Skip to content

Local Enhancement Programme (LEP) 2025

Local Enhancement Programme (LEP) 2025 – Community Support Fund : Now open for applications for Capital and Current Funding

LEP 2025

Description


The Department of Rural and Community Development (“the Department”) funds the Local Enhancement Programme (LEP) which provides funding to support community groups across Ireland.

The Local Enhancement Programme 2025 will support groups, particularly in disadvantaged areas, with funding to carry out necessary repairs and improvements to their facilities, and to purchase equipment for example tables and chairs, tools and signage, laptops and printers, lawnmowers, canopies and training equipment etc.

Facilities improvement works may also include, but are not limited to; accessibility improvements; enhancing community participation for disadvantaged and marginalised groups, and improving energy efficiency of community facilities to reduce ongoing costs.

Waterford LCDC through Waterford City and County council has been awarded €219,286 under the Local enhancement Programme 2025. This includes a 5% administration fee.  This total amount comprises of:

  • €187,960 capital funding for the Local Enhancement Programme to use towards carrying out necessary repairs and improvements to facilities, energy efficiency type projects, purchase of equipment etc.
  • €31,327 current funding to be used to cover running costs e.g. rental/lease costs, utility bills, insurance costs.

The maximum grant is likely not to exceed €5,000 and could be less if the scheme is oversubscribed.

The scheme is designed to ensure local priorities are identified and met, so as to improve and enhance community facilities for all. It is administered by Local Community Development Committees (LCDCs) in each Local Authority area.

Applications should relate to one or more key priority areas identified in their LCDC’s Local Economic and Community Plan (LECP) in order to be eligible for consideration.

Applications


All Applications must be submitted online no later than 4pm on Friday 14th February 2025.

All applications (in English), must be completed online. Please ensure to read the guidelines document before completing the form.

APPLY NOW - CURRENT FUND APPLY NOW - CAPITAL FUND

For applicants wishing to apply through Irish, these forms are available in the Downloads section below. Please ensure to read the guidelines document before completing the application form which can be found below.

Forward completed Irish applications only to communitygrants@waterfordcouncil.ie or by post to Community Grants, Waterford City and County Council, City Hall, The Mall, Waterford City, X91 PK15.

Terms & Conditions


  • The Local Enhancement Programme will support groups, particularly in disadvantaged areas, to carry out necessary repairs and improvements to their facilities and purchase equipment.
  • This is a capital and current funding scheme. The scheme does not provide funding for the pay or employment of staff. Please ensure to use the correct application for either Current or Capital funding.
  • The activity or project must benefit the local community and relate to the key priority areas identified in the LECP.
  • The information supplied by the applicant group /organisation must be accurate and complete.
  • Inaccurate or incomplete information may lead to disqualification and/or the repayment of any grant made.
  • All information provided in respect of the application for a grant will be held electronically. The Department reserves the right to publish a list of all grants awarded on its website.
  • The Freedom of Information Act applies to all records held by the Department and Local Authorities, including applications received and any additional correspondence related to the application.
  • The application must be signed by the Chairperson, Secretary or Treasurer of the organisation making the submission.
  • It is the responsibility of each organisation to ensure that it has proper procedures and policies in place, including appropriate insurance, where relevant.
  • Evidence of expenditure, receipts /invoices must be retained and provided to the LCDC, the Department of Rural and Community Development, the relevant local authority or any agent acting on their behalf if requested. This grant is not paid in advance and is only payable on submission of the required documentation for the approved project  outlined in the letter of offer.
  • The Department of Rural and Community Development’s contribution must be publicly acknowledged in all materials associated with the purpose of the grant, including signage.
  • Generally, no third party or intermediary applications will be considered.
  • Late applications will not be considered. Breaches of the terms and conditions of the grants scheme may result in sanctions including disbarment from future grant applications.
  • Please ensure the application form is completed in full. Incomplete applications will not be considered for funding.
  • In order to process your application, it may be necessary for Waterford City and County Council to collect personal data from you. Such information will be processed in line with the Local Authority’s privacy statement which is available to view on https://waterfordcouncil.ie/privacy-policy/ .

Communications


Should you have any queries, send them by email to communitygrants@waterfordcouncil.ie

Queries can also be sent by post to : Community Grants, Waterford City and County Council, City Hall, The Mall, Waterford City, X91 PK15.

All applications must be submitted no later than 4pm on Friday 14th February 2025.  This deadline will be strictly adhered to.

LEP 2025