Fine Gael TD for Carlow, Pat Deering, has said that over €1million euros in LEADER funding is supporting jobs and investment in Carlow.
“The announcement by Minister Michael Ring, Minister for Rural and Community Development, that €1,051,130.90 in LEADER funding has been spent across 15 of projects in Carlow is most welcome news. This grant is supporting jobs and investment across the county.
Deering said, “There has been a significant expansion of activity over the last 12 months since the Minister introduced a range of measures to make the programme work better for both potential applicants and for the LEADER Local Action Groups which deliver the programme on the ground.
“The following community groups and organisations across Carlow have now received funding for their local projects.
Project Name Promoter Name LEADER Funding
Astro Turf Pitch and Extension of Walkway at Superbowl Project Leighlin Parish Sports Grounds Development Committee 150,000.00
Ballinkillen Lorum Community Centre Ballinkillen Lorum Community Centre Club 185,726.25
Borris House Festival of Writing and Ideas Festival of Writing & Ideas Ltd 20,751.20
Carlow Arts Festival National Advertising Project Eigse Carlow Arts Festival Company Ltd 50,000.00
Carlow Garden Festival 2017 The Carlow Garden Trail Committee 9,140.00
Community led village design statement centred in Borris Co. Carlow Blackstairs & Barrow Valley Tourism Network 16,494.30
Hacketstown Community Sports Hall Hacketstown Community Sports Hall CLG 119,820.24
Making An Gairdin Beo an inclusive space for the whole community An Gairdin Beo Teoranta 158,700.81
National Marketing Campaign for Eigse Carlow Arts Festival Eigse Carlow Arts Festival Company Ltd 50,000.00
National Marketing for the Carlow Garden Trail Festival The Carlow Garden Trail Committee 11,122.18
Provision of flood lighting, sports equipment and surfacing at St. Laurence O’Toole’s Athletics Club St. Laurence O’Toole Athletic Club 173,431.01
Refurbishment for the Future Kildavin/Clonegal GAA Club 80,833.00
Shepherd Huts Tourist Accommodation Blackstairs Ecotrails 10,390.50
Tullow Heritage Project Develop Tullow Association Limited Tullow Tidy Towns Committee 4,770.75
Upgrading Myshall Community Centre Myshall Community Centre Committee 9,950.66
1,051,130.90
“The LEADER programme funds projects under a diverse range of themes that include enterprise development, rural tourism, social inclusion and the environment. LEADER is a key component of Ireland’s Rural Development Programme 2014-2020.
Deputy Deering added “LEADER funding represents an enormous opportunity for rural businesses and communities that are in need of investment and I want to see the programme continuing to grow and make a difference for rural Ireland over the coming years.
“Fine Gael is working hard to ensure the fruits of our recovering economy are used to support local communities in Carlow. The whole idea behind LEADER funding is to empower local groups on the ground to prioritise where the money can be best spent. This will ensure that the people who really need it can benefit.”
Minister Michael Ring said: “There has been a remarkable increase in LEADER funding allocations in the last twelve months thanks to all of the stakeholders involved. This time last year we had less than 50 projects approved. Now we have over 1,000 approved. I want to see this momentum continue over the coming months and the funding for the approved projects drawn down as quickly as possible.
“In addition to the €29 million committed to these 1,000 projects, there are a further 300 project applications going through the approval process for funding of about €20 million.
“LEADER funding represents an enormous opportunity for rural businesses and communities that are in need of investment and I want to see the programme continuing to grow and make a difference for rural Ireland over the coming years,” the Fine Gael Minister said.
