Fourteen projects in communities overseen by SECAD Partnership CLG across South and West Cork were awarded LEADER funding this week.
The projects were identified as most in need of support under the LEADER programme 2014 – 2020 which is co-funded by the EU and the Irish government. LEADER supports rural development projects and initiatives under the key themes of Economic Development, Social Inclusion and Rural Environment.
South & West Cork LCDC / LAGs (Committees of Cork County Council) are responsible for the approval of projects under the LEADER Programme. As an Implementing Partner of the LEADER programme, SECAD Partnership has supported project promoters in each local community to ensure project ambitions are realised for the benefit of rural communities. Working in partnership with SECAD, Cork County LCDCs/LAGs are pleased to see these projects come to fruition.
Finbarr Harrington, Chair of the West Cork LCDC said, ‘’We are delighted to announce the funding for these community led projects, the projects have great potential to promote sustainable development for rural communities across County Cork.’’
Ryan Howard, CEO of SECAD added, ‘’SECAD Partnership uses a ‘bottom-up’ or community-led local development approach to bring about positive change in rural areas through training and upskilling in communities and in supporting individuals, businesses and communities to access the required funds for their business/development projects. The LEADER award of €380,000 to local communities will have a positive spin off for the rural economy and will result in an overall investment of close to €750,000 across those areas.’’
Councillor Michael Hegarty, Chair of the South Cork LCDC commented, ‘’We are committed to keeping up this pace of allocating funds for eligible projects in the remaining half of 2018, so I would encourage anyone with new ideas to contact SECAD and other Local Development Companies across the area to develop those project ideas.’’
LEADER is financed through the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development. It will bring a total of €250 million worth of grant aid to rural Ireland from 2014-2020 of which €13.9M has been allocated to Cork County. Individuals, businesses, social enterprises and community groups are eligible and invited to apply for LEADER funding.
South Cork: LEADER Projects
- Cobh Family Resource Centre – Installation of a lift
- Dungourney Playground – New facility
- Carrigaline Men’s Shed – Steel frame and brickwork/insulation for new premises (will be used for storage until completed)
- Carrigaline Community Complex – Roof & guttering replacement
- Carrigaline Tidy Towns – Park enhancement
- Sirius Arts Centre – Black out solution and upgrade equipment
- Cobh Summer Swing – Marquee & sound system
- Aghada Community Association – Lighting equipment for stage
West Cork: LEADER Projects
- Saile- Kinsale – Installation of a Lift
- Tracton Arts Centre – Outdoor upgrades
- Darrara Community Centre – Outdoor Upgrades
- Ballinadee Community Hall – Renovation of a Derelict Hall
- Drinagh Community Association- Upgrading of community tennis courts and installation of an outdoor gym
- A Taste of West Cork – Support for promotional sculptures
Further details on LEADER in South Cork and LEADER in West Cork, including calls for projects can be found on the following dedicated websites:
www.leadersouthcork.com
www.leaderwestcork.com
Further information on how to apply for support through LEADER or to discuss a project idea, contact SECAD at 021 461 3432 or info@secad.ie
Summary of projects allocated funding across South Cork and West Cork
Additional information on each project outlined may be obtained from SECAD Partnership.
Members of Ballinadee Community Hall Restoration group and Hall Trustees outline their plans to Ryan Howard- CEO of SECAD Partnership 
SECAD Partnership staff and Committee members of Darrara Community Council at Darrara Community Centre, Clonakilty. 
West Cork Community leaders together with SECAD Partnership and LCDC staff and board at Darrara Community Centre, Clonakilty. 
Ryan Howard, CEO (SECAD), Kay Keegan (Chief Officer, Community Development Unit, Cork County Council), Fergal Gough (Community Development Unit, Cork County Council), Councillor Seamus McGrath, Councillor Marcia D’Alton along with members of Carrigaline Tidy Towns
