LEADER+ and NRDP Programmes
Donegal Local Development
Company Ltd (DLDC) successfully bid for the LEADER+ Programme in 2001.
The LEADER+ programme is a EU Community Initiative on rural development,
which is jointly funded by the Irish Exchequer, and the European Union.
Over the period 2002-2006,
DLDC will administer €3.8 million of LEADER+ funds on behalf of
the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs within its
Co. Donegal catchment regions in the North, East and South of Donegal.
About the Programme:
The aim of Donegal Local
Development Company’s LEADER+ programme is to:
“Stimulate long-term,
high quality sustainable rural development by encouraging rural
project promoters, both community groups and private promoters,
to think about the long-term potential of their area.”
DLDC’s
LEADER+ programme seeks to encourage the implementation of
integrated, high-quality, original strategies for sustainable
development, designed to encourage experimenting with new
ways of:
- enhancing the natural and cultural heritage
- reinforcing the economic environment,
in order to contribute to job creation
- improving the organisational
abilities of the community
Main Theme of the LEADER+ Programme:
“Innovation
through Know-how and Information Technology.”
The emphasis in LEADER+
is on innovation, including an innovative approach to local development
in terms of method, product, production process or market. Women and
young people (under 25 years of age) are considered to represent the
key to the development of rural areas and have been identified for
priority attention.
DLDC’s Board
of Directors and staff are committed to helping you explore project
proposals with a view to submitting a full application under the LEADER+
Programme. The Company has a proven track record in the delivery of
the LEADER II Programme 1995-1999 in addition to other key social
and economic funding programmes including the Local Development Social
Inclusion Programme, PEACE and FAS Initiatives.
LEADER+ Funds: Please note that the programme is closed for applications 2007
The actions devised
by Donegal Local Development Company Ltd. in the delivery of the LEADER+
programme 2002-2006, are outlined below. These actions were developed,
approved and continue to be shaped through extensive local consultations.
Project Eligibility
As a pan-European
and National Programme, LEADER+ project eligibility is determined
in accordance with strict operating guidelines developed by the EU
and the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs. DLDC
endeavours to administer LEADER+ aid for projects, however only those
projects that are in keeping with the programmes objectives, operating
guidelines and eligibility criteria, can be considered for LEADER+
aid.
Grant Aid Available - Please note that the 2000-2006 programme is now closed
The rate of grant
available to project promoters may vary in accordance with the programme
under which an application is sought. Project promoters may apply
for grant aid in the range of 50-100% of eligible costs. The maximum
grant aid available varies depending upon the actions under which
funding is being sought. The maximum grant available under all LEADER+
actions is €65,000 however in exceptional circumstances funding
of up to €100,000 may be available. Applicants must be prepared
to provide the required matching funding.
Pre-application Meeting Request
If you would
like to discuss a potential project with a LEADER+ Project Officer,
please print out the request form in the Link attached, and post to
Frank Kelly, LEADER+ Project Officer, DLDC, 1 Millennium Court, Pearse
Road, Letterkenny, Co. Donegal.
