The Local Enhancement Programme for 2024 was announced by the Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphries T.D. and Minister of State with Responsibility for Community Development and Charities, Joe O Brien T.D. on the 6^th of December 2024.  This scheme has a total budget of €6m, with €179,128.08 being allocated to Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council.

This funding will provide capital supports essential for the many small community groups and organisations, particularly those who serve disadvantaged areas in rural and urban areas. There will be a particular focus on small capital works/improvements, and the purchase of equipment for community use.

Minister Humphries noted that €1m of the fund has been reserved for Women’s groups in recognition of the fact that there is a growing number of Women’s Sheds, Groups and Networks across the country

DLR LEP Allocation: €149,273.40

DLR Women’s Group Allocation: €29,854.68

DLR Total Allocation: €179,128.08

At its meeting on the 13^th of December, the Local Community Development Committee (LCDC) set a closing date for application for this new grant programme of the 28^th of February 2024.  The closing time is 12 noon.

The LCDC also set an upper limit of €10,000 for any grant under this scheme, while noting that the Department have a preference for up to 30% of the funding to be utilised for grants of €1,000 or less to ensure maximum reach and impact among community groups.

Applications are now invited through the DLR online grants platform from community groups across the county and the forms can be accessed by clicking the following links.

General LEP application form: https://submit.link/2hO

Ring-fenced Women’s Group funding application form: https://submit.link/2i1

The guidelines for this grant programme can be viewed and downloaded at the LRP page on www.dlrcoco.ie  https://www.dlrcoco.ie/community-funding-support/local-enhancement-programme-2024 and the direct link to the guidelines is here: https://www.dlrcoco.ie/sites/default/files/2024-01/DLR%20LCDC%20LEP%202024%20Guidelines.odt

If any community group requires additional guidance with submitting the online grant please do not hesitate to contact the Community Department:

email: community@dlrcoco.ie

or telephone (01) 205 4893

The Local Enhancement Programme 2024 is funded by the Department of Rural and Community Development. Please see the following link to the press release announcing the Local Enhancement Programme 2024 at national level, by the Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD, and the Minister of State with responsibility for Community Development and Charities, Joe O’Brien TD: [Press release]