LEADER is an EU funded programme aimed at improving the quality of life in rural areas and diversifying the rural economy.  It supports the delivery of local development actions in rural communities and has formed part of EU funding supports since 1991.  For the new LEADER element of the Rural Development Programme 2014-2020, Westmeath Local Community Development Committee (LCDC) the Local Action Group (LAG) with Westmeath Community Development Ltd as the lead Implementation Partner.  A budget of €7.4m is available for Westmeath under this new Programme.

A Local Development Strategy was prepared for Co. Westmeath following consulatation in 2015.  

This Strategy sets out the objectives and actions proposed for the new LEADER programme under the following themes;

Application Process for LEADER 2014-2020

All applicants are required to complete an Expression of Interest (EOI) Form as a pre-cursor to an application proper for funding under the Rural Development Programme 2014-2020 LEADER. The Expression of Interest (EOI) Form is available on line below or can be requested by email to leader@westcd.ie

Completed Expressions of Interest should be returned via email to leader@westcd.ie or by post to: LEADER 2014-2020, Westmeath Community Development Ltd., Enterprise Technology and Innovation Centre, Clonmore Industrial Estate, Mullingar, Co. Westmeath. 

Please click here to download a copy of the Expression of Interest and fill it out, sign and send back by post to the address above.  A word version can be obtained by emailing leader@westcd.ie but please note that we must receive a signed version by return.

Hard copies can be requested by email or by phone to the LEADER Section of Westmeath Community Development Ltd. on (044) 93 48571.

For further information, or for assistantce with the Expressions of Interest from please contact us on (044) 93 48571 or by email to leader@westcd.ie