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Local Enhancement Programme (LEP) 2025

Media Release

December 2024

Cork County Community Groups Invited to Apply for Local Enhancement Programme 2025

Cork County Council is inviting applications from community and voluntary groups for funding under the new Local Enhancement Programme (LEP) Fund 2025. The scheme follows on from the very successful 2024 programme which supported over 160 groups in Cork County.

Funded by the Department of Rural and Community Development, the LEP allocation of €277,633 for County Cork will support groups, particularly in disadvantaged areas, to carry out necessary repairs and improvements to their facilities and to purchase equipment such as furniture, tools, signage, IT equipment, lawnmowers, canopies, and training equipment.The fund can also support non-pay running costs, for example, energy costs, rental/lease costs, or insurance bills. 

Welcoming the fund, Mayor of the County of Cork, Cllr. Joe Carroll said, “Cork County Council is proud to support community and voluntary groups who make valuable contributions to local communities in every corner of our county. Funding such as this will help to support groups to carry out repairs and maintenance and improve their facilities and also help with their day-to-day operations.  I encourage groups to consider making an application, to avail of this opportunity.”

The closing date for applications is Monday the 17th of February 2025 at 3:00pm. Applications can be made online through the Council’s website www.corkcoco.ie

For further information, contact the Council’s Local Community Development Unit on 021-4285797 or 0214285828  or email 

The LEP is supported by Cork County Council’s three Local Community Development Committees (LCDCs).



The scheme is an opportunity for community groups to access funding for capital projects , and for running costs particularly in disadvantaged areas. Closing date for applications is 3.00pm on Monday, 17th February, 2025.

The €277,633 allocation for Cork County:

  • €166,579.70 Capital funding over €1000 for use towards carrying out necessary repairs and improvements to facilities, purchase of equipment, etc. (For drawdown Costs must cover period from LCDC grant approval date to 31st October 2025)
  • €71,391.30 Capital funding under €1000 for use towards carrying out necessary repairs and improvements to facilities, purchase of equipment, etc. (For drawdown Costs must cover period from LCDC grant approval date to 31st October 2025)
  • €39,662 Current funding (Non-Pay) for use towards running/operating costs, e.g. Utility costs, insurance, audit/accountancy fees, etc.
    (Costs related to the period from 1st June 2024 – 30th May 2025 only eligible under this category to be claimed by 31st October 2025)

Application Forms and Guidelines

Application including Terms & Conditions available on www.yourcouncil.ieall applications to be made online.

Local Enhancement Programme | Cork County Council

Queries please contact:

Local Community Development Unit, Cork County Council on 021- 4285797 or 021-4285828 or email

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