THE LEADER PROGRAMME

OBJECTIVES

Established by the European Commission, within the framework of the Structural Funds, the programme is designed to serve as a model for the development of fragile rural areas. Managed by the Directorate-General for Agriculture (DGVI) and an intermediary agency within each member state of the European Union, the LEADER Programme comprises a network of local development groups. 36 groups operate in Ireland and funding of £87.5 million has been allocated to the Programme from a combination of EU and National Exchequer resources.

The LEADER Programme is designed to provide an alternative model to rural development independent of and distinct from supports provided by other agencies. generally;

  • The maximum level of assistance available is £50,000 per project.

  • Supports are not available for mainstream agricultural production, conventional retail outlets, distributive services, residential housing, hotel, or golf course development.

  • Purchase of land, buildings, vehicles, second hand equipment of the provision of working capital are not eligible items of expenditure.

    • While the programme plays an important role in complementing the functions and activities of other programmes and initiatives, its specific niche lies in its ability to mobilise and formulate a local response to rural decline. Furthermore, the programme seeks to identify local development potential and to deliver a means by which this potential can be optimised for economic benefit.


    ELIGIBLE MEASURES -
    the objectives of the West Cork group
    Technical Support
    and Project Pre-Development
    Feasibility Studies, Market Research, Consultancy, Capacity Building and Community Animation.    		 Vocational Training
    Development Training Sectoral Training Initiatives, Community Training Skills Enhancement.    		 Rural Tourism
    Development of new tourist Facilities, Accommodation, Amenities, Niche Products, Marketing.
    Small Enterprises, Crafts and Local Services
    New Product Development/
    Diversification, Business Creation/Expansion, Marketing, Telematics and the Development
    of Local Services    		 Exploitation and Marketing of Farm, Food, Forestry and Fisheries Products
    Development of Alternative Farm Enterprises, Natural Resources, Development and Marketing of Food and Fisheries Produce, Fisheries and Aqua culture Development.    		 Preservation and Presentation of Local Cultural Heritage
    Amenity Enhancement, Preservation of Local Architecture, Flora and Fauna, Cultural Creativity and Preservation of Local Heritage and Identities.
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    West Cork LEADER Co-Operative Society Ltd,  West Cork Technology Park,  Clonakilty,  West Cork.  Tel 023/34035  Fax 023/34066

    E-mail : wclc@wclc.iol.ie