Funding boost for Tipp projects
Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Dara Calleary, and Minister of State with responsibility for Community Development and Charities, Jerry Buttimer, have announced the successful projects in Co Tipperary under the Local Enhancement Programme (LEP) 2025.
The Local Enhancement Programme 2025 was launched in November 2024 with funding of €7 million available, which included €1 million in current funding so support local groups with ongoing running costs. The funding also provides capital supports essential for the many small community groups and organisations, particularly those who serve disadvantaged areas in rural and urban areas.
The Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht’s Local Enhancement Programme 2025 is administered by Local Community Development Committees, with support from the Local Authority, in each area.
Deputy Michael Lowry said that the overall funding will provide Capital Supports essential for the many small community groups and organisations, particularly those who serve disadvantaged areas in rural and urban areas.
Deputy Ryan O’Meara added: “I’d like to congratulate all the projects and groups who have received funding across Tipperary. I’d like to thank my party colleague, Minister Dara Calleary for delivering funding under the Local Enhancement Programme.”
Announcing the successful projects for Co Tipperary, Minister Buttimer said: “The Local Enhancement Programme is about giving a helping hand to our local groups and clubs, who are the building blocks of Irish community life.
“Since my appointment I have had the pleasure of visiting many of the community groups that will benefit from grants under the LEP - although small in nature the value of the projects funded to the groups are considerable.
“With over 5000 projects approved the number of communities and people that these grants will benefit is vast.
“The funding I am announcing will ensure that important work can continue to be delivered by communities on the ground and I’m delighted that every single county will benefit. This Government is committed to supporting local communities to shape their future.
“I would like to thank Tipperary County Council and Local Community Development Committee for their assistance in administering this fund.”
Minister Dara Calleary said: “The Local Enhancement Programme 2025 continues to build on the vital supports provided to community groups through previous iterations of the fund helping them improve their facilities. It provides small-scale funding for projects which range from purchasing IT equipment to minor renovations to buildings and this year also provided an opportunity to groups to apply for help with their operational costs.
“The impact of the Local Enhancement Programme is considerable, and it allows community groups to carry out the invaluable work they do on behalf of others in local areas throughout the country.”