Local Enhancement Programme for Community Development (Ireland)

Deadline: 27-Feb-2026

The Local Enhancement Programme (LEP) in Ireland provides funding to support not-for-profit community and voluntary groups in disadvantaged areas. It strengthens local facilities, improves accessibility, and enhances community amenities, recreation spaces, and energy efficiency. Administered by Local Community Development Committees, the programme ensures funding addresses priority needs while promoting sustainability, inclusion, and tangible community impact.

Local Enhancement Programme Overview

The Local Enhancement Programme (LEP) supports community development in Ireland by funding improvements to facilities, public spaces, and amenities in areas experiencing disadvantage. The programme is designed to empower local groups to maintain, upgrade, and equip their facilities, ensuring continued delivery of essential services and community activities.

Purpose and Key Objectives

The LEP aims to:

• Address disadvantage identified in Local Economic and Community Plans

• Improve accessibility and inclusivity of community facilities

• Enhance youth, recreation, and public spaces

• Promote energy efficiency, biodiversity, and carbon reduction

• Complement other frontline community development schemes

• Strengthen the long-term sustainability of local community services

By targeting these areas, the LEP helps communities thrive while ensuring funding achieves measurable social and environmental outcomes.

Eligible Activities

Funding under the LEP can be used for:

• Maintenance, repairs, and refurbishment of community facilities

• Development of parks, playgrounds, youth clubs, sports, and recreation areas

• Public realm improvements, streetscaping, and communal spaces

• Accessibility upgrades for people with disabilities

• Energy-efficiency measures to reduce operational costs

• Purchase of essential equipment, including ICT resources, furniture, tools, and signage

• Capital works supporting biodiversity or carbon footprint reduction

• CCTV equipment where appropriate

The programme allows both small-scale projects under €1,000 and larger initiatives that address community disadvantage and provide significant benefits.

Who Is Eligible

Eligible applicants include:

• Not-for-profit community and voluntary groups across Ireland

• Organisations operating in areas identified as disadvantaged in Local Economic and Community Plans

• Groups seeking funding for local facilities, public spaces, youth, or recreational amenities

Why This Grant Matters

The LEP strengthens communities by:

• Improving access to safe, well-equipped, and inclusive local facilities

• Supporting youth engagement, recreational opportunities, and community cohesion

• Reducing environmental impact through energy efficiency and biodiversity projects

• Empowering local groups to deliver services and activities that meet community priorities

By investing in both infrastructure and equipment, the LEP ensures communities can thrive now and in the future.

How to Apply

To apply for LEP funding:

1. Identify local community needs aligned with the Local Economic and Community Plan

2. Contact your Local Community Development Committee to confirm available funding and guidelines

3. Prepare a project plan outlining objectives, expected outcomes, and community impact

4. Provide a detailed budget, including any match funding or in-kind contributions

5. Submit the application to the Local Community Development Committee by the specified deadline

6. Ensure compliance with reporting and accountability requirements if funding is approved

Tips for a Strong Application

• Clearly demonstrate how the project addresses disadvantage or unmet community needs

• Include measurable outcomes and expected impact on the local community

• Highlight collaboration with other local groups or stakeholders

• Show evidence of sustainability, including environmental or energy-efficiency benefits

• Include realistic budgets and timelines

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Submitting incomplete applications or missing deadlines

• Proposing projects outside Local Community Development Committee priorities

• Failing to demonstrate tangible community benefits or measurable outcomes

• Neglecting to include equity, accessibility, or environmental considerations

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of projects are eligible for funding?

Projects that enhance local facilities, public spaces, youth and recreation areas, energy efficiency, biodiversity, and ICT or essential equipment purchases.

Can small groups receive funding?

Yes, allocations can include small capital grants of €1,000 or less to support groups with limited resources.

Are larger projects eligible?

Yes, the programme can fund or partially fund larger-scale initiatives that address disadvantage and deliver community impact.

Who administers the funding?

Local Community Development Committees manage funding at the local level, ensuring alignment with community priorities.

Is funding available for energy-efficiency measures?

Yes, energy-efficiency projects that reduce operational costs and carbon footprint are supported.

Can funds be used for biodiversity initiatives?

Yes, capital works that enhance biodiversity and environmental sustainability are eligible.

Are voluntary groups eligible?

Yes, both voluntary and not-for-profit community groups across Ireland can apply if operating in identified disadvantaged areas.

Conclusion

The Local Enhancement Programme empowers community and voluntary groups across Ireland to strengthen local facilities, improve accessibility, and enhance public spaces. By supporting sustainable infrastructure, essential equipment, and youth and recreation initiatives, the LEP ensures long-term community impact while addressing disadvantage and promoting inclusion.

For more information, visit Waterford City and County Council.