Local Enhancement Programme 2026

Local Enhancement Programme (LEP) 2026

To apply, please click this link: Apply for LEP 2026 by clicking here  

Longford Local Community Development Committee (LCDC) invites applications from community groups for funding under the Local Enhancement Programme (LEP) 2026.

The LEP 2026 is funded by the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht. Please see the following link to the press release announcing the Local Enhancement Programme 2026 at national level, by the 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. Read the press release by clicking this link.

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

Who is eligible to apply?

Any not-for-profit community or voluntary group can apply.

Target groups

This funding is targeted towards supporting communities that are impacted by disadvantage as identified in the County Longford Local Economic and Community Plan 2023 - 2029 (LECP) which you access by clicking this link.

What level of funding is available?

• €152,826.93 Capital funding for use towards carrying out necessary repairs and improvements to facilities, energy efficiency type projects, purchase of equipment etc.
• The Department has recommended that LCDCs ring-fence 30% 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 some funding.
• The programme can also fund or partially fund larger scale projects to address disadvantage.  
• If the Programme is oversubscribed, all applications fulfilling the conditions may not be successful or offers of funding may be for a lesser amount than that sought by the applicant.
• In deciding the final allocations of funding to projects, the LCDC may take account of a number of factors including geographical balance and the desirability to fund a variety of different projects and the relative disadvantage of the area where the facility is located (or will serve).

• For further details including selection criteria you can access the application guidelines by clicking this link

How to Apply

The Local Enhancement Programme is being administered using an online application.

Online applications must be completed by the chairperson, secretary, or treasurer of the community group. You are advised to start your online application as soon as possible. You do not have to complete it all in the one go, you can pause and save it in draft format at any time. When you have completed your application form, you can then submit it. 

Before starting your application, you should: 

• Familiarise yourself with the Terms and Conditions by clicking this link and the Application Guidelines can be found at this link 
• Have your Tax Reference Number (TRN) ready. If your Community Group does do not have a TRN yet, please see the TR3 form by clicking this link here
  (NOTE - A TRN is required by Longford County Council to verify tax clearance status if applicable and will also be used when submitting returns to Revenue as required)
• Register with Longford Public Participation Network by clicking this link
• If your contract is less than €5000.00 ONE quotation must be uploaded
• If your contract is more than €5000.00 THREE quotations must be uploaded
• You can pause and save your online application form in draft format any time prior to pressing the ‘submit’ button
• INCOMPLETE APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED

Further information

For any queries, please email LEP@longfordcoco.ie  or call: (043) 3343 472 / 3343 307

Data Privacy 

The purpose of processing personal data collected on this application form is to assist Longford LCDC/Longford County Council manage and administer your application. We process this Personal Data under Article (6)(1)(b) of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR),” processing is necessary for the performance of the contract to which that data subject is party”.

Further information on how Longford County Council process your personal data and your rights can be found on our Privacy Statement available on our website which you can access by clicking this link.