Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 21 May 2026
394. Deputy Louis O'Hara asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht if there are any grant schemes administered by his Department which can support a community group to purchase office equipment such as a laptop; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38560/26]
View answerThe Local Enhancement Programme (LEP) supports 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 office equipment including laptops. In general, support under the LEP is available to, for example, Parish Halls, Community Centres, Local Development Associations, Social Clubs, Senior Citizen Groups, Men’s and Women’s Sheds.
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 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 decides the projects that are funded under LEP 2026.
The closing date for community groups to submit applications for LEP 2026 was 27 February 2026. Therefore, the 2026 programme is now closed for applications. This Department is currently considering a Local Enhancement Programme for 2027.
The current LEADER programme covers the period from 2023 to 2027 and it provides support to rural communities under a broad range of themes. It has for many years supported community groups and local businesses to purchase office ICT equipment such as laptops, screens, projectors, etc. Prospective applicants should, in the first instance, contact their Local Action Group, through its Implementing Partner to discuss the eligibility of the project and the funding that may be available.
The Department would encourage all community and voluntary organisations to check our website at www.gov.ie/drcdg, and to engage with their Local Community Development Committees (LCDCs), Local Development Companies and Public Participation Networks (PPN), to ensure they are aware of all existing funding opportunities.
