Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 5 February 2026
37. Deputy Naoise Ó Muirí asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht if he will outline the delivery of the new Local Enhancement Programme for organisations in north Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8720/26]
View answerThe Local Enhancement Programme (LEP) is targeted towards supporting communities that are impacted by disadvantage, as identified in the Local Economic and Community Plan (LECP) of the relevant local authority. It provides small capital grants to community and voluntary groups for the improvement/refurbishment of their facilities and/or the purchase of equipment. It is administered locally on behalf of my Department by Local Community Development Committees (LCDCs) across the country, with support from their local authority.
The Local Enhancement Programme for 2026 was announced on 5 December 2025 and provides €7 million in capital supports to many small community groups and organisations, particularly those who serve disadvantaged communities in rural and urban areas. Fingal LCDC was allocated €268,827 and Dublin City LCDC was allocated €656,750 under LEP 2026.
Fingal and Dublin City LCDCs will advertise the funding on their council website and community groups will be required to submit their funding applications directly to their relevant LCDC by 27 February 2026, which is the national closing date. The LCDCs appraise the applications and submit their lists of approved projects for funding to my department. The LCDC make decisions on project eligibility ensuring compliance with the scheme criteria. This allows for autonomy under the programme and also ensures that groups most in need receive funding.
All community and voluntary organisations are advised to check their local council's website and to engage with their LCDCs to ensure that they are aware of the application process for LEP 2026. Details of successful projects are expected to be announced in Q2 of this year.
