1. RURAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME LEADER 2014-2020

2. RURAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME LEADER 2014-2020
Information Evening Schedule
Welcome
Presentation on Leader Programme
Question and Answer Session

3. LEADER Information Session
Welcome
LEADER Information Session
Overview of the delivery of LEADER in Co Longford
Leader and the Local Development Strategy
Leader Programme – How to apply for funding

4. LEADER
The LEADER Initiative was established by the European Commission in 1991 and is a method of mobilising and delivering rural development in local rural communities.
LEADER is a French acronym which roughly translates as ‘Links between actions of Rural Development’. LEADER is a community led approach to local development delivering EU funding into rural businesses and communities through Ireland’s Rural Development Programme
It promotes social inclusion, poverty reduction and the economic development of rural areas.
It aims to build a better quality of life

5. Delivery of LEADER 2014-2020 in Co Longford
Local Action Group (LAG)
Lead Implementing Partner
Lead Financial Partner
Evaluation Committee

6. Delivery of LEADER 2014-2020 in Co Longford
Local Action Group (LAG) with ultimate responsibility for the delivery of LEADER in Co Longford. The LCDC comprises of representatives from the Local Authority, other State Agencies, community, voluntary and social partners.
Lead Implementing Partner with responsibility for the day to day management and co-ordination of the Rural Development programme on behalf of the LAG (LCDC) – administration and animation of project applications, main communication/ contact point for the programme
Lead Financial Partner with responsibility for maintaining and retaining records of all financial aspects of the programme. Longford County Council will also be responsible for making payments to project promoters on behalf of the LAG (LCDC)

7. LEADER 2014-2020 in Co Longford total funding available €7,597,623
Theme 1: Economic Development, Enterprise Development and Job Creation
Sub Themes
Rural Tourism
Enterprise Development
Theme 2: Social Inclusion
Basic Services Targeted at Hard to Reach Communities
Rural Youth
Theme 3: Rural Environment
Protection and Sustainable use of Water Resources
Protection and Improvement of Local Biodiversity
Rural Towns
Broadband
Development of Renewable Energy

8. LEADER in Co Longford
All funding decisions taken by the LAG are underpinned by the LDS objectives and priorities.
In the context of LEADER, the Local Development Strategy for Co Longford was developed from a county wide consultation process with communities, an analysis of relevant socio-economic data and a review of current service provision in the county.
The LDS determines the needs in a local area and the LAG (LCDC) will make decisions on what types of investment are best suited to address these needs.

9. LEADER 2014-2020 in Co Longford Local Development Strategy Vision  
The vision for this Local Development Strategy is to improve the quality of economic and social activity in County Longford. By 2020,
the creation of a better environment for all forms of Enterprise to flourish;
ensure there are targeted supports for disadvantaged communities that improve access to education, employment and family support;
To protect the un-spoilt natural environment that the county enjoys while at the same time develop the latent tourism potential that the county has.

10. LEADER 2014-2020 in Co Longford Who is Eligible?
To apply for LEADER funding the project must be located in Co Longford. Applications can be made by rural business and rural community organisations
Sole traders
Farmers
Community/Voluntary Groups
Companies Limited by Guarantee
Trusts
Partnerships
Limited Companies
Private Individuals

11. LEADER 2014-2020 in Co Longford What projects are eligible?
Projects which link to the LEADER Themes and are in line with the Local Development Strategy for Co Longford will be eligible for consideration for funding.

12. LEADER in Co Longford
Funding is available for the following across all themes
Capital Costs for investment in new equipment, buildings, facilities, services and assets
Development of innovative products and activities
Support for networks, collective marketing and training
Analysis and Development and Feasibility Support

13. Enterprise Development
LEADER
Theme 1: Economic Development, Enterprise Development and Job Creation
With four Sub-Themes
Enterprise Development
Rural Tourism
Rural Towns
Broadband

14. Provision of Basic Services Targeted at Hard to Reach Communities
LEADER
Theme 2: Social Inclusion
With two Sub-themes
Provision of Basic Services Targeted at Hard to Reach Communities
Rural Youth .

15. LEADER 2014-2020 Theme 3: Rural Environment
With three Sub-Themes
Protection and Sustainable use of
Water Resources
Protection and Improvement of Local Biodiversity
Development of Renewable Energy

16. LEADER 2014-2020 Ineligible Activities
Funding is not available for the following
Agriculture production & fisheries
Sporting Activities of a mainstream sporting organisation
Conventional motor vehicles including cars, industrial/farm/construction vehicles, vans and buses
Conventional Retail Operation
Reclaimable VAT
Training Courses that form part of normal education programmes
Housing
Working capital (including stock)
Improvements/refurbishment of private residential property
Loans
Race and sport horse industries, Greyhound industries
Insurance for projects
Horticulture including bee keeping
Payment for gifts, donations, or personal entertainment
Projects that already have other EU funding either directly or through a national programme
Planning application fees/Development Charges
Costs associated with meeting a legislative or statutory requirement
Healthcare/Nursing Homes/Childcare
General maintenance works of public bodies

17. LEADER 2014-2020 Rates of Funding Available €200,000 €30,000
Type of Project
Applicant
Maximum Rate of Aid
Maximum Funding
Investment & other supports (including animation undertaken as part of the implementation of a project)
Private
Up to a maximum of 50%
€200,000
Community
Up to a maximum of 75%
Analysis and Development
€30,000
Up to a maximum of 90%
Training
Private or Community
Up to a maximum of
100%
The minimum allowable grant available is €1,250

18. LEADER 2014-2020 EOI/Application Process
In addition to the rolling application process that applied during previous LEADER programmes, under the new programme there will be competitive Time Limited/Targeted Calls and Rolling Calls.
The purpose of targeted calls for EOIs is to ensure that LEADER funding is targeted where it delivers the most value, is awarded based on a comparative assessment and secures equal opportunities for all potential applicants.
Project areas covered by a targeted call are ineligible under the ‘rolling call’ process for a minimum of 6 months following the closing date of the Time-Limited Call.

19. LEADER 2014-2020 EOI/Application Process
Applying for Funding
There are two formal stages in the application process for LEADER funding
Stage 1 Expression of Interest
All applicants must complete an Expression of Interest (EOI) for each project. The EOI is used to outline your project and check if it is eligible to progress to Stage 2 – LEADER Application
Stage 2 Full Application
When your EOI form has been reviewed and if eligible, you will be invited to submit a full application
To Note: Forms must be completed in full or may result in delays.

20. LEADER Stage 1 - EOI
Decide who is the applicant, providing and using your Legally Constituted Name.
Governance – Constitution, Company, other
Planning permission/other permissions, heritage review/permissions
Project Management – designated person(s) from the group
‘About Us’ – Information on your group
Insurance
Project Costs – how will it be financed

21. LEADER 2014-2020 Stage 2 - Application
You will be required to have all relevant documents in place to complete the Application Stage
EOI and Application Form – fully completed
Constitution for Group or Memorandum and Articles of Association
Background on the Group – What are your objectives, list of officers, directors, previous projects undertaken
Financial – Bank /Credit Union Account details, statement, match funds and bridging/overdraft
Tax Clearance Certificate for applicant, all suppliers and contractors
Group or organisation not registered for VAT – Letter from Revenue
Insurance details for all parties – policy schedule and indemnifications
Quotations/Tenders – different requirements per thresholds – procurement information
Plans/Drawings
Permissions – Planning and other if required
Ownership – Lease/Licence Agreements with maps

22. LEADER 2014-2020 Evaluation and Approval
Projects are assessed by an Independent Evaluation Committee
Evaluation Committee Recommendations are sent to the LCDC (LAG) for approval/rejection
Approved Project - Letter of Offer
Contract is signed and accepted by the promoter
Project can commence

23. LEADER Process
The LEADER team within Longford Community Resources will support you throughout the process. We hope that you found this presentation useful and informative in understanding LEADER and the application process.
We thank you for your time this evening and we look forward to dealing with you regarding your projects.