Community Enhancement Programme

Local Community Development Committees provide financial support to community and voluntary groups to support small capital projects which improve facilities in disadvantaged areas. These may include the development of community centres and amenities, burial grounds, sports and recreation facilities, men's and women's sheds.

The Local Enhancement Programme 2023-2024 is now closed

Local Enhancement Programme (LEP)

The Community Enhancement Programme has been renamed to the Local Enhancement Programme (LEP) provides money to help community groups all across Ireland. It's funded by the Department of Rural and Community Development and managed by local committees in each area. 

Funding is given to each area, in Laois, this is managed locally by a committee. They make sure it goes to the places that need it most. 

This programme helps groups, especially in disadvantaged areas, fix and improve their buildings or buy things like furniture, tools, computers, and more. 

The funding helps communities and groups keep providing important services and strengthens community bonds. 

Who can apply?

Non-profit community and voluntary groups can apply for funding. Commercial organisations and individuals are not eligible to apply.

What projects/costs are eligible for funding?

The following provides a non-exhaustive list of projects that could receive capital 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
  • Streetscaping
  • 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

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

Target groups

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

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
  • Utility Bills
  • General operating costs

Further information

For further information please contact: 

Brian O Sullivan
Community Section
Laois County Council
Áras an Chontae,
Portlaoise, Co Laois

Phone:  057 866 4150   
Email: bosullivan@laoiscoco.ie