The new €6.8m LEADER 23-27 is now open for business following its launch on the scenic Shannon Estuary. on Thursday 30th May. Clare Local Development Company, who were selected to roll out their sixth LEADER rural development programme in County Clare, will be offering a range of supports to rural communities and businesses to develop eligible projects in economic development, social inclusion and community development, and rural environment and climate change.
Speaking at the launch, CLDC Chairman, Mike Hogan, from Kilkishen Community Development, welcomed CLDC’s successful appointment to deliver LEADER to rural communities in the county, saying “LEADER is a community-based programme, so we’re delighted that it will once again be delivered by our community-led organisation”. “Our Board and staff are committed to ensuring that LEADER makes a real difference to sustaining the life of rural areas and gives people a chance to change their future for the better” he added.
LEADER 23-27 was launched at the Shannon Estuary Way Retreat in Ballynacally, one of several tourism projects supported under LEADER 2014-22 on the new Shannon Estuary Way visitor destination in Co. Clare. During the launch, business owner, Rosie McMahon, welcomed CLDC Board members and guests to her successful tourism business, to see for themselves the difference LEADER can make. At launch Rosie spoke about how her vision to create a retreat space was supported by LEADER.
Agnes O’Shaughnessy, CLDC LEADER Co-ordinator, is inviting anyone interested in LEADER 23-27 support to join an online information session on June 5th. Further information is available from leader@cldc.ie