The launch of the Local Enhancement Programme 2025 was announced on 7th November 2024 by Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD, and Minister of State with responsibility for Community Development and Charities, Joe O’Brien TD.
This fund is being provided by the Government to support community and voluntary groups and will consist of €7 million in funding to be allocated across the local authority network.
Under the 2025 fund nationally, there will be €6 million capital funding available to support community and voluntary groups, particularly in disadvantaged areas, with minor capital works and improvements to their facilities, and the purchase of equipment for community use.
This year the fund will also include €1 million in current funding to provide support and assistance to community and voluntary groups towards their non-pay running costs for example energy costs/bills (electricity costs, refuse charges, heating charges) or other non-pay operating costs for example rental/lease costs, insurance bills.
County Wicklow has received funding of €199,044 as part of the Local Enhancement Programme 2025 as follows:
Capital Allocation €170,609
Current Allocation €28,435
The Department of Rural and Community Development’s Local Enhancement Programme 2025 is administered by Local Community Development Committees, with support from the Local Authority, in each area.
It should be noted that groups applying under the current fund are not precluded from applying for the capital funding and vice versa.
Wicklow Local Community Development Committee (LCDC) is responsible for allocating funding for this scheme. Applications should relate to one or more key priority areas identified in their LCDC’s Local Economic and Community Plan (LECP) in order to be eligible for consideration.
How to Apply
Applications for funding can now be made under this Programme to County Wicklow LCDC by 4.00 p.m. on Friday 7th March 2025.
Application forms and guidelines are available below.
Applications can be emailed to LEP@wicklowcoco.ie or posted to the address below:
LEP 2025, Social Development (Housing & Community), Wicklow County Council, Whitegates, Wicklow Town, A67 FW96.
Phone: 0404 20208