2014 – 2020 LEADER Programme comes to a close
The 2014 – 2020 LEADER Rural Development Programme came to a close on March 31st, 2021. County Wicklow Partnership supported 122 applications to the programme which were awarded the funding by Wicklow LCDC.
Programme Overview
Over €5.3 million in funding was awarded to LEADER projects in County Wicklow in this programme. This was in excess of the original allocation of €4.7 million given to County Wicklow due to additional LEADER funds drawn down from the LEADER Co-operation budget and the LEADER Food Initiative.
Projects were supported across the three themes of the programme and varied significantly in size with the smallest grant of €1,602.38 being awarded to Garden of Ireland Vintage Car Club to host their 10 year anniversary car rally and the largest grant of €303,941.05 awarded to Tinahely Hall for significant refurbishments to the building.
122 applications in total were supported in successfully being awarded funding through the LEADER programme.
Theme 1: Economic Development
Theme 1 of the programme supported applications that involved Economic Development, Enterprise Development and Job Creation.
This was the theme that received the most significant investment securing over €3.7 million in grant assistance.
27 enterprises were awarded €1.8 million in funding. This included food enterprises, craft enterprises and also social enterprises of which there are a significant amount in County Wicklow
Tourism continues to be an important sector in Wicklow’s local economy and CWP supported the investment of €1.3 million into 19 separate initiatives and businesses in this LEADER programme
Not all economic drivers are enterprises and this was supported through 35 community driven initiatives such as festivals and town development plans to help support the development of thriving towns and villages across County Wicklow
Theme 2: Social Inclusion
Social Inclusion continues to be a prominent focus of the work of County Wicklow Partnership and the LEADER programme has always been a significant tool to ensure investment in community facilities, community recreation outlets and in basic services to the community such as mountain rescue facilities and supports for rural youth.
Theme 3: Rural Environment
Supporting community and individual led actions on the Rural Environment was a core part of the 2014 – 2020 LEADER programme. The programme invested over €620,000 into projects that support Wicklow’s environment, in education and awareness raising and in supporting renewable energy enterprises.