LEADER

 

What Support can LEADER provide?

The Monaghan LEADER programme provides funding for projects across the county that promote social inclusion, develop the local economy through enterprise and tourism, and protect the environment.

A key focus of the LEADER Rural Development Programme (RDP) 2014-2022 on building capacity within communities that have not received LEADER funding to-date. It will also continue to support and encourage entrepreneurship and job creation in the county, and support projects that address the climate agenda and digital transformation, as well as encourage rural communities across the county to build on their existing strengths and assets.

The LEADER Rural Development Programme (RDP) 2014-2022 seeks to address the challenges facing rural Ireland and places emphases on the following priorities:

  • Supports to rural businesses seeking to reach new markets, expand, innovate and/or diversify in response to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and/or Brexit, with a particular emphasis on providing support to businesses in the food sector.
  • Community-based projects that seek to address the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • Supports and capacity building for communities that have not previously received assistance under LEADER or other rural programmes, engage directly with new applicants to develop projects and enhance collaboration within communities.
  • Support for new and innovative projects in the areas of climate change, environmental protection and the green economy.
  • Maximise the potential of broadband and the digital economy in communities, including through skills development and building awareness and usage of available remote working facilities.
  • Encouragement of projects that utilise the Smart Village approach to local area development.

As well as targeting at least one or more of the priorities above, proposed projects must be in line with LEADER Operating Rules and Monaghan Local Development Strategy (LDS), to be eligible for funding. The Local Development Strategy was developed through a bottom-up approach where the community identified its own needs and priorities with a view to focusing funding on those areas.

Here are some examples of LEADER supported projects for inspiration: 

Who can apply for LEADER funding?
  • Community groups interested in developing social enterprises, local facilities and amenities, infrastructure and services
  • Individuals and groups with a rural enterprise start-up idea
  • Existing rural businesses that are looking to expand or diversify their enterprise
  • Voluntary groups interested in promoting the environment and local social amenities
  • Partnership groups interested in working with each other for the benefit of the wider community

For information and ideas on What kinds of projects can be funded by Monaghan LEADER, please click here.

What are the rates and levels of aid available?
The following rates of aid are the maximum rate available. Please note that applicants who are successful may not receive the maximum rate of aid sought, which will be decided upon by Monaghan Local Action Group.

  • Private applicant up to 75% for investment & other supports (to a maximum level of €200,000)
  • Community applicant up to 75% for capital projects & other supports (to a maximum level of €200,000, or where a community group has no economic activity €500,000)
  • Private applicant up to 75% or Community applicant up to 90% for analysis and development (to a maximum of €30,000)
  • Training Programmes up to 100% (to a maximum level of €200,000)
  • The minimum grant rate payable is €1,250.

How do I apply for LEADER funding?
Applying for Monaghan LEADER funding is a two-step process. In summary, the steps are:

Step 1: Expression of Interest Form (EOI)

The Expression of Interest (EOI) form is the first step in seeking funding support through LEADER RDP 2014-2022. This EOI must be completed to confirm the eligibility of your Project Proposal in accordance with the LEADER Operating Rules of LEADER RDP 2014-2022 and to check that your proposal complies with the Monaghan Local Development Strategy. Include as much information as you can on this EOI to provide us with a clear as possible picture of what your proposed project entails.

Please complete this form in full, all fields are mandatory. The submission of this EOI form does NOT constitute an application for funding.

The EOI can be filled out online here

Alternatively, if you contact us using the contact details below, we will email or post an EOI form to you.

You can return it to LEADER, Monaghan Integrated Development CLG, Unit 9, Drumillard Business Park, Castleblayney, Co. Monaghan, A75 HR59, or scan and email back to  

A Development Officer from Monaghan Integrated Development will contact you when your EOI has been reviewed. If and when your proposal is confirmed as eligible, you will receive a full LEADER Application Form and guidance notes.

Step 2: If your project is deemed eligible, complete and submit a full Application Form

For further information on the LEADER funding application process, contact us Monaghan LEADER at  / 087 176 0877 / 042 9749500 where you can discuss the outline of your project proposal. All project details and information will be treated with the strictest confidence.