The Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Dara Calleary TD, alongside the Minister of State with responsibility for Community Development and Charities, Jerry Buttimer TD, have confirmed a substantial investment of €7 million through the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht's Local Enhancement Programme (LEP) 2026.

This funding injection is specifically designed to provide essential capital supports to small community groups and organisations, with a particular focus on those serving disadvantaged communities throughout Ireland, in both rural and urban settings.

The programme will prioritise small-scale capital works, improvements, and the procurement of equipment for community use. Potential uses for the funding include, but are not restricted to:

- Improving accessibility for people with disabilities.

- Enhancing community participation opportunities for marginalised and disadvantaged groups.

- Upgrading the energy efficiency of community facilities to lower ongoing operational costs.

The structure of the scheme is intended to ensure that local priorities are effectively identified and addressed, ultimately improving and enhancing community facilities for the benefit of all citizens. A diverse array of groups is eligible for the funding, including, but not limited to, parish halls, community centres, and local voluntary organisations.

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Minister Calleary expressed his delight at the announcement, stated: "Today, together with Minister Buttimer, I am delighted to announce a new round of funding of €7million for the Local Enhancement Programme. This funding that will support thousands of small but vital community groups across the country."

He went on to commend the vibrancy he has witnessed in community groups during his visits, praising the volunteerism and hard work of their committees for maintaining and strengthening the fabric of communities through valuable social spaces.

He highlighted the government's current rural development policy, 'Our Rural Future,' of which supporting local communities to shape their future is a core focus. The Minister encouraged people to participate in the ongoing consultation process for the next iteration of this policy.

Minister Calleary affirmed that the announced LEP funding will reach every single county in the country, ensuring that committed local people can deliver a wide variety of important small-scale, ground-up projects to the areas that need them most. He urged all interested groups to contact their local Local Community Development Committee (LCDC), which manages the fund locally.

Minister Buttimer, speaking from Páirc Uí Chaoimh in Cork—which is set to receive over €500,000 of LEP funding in 2026 across the city and county—stated: "I am delighted to announce the latest iteration of the Local Enhancement Programme funding which will help our community groups to realise the ambitions they have to improve and enhance their facilities and equipment for the benefit of their communities. These groups are immensely proud of their areas and are committed to building resilient communities through services, resources, and facilities."

The Minister of State acknowledged the crucial work of local authorities in supporting communities, fostering environments where people feel connected and empowered. He concluded by reiterating the commitment to collaborative work to build "strong, vibrant spaces for all members of our communities."