Big boost for nine Kilkenny communities as LEADER funding confirmed
Lingaun Valley Solstice Festival Young Irish Film Makers, bus service in the Barrow Valley among beneficiaries
A total of nine projects across County Kilkenny have been approved for LEADER funding following the latest meeting of the Kilkenny LEADER Partnership Board of Directors.
Among the successful applications are plans for an action research project to explore new summer bus service in the Barrow Valley, which will link Graignamanagh with Bagenalstown, Paulstown, and St Mullin's.
The Lingaun Valley Solstice Festival also received support to develop a programme of festival events leading up to the summer solstice on 21 June. Youth-focused initiatives featured strongly, with funding awarded to Young Irish Film Makers, based in Kilkenny, as well as a circular economy training programme aimed at teenagers in the county.
“This was an exceptionally strong round of applications,” said LEADER Programme Manager Mairead Rohan. “A total of €1.165 million in LEADER funding has been approved, supporting projects with a combined value exceeding €2 million.
“The current LEADER programme runs from 2023 to 2027 and is now entering its final phase. Kilkenny was allocated €6.1 million over the five-year period, guided by a Local Development Strategy developed by the Board. The quality of applications we continue to receive reflects the initiative, ambition, and capacity within our communities to drive their own development.”
Uncertainty remains regarding the future of LEADER funding beyond 2027, following a review of European funding structures. There is potential for the programme to be incorporated into a broader National and Regional Partnership framework.
Declan Rice, CEO of Kilkenny LEADER Partnership, highlighted the significance of continued investment:
“This marks the 35th year of LEADER funding, and Kilkenny has successfully participated in all seven programmes to date," he said. "The approval of over €1.16 million in this round demonstrates the strong ability of local communities and businesses to develop high-quality proposals and secure funding.
“It is essential that the LEADER programme continues to be protected and adequately resourced beyond 2027 to sustain this momentum and support rural development into the future.”