David Stanton, Fine Gael TD for Cork East and Minister of State at the Department of Justice and Equality has welcomed the investment of €563,861.20 in LEADER funding for organisations and business in the east and north Cork area. The funding made available by the Minister of Rural and Community Development, Michael Ring TD, will be used to support local tourism, enterprise and other supports for rural communities.

“The announcement of over half a million euros in LEADER funding for 16 projects in Cork East Constituency is very welcome news. LEADER funding represents an enormous opportunity for rural businesses and communities that are in need of investment and I want to see the programme continuing to grow and make a difference for rural Ireland over the coming years”, said Minister Stanton

The following 16 projects across Cork East have been successful in securing funding:

Project and € Amount
Aghada & District Community Council Stage Upgrade 6,500.00
Araglen Glouneen River Walk Bridge 10,300.12
Ballyhoura Socio-Economic Planning Project 18,888.30
Ballymacoda Community Playground 30,000.00
Bo Rua Cheese Dairy Development 149,997.94
Castletownroche Memorial Garden 103,882.89
Cobh Family Resource Centre Elevator 17,500.00
Cobh Summer Swing 15,496.70
Conna Community Hall New Roof 39,208.57
Corrin Nature Reserve 37,414.88
Dungourney Community Playground 30,000.00
Glanworth Community Facilities 32,812.50
Hickey Metering Ltd 12,500.00
Kildorrery Community Development Feasibility Study 8,856.00
Rathcormac Community Amenity Park Phase 1 150,000.00
Sirius Arts Centre Facility Upgrade 10,253.61
Total: €563,861.20

“The LEADER programme funds projects under a diverse range of themes that include enterprise development, rural tourism, social inclusion and the environment. LEADER is a key component of Ireland’s Rural Development Programme 2014-2020. By providing financial assistance to communities and local groups it aims to empower them to prioritise projects which they believe to be most important.

“The simplification of the LEADER application process over the past year has led to a remarkable increase in funding allocations thanks to all of the stakeholders involved. Last year less than 50 projects were approved but I understand that this year the number is over 1,000 to which a total of €29 million has been allocated. There are a further 300 project applications currently going through the approval process for which about €20 million in funding is available.