LEADER
What is LEADER?
Since its inception in 1991, LEADER has provided grants to rural Ireland to direct economic and social development through community-led local development. The Department of Rural and Community Development (DRCD) is responsible for administering the LEADER Programme. Funded through Ireland’s CAP Strategic Plan (CSP) 2023-2027, the current LEADER Programme budget provides €180 million in financial grant aid.
2023-2027 LEADER Programme grant support is available in rural areas under the following themes:
- Economic Development and Job Creation
- Rural Infrastructure and Social Inclusion
- Sustainable Development of Rural Environment and Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation
For more information on the wider CSP see the Summary of Ireland’s CAP Strategic Plan 2023 – 2027 document.
LEADER Concept:
The LEADER Programme is based on the ‘bottom-up’ approach to rural development which empowers local communities to actively participate in decisions affecting their area.
7 Key Principles of LEADER:
The LEADER approach to rural development is based on 7 key principles which guide the practice of community-led local development. The principles complement each other and should positively interact for successful LEADER Programme implementation. They are deeply connected and work together to safeguard and build a brighter future for rural communities.
For more information, you can view a report based on the outputs of the EU CAP Network CAP Implementation Contact Point’s 2022 Thematic Group on Making the seven LEADER principles work in practice for all LAGs under the CAP Strategic Plans.
Key LEADER Publications:
LEADER Themes and Sub-Themes:
The 2023-2027 LEADER Programme incorporates three themes that reflect the overarching needs of rural Ireland. Each theme contains a number of sub-themes. They are considered the key areas in need of support with the greatest potential to promote the sustainable development of rural Ireland.
Theme 1:
Economic Development and Job Creation
Sub-themes include:Â
- The Green EconomyÂ
- Agricultural DiversificationÂ
- Rural Tourism & RecreationÂ
- Enterprise DevelopmentÂ
- Rural Food ProductionÂ
- Social, Community & Cooperative Enterprises
Theme 2:
Rural Infrastructure and Social Inclusion
Sub-themes include:Â
- Rural InfrastructureÂ
- Accessible ServicesÂ
- Optimising Digital ConnectivityÂ
- Rural Youth
Theme 3:
Sustainable Development of Rural Environment and Climate Change Mitigation
Sub-themes include:Â
- Sustainable Development of Rural EnvironmentÂ
- Climate Change Capacity BuildingÂ
- Climate Change Mitigation and Adaption
Local Action Group (LAGs) and Implementing Partners (IPs):
Decisions on LEADER funding are made at a local level by a network of Local Action Groups (LAGs).
LAGs work within a defined sub-regional geographic area and are made up of both public and private local community members, including representatives from local government, businesses, non-profit organisations, and community groups. The collaboration of these stakeholders is crucial for identifying the unique needs of an area. A community-led Local Development Strategy provides the framework within which decisions are made.
Prospective LEADER applicants should contact their LAGÂ through its Implementing Partner (where applicable) to register an expression of interest and discuss the eligibility of a project proposal and the funding that may be available. Locate your LAG here.
Learn More:Â
– Previously Funded LEADER Projects
Looking for inspiration? Check out an extensive list of projects funded under the 2014-2022 LEADER Programme up to the end of December 2023 throughout rural Ireland on the Department of Rural and Community Development website.
– Useful EU Resources
A range of useful LEADER resources and materials can be found on the EU CAP Network website, and the EU Commission website.Â
LEADER News

Dublin Rural Farmers Meeting
Dublin Rural LEADER, in collaboration with Teagasc, invites you to a special information evening...

Community Groups Awarded LEADER funding in Co. Wexford
Wexford Local Development recently announced the allocation of €402,840 towards the costs of...

March 2025 EU CAP Network LEADER Newsletter
The latest edition of the EU CAP Network’s LEADER newsletter is now available. This publication...
Glossary of Terms
LEADER Case Studies
Check back soon for 2023-2027 LEADER programme case studies.