Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 14 July 2026
15. Deputy Mark Wall asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht for an update on the local enhancement programme as recently announced; and if he has plans to expand the scheme. [53133/26]
View answerThe Local Enhancement Programme (LEP) provides small capital grants to community and voluntary groups for the improvement/refurbishment of their facilities and/or the purchase of equipment and is delivered in every county in Ireland. It 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. In general, support under the LEP is available to any not-for-profit community or voluntary group. Commercial organisations and individuals are not eligible for funding.
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. Decisions on project approvals are made by the LCDC.
The LEP for 2026 was announced on 5 December 2025 and provided €7 million in capital supports to many small community groups and organisations. The list of successful projects was announced on 2 July 2026. Therefore, the 2026 programme is now closed for applications.
This Department is currently considering a LEP for 2027 and all elements of the programme will be reviewed, including the potential to expand it. The Department would encourage all community and voluntary organisations to check the Department's website and also to engage with their LCDCs, Local Development Companies and Public Participation Networks (PPN), to ensure they are aware of all existing funding opportunities.
