Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 21 May 2026
150. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht to provide an update on the Local Enhancement Programme (LEP) 2026; when it is likely that allocations under the programme will be announced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38282/26]
View answerThe Local Enhancement Programme (LEP) (formerly the Community Enhancement Programme, CEP) 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. In general, support under the LEP is available to a wide variety of not-for-profit organisations.
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. The closing date for community groups to submit applications for LEP 2026 was 27 February 2026. The fund is administered locally on behalf of the Department by Local Community Development Committees (LCDCs) across the country, with support from their local authority.
Each LCDC is responsible for deciding the projects that are funded under LEP 2026 and they were required to submit the list of successful projects to my Department by 22 April 2026. These are currently being reviewed by my Department and I expect to announce the full list of successful projects in the coming weeks. The full list of successful applicants will also be published at: www.gov.ie/drcdg
