Cork County Projects highlighted with Completion of LEADER Programme 2014-2020

The LEADER programme, co-financed by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development, is an initiative supporting rural development projects at local level to revitalise rural areas and create jobs.

With total funding of €13.93 million allocated to Cork County by the Department of Rural and Community Development, the programme, delivered by six Local Development Companies working in partnership with Cork County Council, has supported a total of 249 projects across Cork County.

Mayor of the County of Cork, Cllr Mary Linehan Foley, commented

‘This scheme supports community projects across a diverse range from rural tourism, like Ballyhass Lakes or e-bike hire for the Midleton to Youghal Greenway, to enterprises like Bó Rua farm and many more. Helping also to fund the renovation of community centres, playgrounds and other community amenities they play a very important role in community development. Implemented by Local Action Groups, sub-groups of our Local Community Development Committees in North, South & West Cork, they work at a local level and recognise where supports will yield maximum benefit to that community. It’s heartening to see the results of these collaborative efforts coming to fruition.”

The Local Development Companies responsible for implementing the LEADER programme are Avondhu/Blackwater Partnership CLG, Ballyhoura Development CLG, IRD Duhallow CLG, SECAD Partnership CLG, Udarás na Gaeltachta and Comhar na nOileán CTR

Three of the LEADER programme projects brought to completion include a family run enterprise in North Cork - Bó Rua farm, a building project with Carrigaline Men’s Shed and the renovation of the Community Hall in Ballinadee.

At Bó Rua Farm, Norma and Tom Dinneen have developed a state-of-the-art facility to make cheese. Construction of the Cheese Dairy began in early 2018 with grant assistance of €149,997.95 under the Enterprise Development sub-theme.

Chief Executive of Cork County Council, Tim Lucey, noted,

“The Bó Rua enterprise epitomises the role of LEADER, adding value on the farm and creating jobs in rural areas. Working closely with Avondhu Blackwater Partnership and North Cork LCDC, Norma and Tom Dinneen partnered with Cork County Council’s North Cork Local Enterprise Office and Teagasc to develop their product. Carrigaline Men’s Shed demonstrates an excellent collaborative approach to the development of a LEADER project, with a strong community vision while the completion of renovations at Ballinadee Community Hall shows the dedication and community spirit of the local area and the co-operative approach taken to fundraising and working with the LCDC and Cork County Council. These examples of LEADER funded projects underline both Cork County Council’s cohesive approach to rural development and the range of supports available to rural entrepreneurs and community organisations in Cork County.”

Further information on projects available in documents below.