OVER 150 clubs and community groups across Clare are to benefit from new grants under the Local Enhancement Programme (LEP).
A total of €181,061.31 has been allocated to projects in County Clare. The funding is designed to help local communities by supporting them in carrying out repairs and improvements to facilities.
The grants will also contribute to improving accessibility, efficiency type projects and assisting a wide range of community organisations to purchase necessary equipment. Clare Local Community Development Committee (LCDC) will administer the LEP with support from Clare County Council.
Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Dara Calleary TD (FF), and Minister of State with responsibility for Community Development and Charities, Jerry Buttimer TD (FG), announced support for over 4,100 projects countrywide, benefitting community organisations throughout Ireland under the LEP 2026.
The Local Enhancement Programme 2026 is funded by the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht. Launched in December of last year, LEP 2026 will provide capital funding of €7 million to support projects that are essential for many small community groups and organisations.
Cathaoirleach of Clare County Council and Chair of Clare LCDC, cllr Joe Killeen (FF), welcomed the news, saying “This is essential funding into the county that supports communities and aligns with Clare’s Local Economic and Community Plan’s objectives”.
Clare LCDC Senior Officer Leonore O’Neill further acknowledged the benefits associated with the programme, adding that “The Local Enhancement Programme (LEP) provides capital supports essential for many small community groups and organisations, particularly those who serve disadvantaged areas”.
A post on Clare County Council’s website stated that “Many of the projects relate to the key priority areas identified in the LCDC’s Local Economic and Community Plan 2024-2030”. It is unclear as of yet which projects in Clare are to benefit from the scheme.
