South Kerry Development Partnership CLG

2023 – 2027 LEADER Programme

Arna chomhchistiú ag an Roinn Forbartha Tuaithe agus Pobail agus Gaeltachta

Co-funded by the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht

2023 – 2027 LEADER Programme

LEADER is a Community Led Local Development (CLLD) approach that involves the participation of rural communities in developing responses to the key economic, environmental and social challenges identified in their areas.

LEADER is underpinned by a framework which requires the Kerry LAG (Kerry Local Action Group) to design a Local Development Strategy (LDS) for the delivery of LEADER activities. The Local Development Strategy is a community-led plan, developed and driven by rural communities through the LAG, to address the needs identified and to achieve a defined set of local objectives. The LDS is developed and implemented through a CLLD approach, based on local consultation and active participation of the rural community for the period to 2027.

The Programme outlines three Themes that have been identified, through consultation and research, as representing the overarching needs of rural Ireland. These themes respond to key challenges facing rural Ireland, with regard to:

Each theme is defined further through a number of sub-themes which reflect the key areas considered to require greatest support and have the greatest potential to promote the sustainable development of rural communities.

LEADER Themes & Sub-Themes

LEADER Programme funding for the period 2023 – 2027 will focus on the following themes and sub thematic areas:

LEADER Themes and Sub-Themes
Theme 1	Theme 2	Theme 3
Economic Development and Job Creation	Rural Infrastructure and Social Inclusion	Sustainable Development and Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation
1a. The Green Economy	2a. Rural Infrastructure	3a. Sustainable Development of Rural Environment
1b. Agricultural Diversification	2b. Accessible Services	3b. Climate Change Capacity Building
1c. Rural Tourism & Recreation	2c. Optimising Digital Connectivity	3c. Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation
1d. Enterprise Development	2d. Rural Youth
1e. Rural Food Production
1f. Social, Community & Cooperative Enterprises

The Kerry Local Development Strategy was informed by the active engagement & participation of rural communities across the county. The objectives outlined in the strategy are based on the themes and sub-themes of the programme. All potential funding applications must fall within one of the sub-theme areas of the programme as outlined above.

Types of Assistance available

Eligible projects can apply for assistance under the following:
Capital (including equipment)
Marketing
Training
Analysis & Development (feasibility studies, development plans etc.)
Co-Operation

Theme 1: Economic Development and Job Creation

Theme One focuses on the need to support the development of the rural economy which has been identified as a focus for rural development. This is demonstrated by driving continued local economic development, including diversification of the rural economy and the creation of employment opportunities for the local community, including those from disadvantaged groups.

Sub-theme 1a. The Green Economy

Significant potential for employment opportunities for rural areas are presented by the green economy. There is a strong need to maximise the opportunities presented by the circular and bio economy with Ireland being in a particularly favourable position to develop its bio and circular economies. Key focus will be on:

Bioeconomy – using renewable biological resources from land and sea, like crops, forests, fish, animals and micro-organisms to produce food, materials and energy.
Circular economy – products and materials are kept in circulation through processes like maintenance, reuse, refurbishment, remanufacture, recycling, and composting.
Circular bioeconomy – combines the principles of circular economy and bioeconomy – focuses on maximising the value of biomaterial resources for as long as possible and minimising waste generation

Sub-theme 1b. Agricultural Diversification

In the context of enterprise development, and in line with the overall aims of the CAP Strategic Plan specific focus is placed on diversification opportunities for farm families. Agricultural diversification is defined as entrepreneurial use of farm resources for non-agricultural purposes. Examples of uses are:

Sub-theme 1c. Rural Tourism & Recreation

Tourism plays a very significant role in the rural economy and it is essential that Ireland continues to develop its tourism sector in a sustainable way. Areas such as outdoor rural recreation, outdoor activities, cultural and heritage initiatives, festivals, and other events have all been identified as areas of significant potential that would benefit from investment in order to contribute to the sustainable development of rural tourism. Other examples of actions that may be supported include:

feasibility studies to explore the tourism potential of an area;
marketing initiatives;
the creation of tourism hubs to facilitate a multi-sectoral approach;
activities that centre on the development and renovation of infrastructure, which contribute to historic and heritage-based tourism;
actions that promote the development of cultural/heritage infrastructure of local significance and arts-based activities and events;
the provision of amenity and leisure facilities, which can support adventure/eco-based tourism.
Festivals, community markets

LEADER supported tourism projects must comply with relevant Fáilte Ireland and/or other sectoral standards.

Sub-theme 1d. Enterprise Development

There exists a strong need to facilitate business development in rural areas by providing opportunities and support to businesses and individuals looking to develop rural enterprises. Within this area of support, increased focus should be given to supporting female entrepreneurs in rural communities. LEADER can support micro, small and medium enterprises as defined in Commission Recommendation 2003/361/EC5.

Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs) have primary responsibility for micro-enterprise in Ireland. LEADER must complement rather than compete with LEO activity; effective systems of collaboration and consultation are required to ensure a co-ordinated and effective allocation of resources. Supported actions might include investment support or sector-specific training programmes for aspiring entrepreneurs, early-stage promoters, social enterprises, start-ups and established SMEs. Other examples of actions that may be supported include:

Sub-theme 1e. Rural Food Production

Ireland has seen considerable growth and expansion in the artisan food sector over the past decade. The LEADER programme is well positioned to continue to support this sector with investment in artisan and micro, small and medium food producers to develop and expand rural food production, skills development and marketing.

Sub-theme 1f. Social, Community & Cooperative Enterprises

Social Enterprises are enterprises whose objective is to achieve a social, societal or environmental impact rather than maximising profits for their owners. Our Rural Future identifies social enterprises as an important part of local economies in rural areas often filling gaps in markets that are not attractive to commercially focused companies due to low population densities or economies of scale.

Theme 2: Rural Infrastructure & Social Inclusion

A central focus will be the need to ensure the social cohesion of a sub-regional area i.e. not just to support economic development but also to support social inclusion. Rural Ireland is becoming increasingly diverse and it is important to embrace this diversity ensuring that future community development recognises the needs of all members of society.

People may be excluded and marginalised from participating in activities that are considered the norm for others in society because of inadequate income and resources. In rural areas, in particular, the low density of population, high levels of out-migration and distance from urban centres, can often result in fewer employment options and lower levels of service provision than in urban areas. In rural areas, people’s experience of exclusion is often compounded by physical isolation.

Sub-theme 2a. Rural Infrastructure

Measures to develop and/or enhance rural infrastructures, in order to provide an opportunity for more people to live and work in their rural communities. Examples may include:

Sub-theme 2b. Accessible Services

This sub-theme focuses on improving access to basic services for people living in rural and remote areas and groups who are at risk of social exclusion, including hard to reach and new communities. In some cases, it might involve the introduction of a new service or the re-introduction of a previously withdrawn service under the following categories:

Sub-theme 2c. Optimising Digital Connectivity

Digital connectivity is now fundamental to the development of rural areas, with the COVID-19 pandemic highlighting the importance of digitalisation in supporting so many aspects of our daily lives. As well as the requirement for good IT infrastructure and connectivity, supporting the development of digital skills and digital literacy is also essential to enable rural dwellers to maximise the benefits of digitalisation.

Increased access to reliable and high-speed broadband is vital for the economic and social development of rural areas and communities. High-quality broadband enables businesses to set-up or continue to be based in rural areas, by overcoming barriers relating to access to markets and services. There is also a potential to create additional employment as access to broadband can support businesses to grow.

This sub-theme supports local actions that complement national initiatives aimed at developing a comprehensive rural broadband infrastructure. This sub-theme does not cover most broadband infrastructure, as this is covered under the National Broadband Plan. Actions that may be covered include:

Note: this sub-theme does not cover most broadband infrastructure, as this is covered under the National Broadband Plan.

Sub-theme 2d. Rural Youth

Gaps exist in the diversity of activities available in rural areas for young people, outside of sports. There is a need to encourage rural youth participation in issues that affect their daily lives, to build their leadership capabilities and to provide on-going input to the development of future rural youth initiatives.

The promotion of youth entrepreneurship and associated training can provide improved pathways for young people to access economic opportunities in rural areas. Actions that develop the social infrastructure of rural areas provide important opportunities for young people to realise their potential. These might include:

Young people, particularly those who may be vulnerable, also have distinct needs regarding the type of services they may need to access.

For the purposes of LEADER, young people are defined as people aged 15 to 40 years.

Theme 3: Sustainable Development of the Rural Environment and Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation

While recognising that sustainable development, climate change mitigation and adaptation is a cross-cutting issue and in this context will be considered for all LEADER interventions, a number of specific areas are identified under this theme.

This theme seeks to maximise the potential of environmental actions to contribute to the sustainable development of rural communities. It focuses on utilising the landscape within a local area, its features and natural resources, while simultaneously creating a greater environmental awareness and improving environmental protection.

LAGs and project promoters must comply with all national and EU Legislation, as well as any restrictions or obligations imposed by Government Departments or the relevant Local Authority, which may apply to the proposed project. All projects must have the necessary permissions and licences in place before any work commences. Projects funded under any sub-theme must also comply with the relevant environment and heritage requirements.

Sub-theme 3a. Sustainable Development of the Rural Environment:

Support to encourage protection and sustainable use of water resources, protection and improvement of local biodiversity and development of renewable energy.

Sub-theme 3b. Climate Change Capacity Building:

Create greater awareness and engagement around climate change and foster the development of a greater range of local responses to climate change. Examples include:

Sub-theme 3c. Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation:

Providing support that encourages and complements climate change mitigation and adaptation initiatives. Examples include:

Grant Aid Amounts & Rates

The minimum grant amount is €1,250. Training projects can be funded to 100% of costs for all applicants.

Summary of Current Funding Ceilings and Support Rates
Type of Project	Applicant	Maximum Rate of Aid	Maximum Funding
Community Projects not involving Economic Activity	Community	Up to a maximum of 75%	€200,000
Community Projects involving Economic Activity	Community	Up to a maximum of 75%	€200,000
Investment & other supports (including promotion undertaken as part of the implementation of a project)	Private	Up to a maximum of 75%
	Community	Up to a maximum of 75%	€200,000
	Community under accessible services sub-theme targeted at hard-to-reach communities	Up to a maximum of 90%	€200,000
Analysis and Development *	Private	Up to a maximum of 90%	€30,000
Analysis and Development *	Community	Up to a maximum of 90%	€30,000
Training	Private or Community	Up to a maximum of 100%	€200,000

* State Aid/de-minimis thresholds of €300,000 apply where the project involves any form of Economic activity

* Analysis & Development covers items such as feasibility studies, development plans and development of prototype products etc.

Funding Process

The programme will be rolled out mainly on a Rolling Call basis. This means that Expressions of Interest are accepted continuously throughout the duration of the programme. The LAG is also required to undertake one targeted call per year. Details of this (theme and sub-theme, budget available, closing date etc) will be widely publicised and only those who submit an eligible Expression of Interest will be invited to submit a full application for funding under the call.

Rolling Calls will be on an on-going basis. Expressions of Interest must be submitted and when the EOI has been assessed and deemed eligible for support a promoter will then be invited to submit a full application.

Targeted Calls will be advertised when the call opens and expressions of interest invited from potential applicants. Once the Expression of Interest has been assessed and deemed eligible for support a promoter will then be invited to submit a full application for support. NB: Only projects that have submitted an eligible Expression of Interest will be invited to submit a full application for funding.

For further details please contact the relevant officer in your area listed below:

Area	Contact Name/Title	Office Location	Contact No.	E-mail
Cahersiveen	Maureen O’Donnell LEADER Programme Co-Ordinator	West Main Street, Cahersiveen, Co. Kerry	066 9472724 087 9077837	modonnell@skdp.net
Mid Kerry / Rathmore	Sean de Buitlear LEADER Officer	Library Place, Killorglin, Co. Kerry	066 9761615 087 2670689	sdebuitlear@skdp.net
Killarney / Kenmare	Michelle O’Sullivan LEADER Officer	Library Place, Killorglin, Co. Kerry	066 9761615 087 7105937	michelle.osullivan@skdp.net