New publication highlights €286m investment and 6,800+ projects delivered through LEADER across Ireland
Dublin, 26th June 2026 — The Local Development Companies Network (LDCN) today marked the start of Ireland’s EU Presidency with a call for the protection and ringfencing of LEADER funding, as senior representatives met with Members of the European Parliament at Europe House in Dublin. A specially commissioned publication was presented to MEPs, showcasing 35 years of LEADER investment in Ireland and its impact on rural communities nationwide.
The meeting brought together policymakers and sector leaders to underline the importance of safeguarding LEADER as a cornerstone of EU rural development policy. It comes at a critical juncture, as negotiations continue on the next EU Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF), where proposed changes risk how LEADER funding is delivered, and the Community Led Local Development which is critical to the success of LEADER to date.
The publication demonstrates the diversity, scale and impact of LEADER in rural communities in Ireland. Between 2016 and 2026, LEADER supported 6,858 projects, delivering €286.7 million in funding and leveraging an additional €143 million in matched investment for rural communities and enterprises.
Speaking at the event, Máirín Ó Cuireáin, CEO of Local Development Companies Network, said:
“As Ireland assumes the EU Presidency, there is a vital opportunity to ensure that LEADER remains a protected, ringfenced instrument within the next European budget. Over more than three decades, this programme has empowered communities to shape their own futures, supporting local enterprise, strengthening social inclusion, and sustaining rural life across the country.”
She added:
“Local Development Companies act as a bridge between policy, people and place. LEADER works because it is community-led, grounded in local knowledge, and delivered through trusted organisations embedded in every county. A diluted LEADER programme in Ireland risks the future of the critical social infrastructure around Local Development Companies in Ireland’s rural communities.”
The publication also highlights that LEADER operates across all 26 counties, supporting a rural population of over 3.4 million people, and remains a key delivery mechanism for place-based, community-led development.
Chairperson of Local Development Companies Network, Thomas Fitzpatrick, said:
“LEADER is widely recognised as the EU’s flagship model for bottom-up rural development, placing communities at the centre of decision-making. As negotiations progress, it is essential that Ireland continues to advocate strongly for dedicated, ringfenced funding that reflects both the scale of need and the proven impact of this approach.”
The call aligns with LDCN’s broader policy position, which stresses the need to secure the long-term future of LEADER and ensure it is adequately resourced to meet growing demand across rural Ireland, particularly in areas such as enterprise, tourism, social inclusion and climate action.
The event also recognised the wider contribution of Local Development Companies, which deliver almost €230 million in supports annually, assist over 150,000 people, and support more than 6,000 community groups and social enterprises each year across Ireland.
*** ENDS ***
About Local Development Companies Network (LDCN)
Local Development Companies Network (LDCN) is the national representative body for Ireland’s Local Development Companies. LDCs operate in every county, delivering a wide range of programmes and services that support social inclusion, enterprise development, and community-led local development. Working at the interface of policy and practice, LDCN advocates on behalf of its members to ensure that communities are at the heart of national and European policy decisions.
Notes to the Editor
- Photo credit Conor McCabe – captions in metadata
- LEADER is an EU-funded programme supporting community-led rural development, operating in Ireland since 1991.
- It has funded thousands of projects across enterprise, tourism, infrastructure, social inclusion and environmental initiatives in all 26 counties.
- Local Development Companies deliver LEADER in Ireland and provide integrated services including mentoring, training and community supports.
- Link to LEADER publication: https://ldcn.ie/media-press-release/leader-in-ireland-supporting-rural-development-empowering-rural-communities/
Media Contact
Name: Louise Rooney
Email: louise.rooney@ldcn.ie
Phone: 086-063 4854