Rural communities are the key to their own destinies, they are their own best assets; it is up to LEADER to help them to bring out ‘the greatness within’.
The vision for LEADER in County Meath is to deliver "a county which fulfils its social and economic potential, that is a preferred location for living and doing business, and one that provides its citizens and communities with the highest standards of living and quality of life". Project proposals that address this vision and contribute to the delivery of the Local Development Strategy (LDS) will be prioritised for funding.
With a dedicated project budget of €4 million, the LEADER Programme 2023-2027 represents a significant investment in the future of County Meath. This funding aims to support and develop local areas, create jobs, drive innovation, and enhance the quality of life for the county's residents.
Building on the rich heritage and vibrant community spirit of Meath, the new programme seeks to harness the potential of communities to tackle key challenges and seize opportunities for growth. LEADER's goal is to ensure that Meath continues to be a dynamic and thriving place to live, work, and visit.
The approved financial resources, combined with LEADER's bottom-up approach, create the potential for Meath to emerge from the challenges of recent years as a stronger, more resilient, and more prosperous county. This programme offers an exciting opportunity for communities to drive positive change and sustainable development in their local areas.
Funding is available for enterprises, community groups and individuals under a range of themes and sub themes click here to explore the themes of the programme.
| Project Type | Funding Rate (%) | Max. Funding |
| Capital (construction, equipment purchase etc.) | 75% | €200,000 |
| Analysis & Development (feasibility studies, local plans etc.) | 90% | €30,000 |
| Training | 100% | €200,000 |
Please note: Any project activity undertaken or started prior to the application or the date of the signed acceptance of the contract will not be eligible for LEADER funding. It is important to ensure that all project activities commence only after the formal approval and signing of the contract to qualify for funding.
If you have a project idea or proposal, see further information on the Meath LEADER application process on our 'Apply For LEADER funding' page.
The LEADER Programme in County Meath is Co-funded by the Department of Rural and Community Development / Arna chomhchistiú ag an Roinn Forbartha Tuaithe agus Pobail and Co-funded by the European Union. LEADER is financed by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD).
