2026 Local Enhancement Programme (LEP 2026)

2026 Local Enhancement Programme (LEP 2026) – Capital Funding: 1 – Application Phase

Description

Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht

Local Enhancement Programme 2026 Capital Funding

The Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht (“the Department”) funds the Local Enhancement Programme (LEP) which provides funding to support community groups across Ireland.
The Local Enhancement Programme 2026 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, canopies and training equipment, purchase of generators etc.
Facilities improvement works may also include, but are not limited to; improved access for persons with a disability; enhancing community participation for disadvantaged and marginalised groups, supply and installation of changeover switch in a community support centre and improving energy efficiency of community facilities to reduce ongoing costs.
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 Galway County Local Community Development Committee (LCDCs) in the County Galway administrative area.
Applications should relate to one or more key priority areas identified in their LCDC’s Local Economic and Community Plan 2024-2030 (LECP) in order to be eligible for consideration.  Local Economic and Community Plan (LECP) 2024-2030.pdf
Applications must be submitted by 12 noon on Monday 23rd February 2026.
TERMS AND 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 the capital element of the funding scheme. The scheme does not provide funding for the pay or employment of staff, or towards current ‘operating’ costs such as utility bills, etc.
  • The maximum grant available is €8,000.
  • 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 application.
  • It is the responsibility of each group/organisation to ensure that it has proper procedures and policies in place, including appropriate insurance, where relevant.
  • Evidence of expenditure, receipts /invoices, photos must be retained and provided to the LCDC, the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, the relevant local authority or any agent acting on their behalf if requested.
  • Grant monies must be expended and drawn down from the LCDC by 31st October 2026. Photographic evidence may be required to facilitate draw down of grants.
  • The Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht’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 Galway 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 Privacy Statement | Galway County Council
  • Please note that final approval of funding will be made by the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, and successful applicants will be informed once this process is complete. No works can be undertaken/equipment purchased prior to receiving confirmation from Galway County Council on the outcome of the grant application. This will not be until late May/June 2026.
Applications must be submitted by 12 noon on Monday 23rd February 2026.

Eligibility

Volunteer-led Community Groups/Organisations particularly those in disadvantaged areas who wish to apply for the capital element of funding to carry out necessary repairs and improvements to their facilities, and or purchase equipment for e.g. such as tables/chairs/tools/signage/laptops/printers/canopies/purchase of generators and training equipment etc.
 
01/14/2026
02/23/2026