Multi-million euro Laois funder invites workshops on finance opportunities

Café Donate in Mountrath received €105,267 under Leader.

placeholder image — Café Donate in Mountrath received €105,267 under Leader.

Laois Partnership has €4 m budget to support business and communities in rural Laois

Laois Partnership Company invites individuals, businesses and community groups across the county to join them at a series of workshops to discuss LEADER funding opportunities.

The Portlaoise headquartered development company says LEADER is a community-led approach to local development funded through Ireland’s CAP Strategic Plan 2023-2027, financed by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD) with funding administered via the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht.

To give an overview of the LEADER programme and the application process, there are three public workshops planned in the coming weeks at venues in Mountmellick, Borris-in-Ossory, and Errill, and all are welcome to attend.

With a €4 million funding for rural development projects in Laois up to 2027 under the latest LEADER fund, Laois Partnership says funding is available towards a wide range of sectors including farm diversification, small and medium enterprise, rural youth, heritage, town and village renewal, community facilities and amenities, and renewable energy and environmental projects. MORE BELOW PHOTO.

Caroline Lydon, Laois Partnership CEO, at the offices on the Timahoe Road in Portlaoise.

Laois Partnership says LEADER has been instrumental in assisting many innovative projects in Laois. One of the new projects approved for LEADER funding in 2025 is Café Donate in Mountrath, an social enterprise that it says provides job-skills training and community investment.

This project has come to fruition with LEADER support of €105,267, with funding approved towards building and renovation costs and equipment.

“LEADER support has been absolutely amazing, every step of the way,” said Martin Meade, director of Café Donate. “There is a great team in Laois Partnership Company who are only a phone call away. Community groups and enterprises in Laois should contact Laois Partnership Company to discuss potential LEADER supports, if they don’t, they could be missing out.”

The LEADER workshop dates and venues are as follows:

1st October, 5.30pm to 6.30pm, in Mountmellick Development Association Centre;
15th October, 5.30pm to 6.30pm, in Borris-in-Ossory Innovation Centre;
5th November, 5.30pm to 6.30pm, in St Bernadette’s Hall, Errill.

For more information, contact Laois Partnership Company on 05786 61900, email [email protected], or visit www.laoispartnership.ie

The workshop are taking place as Laois Partnership is seeking the views and opinions of the people of Laois in forming its new strategic plan for the multi-million funded community development entity.