Urban and Rural Development

The Clár programme provides funding for small scale projects in rural areas. Funding for community, sports and Island facilities

The Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS) provides funding for the development of new outdoor recreational infrastructure. It also provides support for the necessary repair, maintenance, enhancement or promotion of existing outdoor recreational infrastructure in rural areas across Ireland.

The LEADER 2023-2027 Programme, co-funded by both the EU and the Department of Rural and Community Development – is a programme to support communities and businesses across Laois to build on what they have in their local area; overcome social and economic challenges and protect and enhance their local environment.

Laois County Council work with Laois partnership to develop initiatives to attract people to live and work in rural communities such as enterprise and employment projects, transport initiatives, broadband services, digital hubs and e-working spaces.

The Rural Regeneration and Development Fund (RRDF) is a key capital investment scheme which directly supports the objectives of Our Rural Future and the Town Centre First policy.

Local authorities will provide financial support to community and business groups for projects to improve local towns and villages.

The Urban Regeneration and Development Fund (URDF) is a flagship element of Project Ireland 2040. Under the stewardship of the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, the Fund was established to support more compact and sustainable development, through the regeneration and rejuvenation of Ireland’s five cities and other large towns, in line with the objectives of the National Planning Framework (NPF) and National Development Plan (NDP).