What is the Local Enhancement Programme 2025?
The Local Enhancement Programme (LEP) 2025 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 fund aims to support local strategic priorities through linkages with Local Economic Community Plans (LECPs).
The total LEP 2025 fund available for Offaly is €186,553, and is split as follows:
- Capital Expenditure €150,575 for small scale capital works/repairs and improvements to facilities, energy efficiency works, purchase of equipment such as tables and chairs, tools and signage, laptops and printers, lawnmowers, training equipment, etc. The Department requests that LCDCs ring-fence 30% of its funding for grants of €1,000 or less.
- Current Expenditure €26,650 for support with running costs such as energy or operational costs, e.g. rental/lease costs, utility bills, electricity bills, insurance, refuse costs, audit and accountancy fees, etc. Energy/operating costs must be incurred in the period 1st June 2024 to 30th May 2025 to be eligible.
Who can apply?
Any not-for-profit community or voluntary group can apply for funding to allow them to provide valuable services to the people in their area, and in the process strengthen the bonds that tie communities together.
Applications should relate to one or more key priority areas identified in their LCDC’s Local Economic and Community Plan 2024-2029 to be eligible for consideration.
Applicants are eligible to apply if they meet the LCDC’s qualifying criteria and are asked to use a group specific email address e.g. groupname@gmail.com.
How much can you apply for?
This scheme is for small-scale projects. Grant sizes under Capital Expenditure will be up to €3,000 maximum, with most grants being in the €1,000 to €2,000 range. Grant sizes in the Current Expenditure category will be up to €500 maximum. The fund is normally oversubscribed, so grants awarded will reflect this.
What can be funded?
- The development/renovation of community centres
- Accessibility improvements
- Community amenities
- Development of youth clubs or facilities
- Development of sports/recreation facilities
- 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
- 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
- Audit & Accountancy fees– current funding only
To ensure appropriate monitoring and governance, only operating/running costs related to the period 1st June 2024 to 30th May 2025 are eligible.
What is not funded?
Costs such as employment costs, legal fees, project management fees, Christmas lights projects, CCTV schemes, feasibility studies, private or commercial operations, are not eligible under this scheme.
What is the deadline to apply?
The deadline to apply via submit.com and to upload any required documentation is strictly 4pm on Wednesday, 12th February 2025.
How do I apply?
Applications are made through our online portal at submit.com. You will find the link here: https://submit.link/33L
Please ensure that you have read the Information for Applicants Booklet before starting your application:
Contact Details for Help
If you need to contact us for help or advice, please:
Email: community@offalycoco.ie, or Phone: 05793 57401