What is LEADER?
The LEADER programme (an acronym in French meaning Links between actions for the development of the rural economy) is a European Union initiative to support rural development projects initiated at the local level in order to revitalise rural areas and create jobs.
What is the LAG?
Decisions on LEADER funding are made at a local level by a Local Action Group (LAG), through the framework of a Local Development Strategy (LDS). A LAG is made up of people from the local community as well as from the local public and private sector. The LDS is a plan that is developed by rural communities to support sustainable development of their sub-regional area. There are three LEADER Local Action Groups (LAGs) in County Cork located in the Divisions of North, South and West.
How much funding is allocated to each LAG for this programme 2014-2020?
North: € 5,091,845
South: € 3,831,303
West: € 5,015,674
What is an Implementing Partner?
Local Development Company implementing LEADER programme at local level, see table below.
North Cork
| Avondhu Blackwater Parnership CLG | Tel: (022) 46580 |
| Ballyhoura Development CLG | Tel: (063) 91300 |
| IRD Duhallow CLG | Tel: (029) 60633 |
| Website: www.leadernorthcork.com |
South Cork
| Avondhu Blackwater Parnership CLG | Tel: (022) 46580 |
| IRD Duhallow CLG | Tel: (029) 60633 |
| SECAD CLG | Tel: (021) 4613432 |
| Údarás na Gaeltachta | Tel: (026) 45366 |
| Website: www.leadersouthcork.com |
West Cork
| Zone 1: Avondhu Blackwater Parnership CLG | Tel: 1800 200545 |
| Zone 2: Comhar na nOileán CTR | Tel: 1800 200545 |
| Zone 3:SECAD CLG | Tel: 1800 200545 |
| Website: www.leaderwestcork.com |
WHAT IS THE APPLICATION & EVALUATION PROCESS?
The Application process is a two stage process:
- Stage 1: Expression of Interest
- Stage 2: Full Application
The timing and nature of EOI calls are decided at LEADER sub-group level by the Implementing Partner in consultation with the LAG Chief Officer. The EOI form will be reviewed by the relevant Implementing Partners. Only eligible EOI’s will proceed to the full application stage. Any appeal by unsuccessful applicants must be made to the LAG in the first instance. An Evaluation Committee will assess and evaluate the application based on objective criteria and make a recommendation for funding to the Local Action Group (LAG). Projects to be recommended to the LAG will first undergo an Article 48 Audit check. The LAG will consider the Evaluation Committee recommendation and make a decision on whether to approve funding. The applicant will be notified in writing of the outcome of the Application.
In-house Projects
A LAG may be a beneficiary and implement projects under the LDS. These projects are known as ‘in-house’ projects and arise where the LAG or an Implementing Partner delivers a LEADER project. These are projects that are deemed important to the overall development of the area as identified in the LEADER Plan 2014-2020 for example organising a series of training programmes for local communities or businesses.
What are the 3 LEADER THEMES AND 9 SUB THEMES?
WHAT ARE OPEN CALLS AND TARGETED CALLS?
There are two types of calls; Open calls and targeted calls. Funding applications for projects that fit under the ‘Open call’ will be accepted on a ‘first come, first served’ basis’ and are not subject to any application deadlines.
Funding applications for projects that fit under the ‘targeted call’ are subject to application deadlines. Project areas covered by the targeted call will be ineligible under the ‘Open call’ process for 6 months following the closing date of the ‘targeted call’.
Glossary of abbreviations
LEADER Liaison Entre Actions de Développement de l’Économique Rurale
LCDC Local Community Development Committee
LAG Local Action Group
The Rural Development Programme (LEADER) 2014 – 2020 is supported by The European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development: Europe investing in rural areas and The Department of Arts, Heritage Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs.