leader-logo The LEADER Programme 2014-2020 in County Wexford aims to provide rural communities, small enterprises and social enterprises with grant aid which supports developments in areas and sectors as set out in the Wexford Local Development Strategy.  The programme is now open for applications, with funding available for enterprise and community projects. 
The application process is competitive with no guarantee of applicants being awarded grant aid.

This process now involves two steps as follows:

  • Step One – Expression of Interest 

All applicants must complete an Expression of Interest (EOI) for each project.

  • Step Two – LEADER Grant Application

If your Expression of Interest is eligible in principle, you will be invited to make an application for LEADER funding.

If you have a project in mind, we strongly advise you to contact one of our project officers to have an informal chat about your project idea. This will give you the opportunity to tell us about your project, and give us a chance to explain the details of the LEADER programme.

Enterprise Projects

Funding is available for niche start-up and expanding businesses across a range of sectors.  WLD is now seeking applications for funding from niche enterprises such as general enterprise, food & beverage producers, tourism attractions, craft/creative industries, renewable energy and farm diversification.  Micro and small businesses (up to 50 employees) can apply for up to €200,000 grant aid.

Enterprise applications are now accepted on a rolling call basis.  Applications are preceded by completing and returning an Enterprise Applicants Expression of Interest Form 2018.  It is advisable to contact Tom Bermingham or Helena Dempsey to discuss whether your business is eligible for LEADER funding.

Community Projects

All community enquiries should be made to Eileen Dake or Mary Dunphy (contact details below).

The latest round of calls for Expressions of Interest for community projects has now closed.  Once complete in 2020, these projects will:

  • Assist rural communities & towns to become more attractive environments to live (€596,000)
  • Increase access to a range of quality social and recreational facilities (€279,000)
  • Help young people reach their full potential through the development of youth facilities (€75,000)

Wexford Local Development was delighted to support communities to access LEADER funding in 2018 & 2017:

  • Arts & Culture projects – Total fund allocated to 21 community groups €265,969.56.
  • Playgrounds/Outdoor Gyms – Total fund allocated to 13 community groups €377,408.44.
  • Youth Facilities – Total fund allocated to 6 community groups €117,993.39.
  • Community Facilities –  Total fund allocated to 13 community groups €784,660.38.

Subscribe to receive LEADER updates

If you subscribe to receive updates our LEADER team will email you news and information on funding calls for the LEADER Programme as and when they happen.  We will hold your contact details on a database in Wexford which is visible to WLD staff.

Subscribe to LEADER emails

Tom Bermingham
Enterprise Project Officer (Wexford & Gorey areas)
Helena Dempsey
Enterprise Project Officer (New Ross & Enniscorthy areas)
Eileen Dake
Community Project Officer (New Ross & Wexford areas)
Mary Dunphy
Community Project Officer (Gorey & Enniscorthy areas)
Further information on LEADER is available on our Forms & Publications page, or by contacting WLD on 053 9155800, or by email at leader@wld.ie, or by downloading the following summary document: LEADER Guidance Summary Jan18.

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