and Job Creation
- The Green Economy
- Agricultural Diversification
- Rural Tourism & Recreation
- Enterprise Development
- Rural Food Production
- Social, Community & Cooperative Enterprises
Theme 2 - Rural Infrastructure & Social Inclusion
- Rural Infrastructure
- Accessible Services
- Optimising Digital Connectivity
- Rural Youth
Theme 3 - Sustainable Development of the Rural Environment and Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation
- Sustainable Development of the Rural Environment
- Climate Change Capacity Building
- Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation
Applications for LEADER funding, or requests for further information should be made to Wexford Local Development. Information on how to apply for the LEADER Programme, and how to contact WLD’s LEADER Team is available on WLD’s website:
2023-2027 LEADER Programme | Wexford Local Development (wld.ie)