The Local Enhancement Programme 2024-2025 is now open

Local Enhancement Programme 2024/2025

Applications are now invited from Community and Voluntary groups across County Laois for funding from the Local Enhancement Programme

The Local Enhancement Programme (LEP) provides funding to support community groups across Ireland.

The LEP is funded by the Department of Rural and Community Development (the Department) and administered by the Local Community Development Committees (LCDCs) in each Local Authority area.

The Local Enhancement Programme will support groups, particularly in disadvantaged areas.

Groups will be able to use the capital element of funding to carry out necessary repairs and improvements to their facilities, purchase equipment for e.g. such as tables and chairs, tools and signage, laptops and printers, lawnmowers, canopies and training equipment etc.
Groups will be able to use the current element of funding to support their non-pay running costs for example energy costs/bills (electricity costs, refuse charges, heating charges), rental/lease costs, insurance bills.

This funding will help communities, community groups and committees, allowing them to continue to provide valuable services to the people in their area, and in the process strengthen the bonds that tie communities together.

Who is eligible for funding?

Any not-for-profit community or voluntary group can apply.

Commercial organisations and individuals are not eligible for funding.

What costs are eligible for funding?

The following provides a non-exhaustive list of projects that could receive funding under the programme:

Development/renovation of community centres
Accessibility improvements
Community amenities
Development of youth clubs or facilities
Development of sports/recreation facilities
Improvements to town parks and common areas and spaces
Public realm improvements
Street-scaping
Development of play/recreation spaces
Improving energy efficiency of community facilities to reduce ongoing costs
Purchase of equipment
Purchase of laptops, tablets
Maintenance of premises, including painting and repairs
Capital work to increase biodiversity, or to reduce the carbon footprint of a facility
Cleaning equipment
Energy costs (electricity costs, refuse charges, heating charges) – current funding only
Operating costs (existing rental/lease costs, insurance bills) – current funding only
Website Maintenance – current funding only
Audit & Accountancy fees– current funding only

To ensure appropriate monitoring and governance, the Department is stating that only operating/running costs related to this period are eligible - 1st June 2024 to 30th May 2025.

The scheme is designed to ensure local priorities are identified and met, so as to improve and enhance community facilities for all.

What is not eligible for funding?

The following expenditure is not eligible for funding:

Any project not in keeping with the ethos of the Programme
Employment costs
Legal fees
Project management fees
Purchase of lands or buildings
Feasibility studies
Private or commercial operations
Costs which are being paid for by another funder or department

Target groups

This funding is targeted towards supporting communities that are impacted by disadvantage as identified in the LECP.

Laois LECP Framework Document 2023-2028.pdf (pdf, 15.37 MB)

What is application open date?

Applications will be made available on Monday 9th December 2024 from 4.00pm

What is closing date for receipt of application?

All applications and supporting documentation must be received by Friday 7th February 2025 at 4.00pm.

How do I apply?

You can apply online for Capital Funding and Current Funding. Alternatively, you can download the Capital Funding Form or Current Funding Form and return via email to LEP@laoiscoco.ie or post to:

Laois Local Community and Development Committee,

Laois County Council,

Community Department,

Aras an Chontae,

Portlaoise,

Co. Laois

Please note that late applications will be deemed ineligible.

I can’t download the form?

Don’t worry, we are here to help. Just drop us an email or call us on 05786 64227. We will ask for your groups name and postal address, we will then pop all documentation into the post for you.