Over €230,000 in funding announced for Mayo community groups
226 voluntary and community organisations to benefit under Local Enhancement Programme
Minister for Rural and Community Development, Dara Calleary TD, has announced funding of over €230,000 for 226 community, sporting and voluntary groups across Mayo under the 2025 Local Enhancement Programme (LEP).
The funding, totalling €231,855.44, is part of a national €7 million package supporting small-scale projects in community facilities, with a particular focus on disadvantaged and rural areas. The LEP supports capital improvements, equipment purchases, and—new for this year—operational costs for non-profit and voluntary groups.
“This year’s Local Enhancement Programme continues to build on the vital supports provided to community groups through previous rounds,” said Minister Calleary.
“It provides small-scale funding for projects ranging from the purchase of IT equipment to minor renovations. The 2025 scheme also allowed groups to apply for support with everyday operational expenses—something many local organisations told us was badly needed.”
The successful Mayo recipients include men’s and women’s sheds, youth centres, parish halls, sports clubs and other voluntary groups, with individual grants ranging from €200 to €2,040.
Minister of State, Alan Dillon TD, also welcomed the announcement, describing the programme as a lifeline for grassroots organisations throughout the county.
“Over 220 worthy groups and organisations across Mayo have been awarded funding, which will give a helping hand to our local groups and clubs. These are the building blocks of Irish community life,” Minister Dillon said.
“These grants may be small in nature, but I know they will go a long way in helping the 226 groups across Mayo and will ensure that small-scale, ground-up projects can be delivered in towns and villages throughout the county.”
Minister Dillon also thanked Mayo County Council and the Local Community Development Committees (LCDCs) for their work in supporting and assessing the applications locally.
The Local Enhancement Programme forms part of the Government’s wider rural strategy, Our Rural Future, which aims to revitalise rural areas and strengthen community supports across Ireland.