The LEADER programme has been operating in Ireland and across EU Member States since its commencement in 1991 as a pilot rural development programme.
LEADER has evolved through five successive programming periods to become a key intervention within EU rural development policy. It forms an integral part of the EU funding framework, delivered through the national rural development programmes of each Member State.
Over the three decades of its existence, the programme has supported the development of a wide range of innovative and sustainable projects that have brought increased jobs and vibrancy to rural communities across the EU.
LEADER operates a community-led approach to local development (CLLD) funded through Ireland’s CAP Strategic Plan 2023–2027. It is financed by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD) and connected to Specific Objective 8 of the CAP Strategic Plan.
Funding is administered via the Department of Rural and Community Development (DRCD). It supports locally identified initiatives that seek to address locally identified needs and challenges.
It is delivered by a network of Local Action Groups (LAGs), which have been selected to implement Local Development Strategies for their respective sub-regional areas.
The 7 Principles of LEADER
1 Bottom-Up Approach: Places local communities at the centre of local development processes and is defined by consultation, participation and collective decision-making.
2 Area-Based Approach Focuses on coherent sub-regional areas and seeks to target the priorities and opportunities of the LDS area as a whole.
3 The Local Partnership: The LAG is a central element of the CLLD approach and comprises partners from public, private and civil society, LCDC (Local Community Development Committee)
4 An integrated & multi-sectoral strategy: The LAG and their LDS should seek to capitalise on links and synergies between different sectors in their area.
5 Networking: Networking is a central element of the LEADER approach and seeks to support networking and exchange at local, national and European levels
6 Innovation: Supporting innovative and creative solutions to local issues and challenges.
7 Co-operation: Fostering and supporting co-operation and collaboration between LAGS at national and European level.
You can download an expression of interest form from here. 
