TD backs Kilkenny LEADER Partnership call for stronger rural development funding

Kilkenny TD John McGuinness has pledged his support for Kilkenny LEADER Partnership's call for a significantly strengthened commitment to rural development and social inclusion funding in Budget 2027 and beyond.

Deputy McGuinness was speaking after meeting with Declan Rice, CEO of Kilkenny LEADER Partnership (KLP), at the national launch of the Local Development Companies Network (LDCN) Budget 2027 submission in Buswells Hotel on Wednesday.

The meeting focused on the urgent need to secure an adequate ring-fenced national budget for the next LEADER Programme from 2028 onwards, as well as the importance of maintaining funding for social inclusion and integration initiatives that are delivering real results across Kilkenny.

"The LEADER programme has been one of the most successful rural development initiatives ever introduced, supporting local enterprise, community development, tourism, environmental projects and social inclusion across rural Ireland. However, the current allocation of €180 million over five years is simply inadequate to meet the needs and ambitions of communities,” said Deputy McGuinness.

"There is a misconception that decisions around LEADER funding rest with Brussels. While the European Union can encourage and support ring-fencing, the ultimate decision on the level of funding provided lies with the Irish Government and the Oireachtas. We need to be honest about that and ensure that rural Ireland receives the investment it deserves."

Deputy McGuinness said he supports the LDCN proposal that the next LEADER programme should be based on a minimum national allocation of €450 million, equivalent to the level provided in 2008.

"Even allowing for inflation, a €450 million allocation would still represent a significant reduction on the investment available to rural communities two decades ago. It is a realistic and reasonable starting point if we are serious about supporting rural development, job creation and community resilience."

The Carlow-Kilkenny TD also highlighted the essential work being carried out by Kilkenny LEADER Partnership under the Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme (SICAP), particularly in supporting new arrivals to the county, including Ukrainians, refugees and International Protection Applicants.

"Kilkenny has developed a strong reputation for successful integration, and that has not happened by accident. KLP staff are working at the sharp end every day, helping people access employment, education, services and community life. Their work has contributed enormously to social cohesion and to meeting labour market needs across the county."

"The €140,000 currently provided through SICAP for New Arrivals supports vital programmes and helps fund a dedicated team delivering these services. Without this funding, there would be an immediate impact on integration efforts and on the positive progress that has been achieved in communities throughout Kilkenny."

Deputy McGuinness said he will continue to raise these issues with Government Ministers as Budget 2027 preparations intensify.

Among the key measures contained in the LDCN Budget 2027 submission are:

Protecting and expanding LEADER funding through a ring-fenced allocation under the next EU funding framework;

Providing an additional €10.2 million to address immediate funding gaps in the current LEADER programme and unlock further rural economic development;

Investing an additional €6.1 million in SICAP to restore its real value and respond to increasing and more complex community needs;

Embedding €10 million in SICAP funding for New Arrivals to support long-term, community-led integration;

Strengthening community-based services by ensuring funding reflects the true cost of delivery and provides greater certainty for frontline organisations;

Supporting the implementation of the Government's Roadmap for Social Inclusion and the recommendations of the OECD Rural Policy Review;

And investing in the "hidden workforce" that sustains many community services through enhanced supports for Tús, the Rural Social Scheme and Rural Recreation Officers.