New LEADER Programme for Tipperary is on its way – it’s time to have your say!

Tipperary Local Community Development Committee (LCDC) in partnership with South Tipperary Development Company (STDC) and North Tipperary Development Company (NTDC) are delighted to announce that they have been selected by the Department of Rural and Community Development to develop a local development strategy for the LEADER 2023-2027 programme in Co Tipperary. This strategy will support sustainable development in rural communities across the county.

LEADER is a rural development programme co-funded by the EU which operates a locally-led, bottom-up, approach to meeting the needs of rural communities and businesses. The programme supports private enterprises and community groups in rural areas and plays an important role in progressing job creation, social inclusion and environmental projects at local level.

“This is an exciting time for the boards and staff of the Local Development Companies who have over 30 years’ experience in delivering the Rural Development LEADER programmes in Tipperary. We are delighted that we have been selected, along with our partners, to deliver the new LEADER programme and are keen to build on the successes of our delivery of previous programmes,” said Jim Finn, NTDC chairperson.

The groundwork being done at local level for the new 2023-2027 plan includes extensive public consultation and STDC/NTDC will be commencing a series of public/community consultations and online thematic meetings throughout the county on week commencing 27th March 2023 at a venue near you.

Isabel Cambie, STDC CEO, said: “We really look forward to our community consultation meetings around the county which will provide a real opportunity for community groups, businesses and individuals to shape the future of rural development in Tipperary. We encourage communities and enterprises to attend the meetings and get involved in the development of the local strategy. This will ensure that LEADER can continue to deliver projects and initiatives that are directly linked to their local needs and priorities.”

Eoin Wolahan, Chairperson Tipperary LCDC, outlined: “It is critical for us in Tipperary LCDC to develop a strong and inclusive LEADER local development strategy that delivers for our communities, environment and local enterprises and community consultations play a vital role in ensuring this.”

The 2023-2027 LEADER Funding allocation for Co Tipperary is €7.8 million. It is anticipated that the new LEADER programme shall open for applications later in 2023 and funding will be available for both private and community-based projects with a focus on enterprise, job creation, rural infrastructure, social inclusion, rural environment, and climate action. Tipperary County Council will also be in attendance to record actions appropriate to the draft Local Economic & Community Plan which is also under development.

Details of STDC’s and NTDC’s community consultation meetings are available at https://www.stdc.ie and https://www.ntdc.ie and their respective social media platforms.

Public Meetings are due to be held at the following locations/online on the following dates:

Killenaule: Monday, 27th March 7.30-9.30pm at St Mary’s Community Hall, Bailey Street E41 RH99; Nenagh: Tuesday, 28th March 7.30-9.30pm at Abbey Court Hotel E45 KA99; Tipperary Town: Tuesday, 28th March 7.30-9.30pm at Knockanrawley Resource Centre E34 D832; Templemore: Wednesday, 29th March 7.30-9.30pm at Templemore Arms Hotel E34 WN51; Clonmel: Monday, 3rd April 7.30-9.30pm at Talbot Hotel E91 X0N7.

Thematic Meetings – 3 county based thematic meetings (via Zoom).

Economic Development & Job Creation: Monday, 3rd April, 10-11.30am; Rural Infrastructure & Social Inclusion: Tuesday, 4th April, 10-11.30am; Sustainable Development of the Rural Environment & Climate Change Mitigation and Adaption: Wednesday, 5th April, 10-11.30am.