Local Enhancement Programme 2026

Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Dara Calleary TD, and Minister of State with responsibility for Community Development and Charities, Jerry Buttimer TD, have announced €7 million in funding under the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht’s Local Enhancement Programme (LEP) 2026.

The Local Enhancement Programme 2026 will provide capital supports that are essential for many small community groups and organisations, particularly those who serve disadvantaged communities in rural and urban areas.

There will be a particular focus on small capital works/improvements, and the purchase of equipment for community use. The funding may be used for but not limited to; improving access for persons with a disability; enhancing community participation for disadvantaged and marginalised groups and improving energy efficiency of community facilities to reduce ongoing costs.

The Local Enhancement Programme 2026 is funded by the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht and administered by the Local Community Development Committees (LCDCs) and the final approval of grants will be a matter for the LCDC. Any not-for-profit community or voluntary group can apply. Commercial organisations and individuals are not eligible for funding.

Limerick has received an allocation of €278,643.81 for projects under the Scheme to assist community groups across the county. This support is available to Parish Halls, Community Centres, Local Development Associations, Social Clubs, ICA Groups, Senior Citizen Groups, Men’s Sheds, Women’s Sheds and more.

The Local Enhancement Programme 2026 will support groups, particularly in disadvantaged areas

• Measure 1 small scale grants of €1,000 or less.
• Measure 2 grants in excess of €1,001 to a maximum of €6,000.

The Local Enhancement Programme 2026 will support groups, particularly in disadvantaged areas to carry out necessary repairs and small capital works/improvements to their facilities, and/or the purchase of equipment for community use, such as tables and chairs, tools and signage, cleaning machinery/equipment, canopies and training equipment etc.

All applications for funding under this programme will be reviewed and assessed to ensure consistency with the Limerick Local Economic and Community Plan (LECP).

In deciding the final allocations of funding to projects, the LCDC may take account of a number of factors including geographical balance, previous funding received by the applicant and the desirability to fund a variety of projects. The relative disadvantage of the area where the facility is located or the area it serves will form part of the decision process along with cross-reference being made to the HP (Hasse Pobal) Deprivation Index. Click here for link.

Before you start – We recommend that you have the following to hand

• Charitable Status Number (if applicable)
• Tax Reference Number (if applicable)
• Tax Clearance Access Number (if applicable)
• Letter from Revenue dated within the last three months stating whether your group/organisation is registered for VAT
• Details of Previous funding /grants received e.g. LEADER, CEP etc.
• Eircode for project
• Bank Statement Header – recent and in applicant group name
• Quotations will be required for capital funding. You will be presented with further details in Section 2
• Your application is dependent on the submission of these supporting documents

How To Apply

Application forms can be completed online via the following link. The closing date for submission of applications is 12 noon on 27th February 2026.

• Please review the Scheme Guidelines in full for all information here.
• All questions on the form must be answered and supporting documentation uploaded where specified.
• Any queries can be directed by email to lep@limerick.ie or by phone to 061-55 7199 or 061-55 6473.

Closing date will be strictly adhered to.