PRESS RELEASE

12 November 2021
 
NEW BOOKLET CELEBRATES 30 YEARS OF LEADER PROGRAMME
 
Photos will be issued to picture desks by Maxwell Photography. Video for publication in notes.
 
The Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys, T.D. today (12 November) launched a booklet produced by the National Rural Network (NRN) which celebrates the success of the LEADER Programme in Ireland over the past 30 years.
 
The new booklet tells the stories of 72 inspirational LEADER projects located throughout Ireland funded under the Rural Development Programme (RDP) 2014-2020.  Through its ‘bottom up’, locally-led, framework, the LEADER Programme supports the delivery of local development actions which address the overarching needs of rural communities throughout Ireland in an innovative, integrated and inclusive manner. All 29 Local Action Groups (LAGs) throughout Ireland and their respective Implementing Partners (IPs) are represented in this publication.
 
Commenting on the launch of the booklet, Minister Humphreys said, “LEADER is all about that community-led, bottom-up approach. I really believe this publication will help guide future applicants to develop worthy projects that will benefit the community as a whole. “
 
Dr Shane Conway from the NRN and NUI Galway, said, “Rural Ireland has benefited enormously from the LEADER Programme; not only through capital invested, but more specifically through the enhancement and accumulation of social capital in rural areas. Evidence of social capital or the ‘glue’ that holds communities together, is all too apparent in the projects and initiatives funded under the 2014-2020 LEADER Programme, some of which are outlined in this booklet. For example, the pride and passion for our communities which can be uncovered, when rural towns and villages come together in celebration during festivals such as; The Charlie Chaplin Comedy Film Festival in Kerry or The Fingal Farmers Festival in Dublin, both funded under the LEADER Theme of Economic Development, Enterprise Development and Job Creation. The LEADER Programme’s continued support of such community-led initiatives is now more important than ever as rural areas throughout Ireland adapt, rebuild, and reenergise as part of their COVID-19 recovery response’’.
 
Dr Maura Farrell also from the NRN and NUI Galway added that “the enterprise opportunities made possible through LEADER funding are also well documented in this booklet, with successful examples, such as Jonathan O’Meara’s innovative Mid Ireland Adventure business in Westmeath, which was nominated for a European Rural Inspiration Award, or Coillte Sláintiúil, a start-up enterprise in South Cork, providing a range of woodland conservation solutions’’.
 
“The enhancement and protection of the rural environment, its waterway and biodiversity as well as the development of renewable energy is a welcome consideration within the LEADER framework. Funded projects such as The Westport Beekeeper Association in Mayo and The Louth Village Biodiversity Plan are highly beneficial to the environment, but also allow communities to expand their knowledge base around key environmental considerations,” said Dr Farrell.
 
The case studies featured in this booklet are only a small fraction of the vast array of ventures fund the NRN hopes that the booklet will help future applicants see what is possible through LEADER’s community-led approach to rural development.
The booklet can be downloaded free of charge at www.nationalruralnetwork.ie
 
-ENDS-
 
For more information or to arrange an interview, contact James Claffey at the National Rural Network on 087 281 9741.
 
NOTE TO EDITORS:
Minister Heather Humphreys pictured here with Dr Shane Conway, James Claffey and Daniel Bennett from the National Rural Network at the launch of the LEADER Programme Booklet in Trinity Point, Dublin. 
 
 
The National Rural Network (NRN) will be hosting 2021 LEADER Conference on the 15th of November 2021 from 9am to 1pm. This online event entitled 30 Years of LEADER – Learning from the Past, Looking to the Future will allow us to reflect on past and current programmes, while also debating rural policy and practice via the next LEADER Programme. The keynote will be livered by Professor Mark Shucksmith OBE, from Newcastle University. See https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/30-years-of-leader-learning-from-the-past-looking-to-the-future-registration-166634071995
 
 
About the NRN
The NRN is a membership network for anyone interested in rural development. It provides up-to-date information, case studies, seminars, and conferences to maximise the beneficial outcomes of 'Ireland's Rural Development Programme 2014-2020 for rural stakeholders. The NRN, which is contracted under the EU co-funded Rural Development Programme, is managed by a consortium led by Irish Rural Link in partnership with The Wheel, NUI Galway, and Philip Farrelly & Co. For more information see www.nationalruralnetwork.ie or follow the NRN on Twitter 
 
 
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