Cavan/Monaghan Fianna Fáil TD Brendan Smith has welcomed the allocation of government funding for the Leader Programme. 

“Funding of €2.5 million has been allocated to Cavan and €2.24 million for Monaghan. LEADER funding represents an opportunity for rural businesses and communities that are in need of investment. There is a need for this programme to continue and it has made a real difference for rural Ireland. Over the years both Cavan and Monaghan have had successful Leader Programmes.

Decisions are made at local level and right throughout both counties community groups have been able to drawdown, along with statutory agencies, substantial investment which has improved considerably local infrastructure including facilities for local residents and also the development of tourism attractions. It has also been key to the development of many parish resource and community centres.

This new programme is now open for applications and communities and local enterprises who wish to apply for funding should make contact with their Local Development Company to discuss how the LEADER Programme can assist their plans. I wish both Cavan and Monaghan Local Action Groups continued success with their important work in delivering the Leader Programme”, stated Deputy Brendan Smith.