Posted on by edake

Wexford Local Development announces €680,000 in LEADER Funding – Communities at the Heart of Rural Development

Wexford Local Development is proud to announce the approval of over €680,000 in LEADER Programme funding, with the latest round supporting eleven inspiring projects that are helping rural communities across County Wexford to thrive.

This July’s funding approvals, reflect a powerful investment in community led local development, with the majority of funding going directly to community groups working to enhance local spaces, services, and social cohesion. From refurbishing vital community centres to supporting social enterprises and local food producers, these projects are not just about infrastructure – they’re about empowering people, strengthening local identity, and creating places where communities can come together, grow, and flourish.

Eight of the eleven funded projects are led by local community organisations, each working to improve the spaces that serve as the heart of their towns and villages. These include:

  • Adamstown, Kilmyshall & Rosslare Strand Community Centres receiving awards for refurbishment and energy improvement costs.
  • Tomhaggard Social Centre and St Joseph’s Community Centre in Wexford Town have also been awarded funding for essential upgrades.
  • The Rock Social Club in Gorey has received significant support to construct an extension to their community hall and upgrade the original structure to create a hall which can meet the needs of an area of Gorey with considerable population growth.
  • Wexford Light Opera Society refurbishment project will support both community arts and broader social engagement in Clonard Village where no community building currently exists.

These investments will help ensure that community centres remain vibrant, inclusive, and resilient spaces for generations to come.

Funding has also been awarded to the Helen Blake Community Group in Fethard-on-Sea, whose social enterprise project will provide materials for a community vessel; a unique initiative blending heritage, sustainability, and social impact.

Other approvals include support for rural tourism and food production, such as:

  • Paul Kennedy’s Glenogue Farm, a luxury glamping business, located near Coolgreaney in North Wexford, promoting wellness-based tourism and rural hospitality.
  • O’Neill Foods Ltd in Enniscorthy whose funding award has the potential to increase employment from 25 FTE to 28 FTE, with the creation of two full time and two part time positions, with increased efficiencies and new product development enabling higher production volumes.

Michael Wall, Chairman of Wexford Local Development, stated: “This recent allocation shows that community and business development is alive and well throughout County Wexford. WLD is proud to support these community led efforts that are shaping a brighter, more connected future.”

Full list of awards:

The LEADER Programme, delivered by Wexford Local Development, continues to be a catalyst for community empowerment, rural innovation, and sustainable development. Community groups and niche rural businesses interested in applying for future funding can learn more at www.wld.ie/leader.

Wexford Local Development will shortly open calls for funding for biodiversity action plans and climate action plans from community groups and development groups.  Please ‘subscribe’ for all calls information and LEADER updates.