Community Groups strongly urged to apply for Local Enhancement Programme funding.
05-02-2025
Independent TD Carol Nolan has strongly encouraged all community groups, specifically those in disadvantaged areas to make an application to Offaly County Council following the local authority’s confirmation to her that it is seeking expressions of interest from not-for-profit community and voluntary groups under the Local Enhancement Programme (LEP) 2025 in conjunction with Offaly Local Community Development Committee (LCDC).
The LEP 2025 is funded by the Department of Rural and Community Development and administered by the Local Community Development and aims to support local strategic priorities. The total LEP funding available for Offaly is €186,553:
My offices routinely engage with community groups across Offaly who are seeking urgent financial assistance. That is why I am encouraging all those involved to make an immediate application to the Offaly County Council before the deadline expires at 4pm on Wednesday, 12th February,” said Deputy Nolan.
“Details released to me from the County Council have indicated that the lions share of the funding will be directed toward capital expenditure (€150,575). This covers small scale capital works/repairs and improvements to facilities, energy efficiency works, purchase of equipment such as tables and chairs, tools and signage, laptops and printers, lawnmowers, training equipment.”
Applicants should be aware however that under departmental guidelines The Department requests LCDCs must ring-fence 30% of its funding for grants of €1,000 or less.”
“In term of current expenditure €26,650 is being made available to support running costs such as energy or operational costs, e.g. rental/lease costs, utility bills, electricity bills, insurance, refuse costs, audit and accountancy fees.
“Again, it is important to note that if an application is made to cover energy costs these costs must have been incurred in the period 1st June 2024 to 30th May 2025 to be eligible,” concluded Deputy Nolan.