Forty-Eight projects across Co. Roscommon have been awarded funding in excess of €3.3 million from the LEADER Programme to date. Ranging from large scale infrastructure to smaller scale training and assistance, these project all have the common aim of improving the quality of life in Co. Roscommon by developing sustainable communities, individuals and businesses. The funding has resulted in innovative and bespoke undertakings by local communities, businesses and individuals, meeting local needs and addressing gaps in current local infrastructure and job creation.
Tomás Beades, Operations Manager with Roscommon LEADER Partnership – the Implementation Partner for the delivery of the LEADER Programme – has expressed the company’s delight at reaching the budgetary mid-point. “We were committed from the start of 2018 that we would have €3.3 million (50% of the overall project budget) allocated by December. It’s been a hard slog and we couldn’t have done it without the project promoters and other agencies and bodies involved in the delivery of the LEADER Programme.” Mr. Beades paid special tribute to the RLP Project Development Officers who worked individually with the project promoters to develop their project ideas and helped bring them to fruition.
Chairman of Roscommon Local Community Development Committee (LCDC), Cllr. Laurence Fallon, has stated this is an essential investment and will have a positive impact on businesses and communities in County Roscommon. Thanks were extended to Roscommon LEADER Partnership Board and Staff and the Staff of Roscommon County Council for their professionalism and commitment to the programme. “Without the hard work, co-operation and commitment from all involved in the delivery of the programme in the county, we would not have reached this milestone.” Cllr. Fallon also extended his appreciation to the Local Councillors and other Local Representatives for their support and promotion of the programme throughout the year.
Pat Murtagh, Roscommon Co. Council and Chief Officer of Roscommon LCDC has also been quick to thank and congratulate all involved; Roscommon LCDC Members, Roscommon LEADER Partnership Staff, Roscommon Co. Council Staff, Independent Project Evaluation Committee members and the many project promoters. He singled out the members of Roscommon LCDC for their contributions during the past year and looked forward to their continued support for the programme in 2019 and 2020.
This remarkable achievement places the LEADER Programme in Co. Roscommon ahead of the national picture in terms of funding approved to projects. The LEADER Programme is due to run until at least 2020 and Tomás Beades has confirmed that there is still funding available to local community and voluntary group as well as individuals and business throughout the county. There are currently 2 targeted call for project proposals open to promoters – Action Plans for Rural Towns and Villages and Support for Festivals and Events. The closing date for both is Monday 17th December. A form is available on request from Roscommon LEADER Partnership.
For more information on the LEADER Programme, contact Roscommon LEADER Partnership on 090 663 0252.
