Over €1.5 million in LEADER Funding announced for 25 Mayo projects
South West Mayo Development Company (SWMDC) is delighted to confirm that almost €1.7 million in LEADER funding has been allocated to 25 projects across south and west Mayo, marking a major milestone in community led rural development for the region.
Overseen by Minister Dara Calleary through the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, the funded initiatives span a diverse range of sectors, including community facilities, tourism, biodiversity, private and social enterprise.
Among the community-led projects receiving support are Shrule Community Playground, Velorail Kiltimagh, Digispace Claremorris, and the Joyce Country and Western Lakes GeoEnterprise, each demonstrating the transformative impact of LEADER on local communities.
Volunteers remain at the heart of the LEADER programme, and SWMDC emphasises that this milestone would not be possible without the dedication of local people who give their time, energy, and expertise to drive projects forward.
Speaking about the announcement, Thomas Fitzpatrick, Chairperson of SWMDC, said: “We are very proud to reach this milestone. These projects reflect the ambition and creativity of communities across South West Mayo. LEADER funding empowers local people to shape their own future, and this achievement is a testament to the hard work of volunteers, community groups, and entrepreneurs who are committed to strengthening our rural areas.”
The company is pleased that the range of projects supported span their geographic area and includes a strong representation from the local business sector. Nanny Goose’s Glamping, Mara Education and Leisure, and Ecotek Recycling Ltd are just some of the private enterprises benefitting from this latest funding allocation.
The 25 Mayo projects are as follows: Parke Community Hall CLG (€29,765.66); Louisburgh Community Futures CLG (€25,959.15); Hollymount Community Development CLG (€111,766.99); Brickens Logboy Tulrahan IRD CLG (€115,089.00); Kilmaine GAA Club (€56,023.50); Mulranny Community Futures CLG (€15,356.86); Danu Trading Ltd (€50,000); Joyce Country and Western Lakes GeoEnterprise (€23,700.00); Clár Community Projects Ltd (€115.428.97); IRD Kiltimagh CLG (€5,040.00); Shrule/Glencorrib GAA Club CLG (€150,000.00); Mara Education and Leisure Ltd (€34,681.75); Green Vegetable Seeds Ltd (€105,860.13); Circus250 Productions CLG (€15,816.59); Mayo North East LEADER Partnership CLG (€63,598.99); Ecotek Recycling Limited (€76,436.55); Wild N Westport Glamping (€50,000.00); JS Wood Energy Ltd (€117,244.50); Bohola Community Park CLG (€168.613.39); Food Forests Ireland CLG (€19,419.52); C & D Waste Recycling Ltd (€192,949.35); Comlacht Forbartha Áitiúil Acla Teo (€92,265.00); Newport and District Development Company CLG (€25,635.15); Castlebar Chamber of Commerce (€18,173.25); Westport Alpaca Walks (€17,071.08).
Minister Calleary said:
“I’m delighted to see this level of investment in south and west Mayo through LEADER. "Now in its 35th year, LEADER funding has provided rural communities with the necessary resources to bring about real change in their own local communities, through a community-led local development 'bottom-up' approach.
“The Programme has enabled our rural communities to address the specific needs and challenges in their local areas and to become more resilient, while supporting job creation, and improving social and economic wellbeing."
With projects now progressing, the SWMDC LEADER team will work alongside their project promoters in the months ahead to bring these initiatives to fruition and maximise the social and economic benefits for the area.
For communities, businesses, or individuals interested in exploring how LEADER funding could support their ideas, further information is available on the South West Mayo Development Company website here, where guidance on eligibility, application process, and funding opportunities can be found.