Seán Canney TD, Minister of State for International and Road Transport, Logistics, Rail and Ports and Leader in Cabinet of the Independent Ministers, has welcomed the 35-year milestone of the LEADER Programme and the lasting impact it has had in rural communities across Ireland.

The LEADER programme was first launched by the European Commission on 15 March 1991 by Irish Commissioner Ray MacSharry and has since played an important role in helping rural communities develop local projects and initiatives.

Working through Local Action Groups, the programme takes a community-led approach, allowing local people, businesses and community organisations to identify the needs of their own areas and bring forward projects that support local development.

Welcoming the milestone, Minister Canney said: “For 35 years, the LEADER programme has supported communities across rural Ireland to turn good ideas into real projects.

“From community centres and local tourism initiatives to support for small businesses and services, LEADER funding has helped communities deliver projects that make a genuine difference locally.

“One of the key strengths of the programme is that it allows communities themselves to decide what is needed in their areas and work together to make those projects happen.

“In Galway East, LEADER is administered by Galway Rural Development and so many communities and businesses have benefitted from it.”

The current 2023–2027 LEADER Programme continues to support projects across rural Ireland and is now gathering momentum.

To date, more than 1,000 projects have been approved with over €50 million in LEADER funding, supporting a wide range of community and enterprise initiatives.

Minister Canney added: “LEADER has shown what can be achieved when communities are supported to take the lead in shaping their own future. The work being done by Local Action Groups and community organisations around the country continues to strengthen rural communities.”

Further information about the LEADER Programme is available at www.gov.ie/LEADER