Louis O'Hara (Galway East, Sinn Fein)
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2605. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development when funding allocations for the 2025 Local Enhancement Programme will be made; if an application (details supplied) will be approved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19805/25]

Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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The Local Enhancement Programme (LEP) 2025 was announced in November 2024, with funding of €7 million to assist thousands of community groups across the country by providing capital and current supports. The LEP is targeted to the specific challenges facing local community groups and delivers immediate, tangible supports where they are needed most.

Under the Local Enhancement Programme 2025, €6 million capital funding was available to support community and voluntary groups, particularly in disadvantaged areas, with minor capital works and improvements to their facilities, and the purchase of equipment for community use.

This year, the fund also included €1 million in current funding to provide support and assistance to community and voluntary groups towards their utility bills, rental/lease costs, insurance costs etc.

The Local Enhancement Programme is administered locally on behalf of my Department by Local Community Development Committees (LCDCs) across the country, with support from their local authority. The relevant LCDC receive and appraise applications, making determinations on how the funding can best support their communities.

The Local Enhancement Programme 2025 is now closed to applicants. My officials are currently reviewing the lists of approved projects under the LEP 2025 submitted by the LCDCs. I expect to announce details of successful projects in May and they will then be available on my Department's website www.gov.ie/drcd .