On 21 May, CAP Network Ireland, in collaboration with the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht (DRCDG), hosted the third in a series of LEADER capacity building workshops in Tullamore. The workshop focused on strengthening the delivery of the LEADER Programme and exploring opportunities in the areas of climate action and agricultural diversification.
The event brought together key stakeholders, such as Managers and Project Officers from Local Action Groups (LAGs), along with Implementing Partners (IPs), all of whom play an important role in delivering the LEADER Programme across rural Ireland.
Following feedback from previous workshops, this event was expanded to include both morning and afternoon sessions.
Climate Action Focus
The morning session opened with an update on the 2023–2027 LEADER Programme from Marie Duffy of the DRCDG. This was followed by a series of presentations highlighting opportunities within the 2023-2027 LEADER programme to address climate action.
Oliver Wynne of Leitrim County Council outlined a range of climate initiatives currently underway in the county, including exciting plans for a Wetlands Ecology Park in Carrick-on-Shannon aimed at helping to mitigate flooding events.
John Toland of Cavan County Local Development introduced the Climate Change Training Initiative, which has engaged a broad range of stakeholders across County Cavan.
Siobhan Normoyle of Clare Local Development Company presented the Lahinch Seaworld Renewable Energy Project, which transitioned from heavy oil usage and high energy costs to more sustainable energy solutions, including a ground-source heat pump and solar panels. The project has achieved a significant reduction in carbon emissions.
The presentations were followed by a networking and brainstorming session, giving participants an opportunity to discuss successful LEADER-supported climate action projects, and explore challenges and potential solutions.
Agricultural Diversification Focus
The afternoon session focused on the role of LEADER in supporting agricultural diversification.
Susan Bookle of Kildare County Council, alongside James O’Dwyer of the Kildare Agri Tourism Glamping and Cycling Project, shared this innovative example of farm diversification in practice supported by LEADER funding. The project involved the development of three chalets, which began welcoming guests last year.
Bernard Doorley of Teagasc explored a broad range of topics related to farm diversification and rural tourism. He highlighted Teagasc research centres, innovation hubs, and information resources, while discussing the psychological and social factors that build leadership for innovation and progress.
Mary Stack of NEWKD, presented engaging video footage from the Bainne Blasta project, which benefited from LEADER funding to support an on-farm fresh milk vending machine business.
Alistair Prior of the EU CAP Network presented research findings on farm diversification from across EU Member States. He identified key challenges facing diversified agri-businesses, including market access, labour shortages, and financial risk. The research also highlighted that diversification initiatives across Europe are increasingly being led by young women. A recent EU CAP Network Thematic Group identified novel ideas for addressing the challenges and barriers to successful diversified agri-business development.
The session concluded with an interactive group activity where participants were asked to map where LEADER fits within Ireland’s agricultural diversification ecosystem by identifying key stakeholders in this space.
Further Information
A summary report outlining the key findings from the workshop will be published soon.
The full workshop agenda is available here. For more information on LEADER, visit the dedicated LEADER section of the CAP Network Ireland website.
Presentations and a gallery of images from the event are available below.
Opening Presentation
LEADER and Climate Action
- Thematic Introduction - Oliver Wynne, Leitrim County Council
- Climate Change Training Initiative - John Toland, Cavan County Local Development
- Lahinch Seaworld Renewable Energy Project - Siobhan Normoyle, Clare Local Development Company
LEADER and Agricultural Diversification
- Thematic Introduction - Bernard Doorley, Teagasc
- EU Insights on LEADER & Agricultural Diversification - Alistair Prior, EU CAP Network
- Kildare Agri Tourism Glamping and Cycling project - Susan Bookle, Kildare LCDC and James O Dwyer, Promoter
Image Gallery
