Local Enhancement Programme 2026 - Applications under Capital Funding

Local Enhancement Programme 2026

Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht

The Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht (“the Department”) funds the Local Enhancement Programme (LEP) which provides funding to support community groups across Ireland. 

The Local Enhancement Programme 2026 will support groups, particularly in disadvantaged areas, with funding to carry out necessary repairs and improvements to their facilities, and to purchase equipment for example tables and chairs, tools and signage, laptops and printers, lawnmowers, canopies and training equipment etc. Facilities improvement works may also include, but are not limited to; improved 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 scheme is designed to ensure local priorities are identified and met, so as to improve and enhance community facilities for all. It is administered by Local Community Development Committees (LCDCs) in each Local Authority area.   

Applications should relate to one or more key priority areas identified in their LCDC’s Local Economic and Community Plan (LECP) in order to be eligible for consideration.  

Terms and Conditions 

• The Local Enhancement Programme will support groups, particularly in disadvantaged areas, to carry out necessary repairs and improvements to their facilities and purchase equipment. 

• This is a capital funding scheme. The scheme does not provide funding for the pay or employment of staff, or towards current ‘operating’ costs such as utility bills, etc. 

• The activity or project must benefit the local community and relate to the key priority areas identified in the LECP.  

• The information supplied by the applicant group /organisation must be accurate and complete.  

• Inaccurate or incomplete information may lead to disqualification and/or the repayment of any grant made. 

• Any expenditure incurred before a letter of offer is issued from Mayo LCDC will be deemed ineligible  

• All information provided in respect of the application for a grant will be held electronically. The Department reserves the right to publish a list of all grants awarded on its website. 

• The Freedom of Information Act applies to all records held by the Department and Local Authorities, including applications received and any additional correspondence related to the application.  

• The application must be signed by the Chairperson, Secretary or Treasurer of the organisation making the application. Applications will only be accepted through the online portal. 

• Applicants should be aware that an equity/fairness approach will be taken by the LCDC to ensure an even distribution of funding and a maximum of one project per group will be considered for funding by the LCDC. 

• It is the responsibility of each organisation to ensure that it has proper procedures and policies in place, including appropriate insurance, where relevant. 

• Evidence of expenditure, receipts /invoices must be retained and provided to the LCDC, the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, the relevant local authority or any agent acting on their behalf if requested. 

• Grant monies must be expended and drawn down from the LCDC by 31st December 2026.  Photographic evidence may be required to facilitate draw down of grants. 

• The Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht’s contribution must be publicly acknowledged in all materials associated with the purpose of the grant, including signage. 

• Generally, no third party or intermediary applications will be considered. 

• Late applications will not be considered. 

• Applications by post should use the correct value of postage stamps and allow sufficient time to ensure delivery not later than the closing date of 27 February 2026. Claims that any application form has been lost or delayed in the post will not be considered, unless applicants have a Post Office Certificate of Posting in support of such claims. 

• Breaches of the terms and conditions of the grants scheme may result in sanctions including disbarment from future grant applications. 

• Please ensure the application form is completed in full. Incomplete applications will not be considered for funding. 

• In order to process your application, it may be necessary for Mayo County Council to collect personal data from you. Such information will be processed in line with the Local Authority’s privacy statement which is available to view on www.mayo.ie. 

• In order to drawdown any grant awarded all invoices and receipts/other proof of payment provided must be in the full name of the applicant organisation. Invoices and receipts made out to third parties will not be accepted.
• Items purchased using LEP funding must remain in the State on a permanent basis.

ALL APPLICATIONS ARE TO BE SUBMITTED TO MAYO LCDC ONLINE:

Closing Date 3pm on Friday 27th February 2026

CLOSING DATE WILL BE STRICTLY ADHERED TO

If you have any queries, please email the Community Section at  lep2026@mayococo.ie or call 094 – 906 4660

Please read the LEP 2026 Application Guidelines for the Local Enhancement Programme before completing this form.