Longford Communities benefit from over €145,000 funding under LEP 2025

Communities throughout County Longford are set to benefit from over €145,000 in funding under the Local Enhancement Programme 2025.

Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Dara Calleary, and Minister of State with responsibility for Community Development and Charities, Jerry Buttimer, recently announced funding under the Local Enhancement Programme (LEP) 2025 with County Longford set to receive €145,186 to support 118 local community groups across the county. The allocation comprises of €123,354 in capital funding and €21,832 in operational cost support, aimed at enhancing local facilities, services and supports provided by voluntary and community organisations.

The Local Enhancement Programme 2025 was launched in November 2024 with funding of €7 million available, which included €1 million in current funding to support local groups with ongoing running costs. The funding also provides capital supports essential for the many small community groups and organisations, particularly those who serve disadvantaged areas in rural and urban areas. Almost 4,500 community organisations will receive funding, with a total of over 5,400 individual projects funded.

The Department of Rural and Community Development and Gaeltacht’s Local Enhancement Programme 2025 is administered by Local Community Development Committees, with support from the Local Authority, in each area.

Announcing the successful projects Minister Buttimer said: “The Local Enhancement Programme is about giving a helping hand to our local groups and clubs, who are the building blocks of Irish community life.

“Since my appointment I have had the pleasure of visiting many of the community groups that will benefit from grants under the LEP – although small in nature the value of the projects funded to the groups are considerable.

“With over 5000 projects approved the number of communities and people that these grants will benefit is vast.”

Minister Buttimer added: “The funding I am announcing will ensure that important work can continue to be delivered by communities on the ground and I’m delighted that every single county will benefit. This government is committed to supporting local communities to shape their future.

“I would like to thank each County Council and the Local Community Development Committees for their assistance in administering this fund.”

Also announcing the successful projects, Minister Dara Calleary said: “The Local Enhancement Programme 2025 continues to build on the vital supports provided to community groups through previous iterations of the fund helping them improve their facilities. It provides small-scale funding for projects which range from purchasing IT equipment to minor renovations to buildings and this year also provided an opportunity to groups to apply for help with their operational costs.

“The impact of the Local Enhancement Programme is considerable, and it allows community groups to carry out the invaluable work they do on behalf of others in local areas throughout the country.”

The Local Enhancement Programme 2025 is administered locally by Longford Local Community Development Committee (LCDC) with support from Longford County Council.