Wicklow Local Community Development Committee (LCDC) along with partners County Wicklow Partnership (CWP) and Wicklow County Council are preparing a new Local Development Strategy for the next LEADER Rural Development Programme.
They are holding a series of public meetings and inviting anyone interested in influencing what is included in the strategy to come to voice their thoughts and opinions at these meetings. Suzanne Campbell, RTE’s food and farming reporter and Wicklow native will preside over the events.
The LEADER programme accepts applications based on projects which improve:
- rural tourism
- enterprise development
- broadband
- basic services targeted at hard-to-reach communities
- rural youth
- protection and sustainable use of water resources
- local biodiversity
- renewable energy
The meetings are being held across the county in the following locations:
| Date | Location | Time |
| 02 May 2023 | Tinahely Community Hall | 7pm to 9pm |
| 03 May 2023 | Rathdrum Development Association (RDA) Hall | 7pm to 9pm |
| 04 May 2023 | Arklow Bay Hotel | 7pm to 9pm |
| 09 May 2023 | Comin Centre Blessington | 7pm to 9pm |
| 10 May 2023 | Glenview Hotel | 7pm to 9pm |
| 11 May 2023 | Baltinglass Parish Centre | 7pm to 9pm |
The LEADER Rural Development Programme in Wicklow will have a budget of €5.2 million to spend on local projects between Autumn of 2023 and 2027. The Local Development Strategy will be the guide on how this money is spent.
The LEADER Programme can fund projects in three thematic areas including Economic Development and Job Creation; Rural Infrastructure and Social Inclusion; and Sustainable Development of the Rural Environment and Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation.
Suggestions are being sought from the Wicklow Public on what should be included in Wicklow’s Local Development Strategy and what should be prioritised for funding.
Speaking about the launch of these public meetings, Wicklow LCDC Chairperson Pat Kennedy said “We are really eager to hear from as many people as possible to help shape the next LEADER programme. LEADER is a community led programme and requires input from as many individuals and groups from Wicklow as possible.”
County Wicklow Partnership CEO Brian Carty further added that “CWP has been involved in delivering LEADER for nearly 30 years and are always excited to hear from Wicklow’s communities and individuals about their changing needs and how to use the LEADER programme to help meet those needs. We would encourage as many people as possible to attend our public meetings to have their say in Wicklow’s next LEADER Programme”.
For anyone who would like more information on the meetings, contact CWP on
info@wicklowpartnership.ie or ring (0402) 20955
