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Rural Development Programme


Click To View Larger Images The broad objectives of LEADER Axes of the Programme are to improve the quality of life in rural areas and to encourage diversification of economic activity in rural areas including supports for non-agricultural activities. The measures under Axis 3 include a range of initiatives that are designed to promote economic activity in rural areas and also stimulate broader community initiatives aimed at improving the overall quality of life for rural dwellers.

Who can benefit from the Rural Development (LEADER) Programme?

  • Individuals with a viable idea for a rural enterprise.
  • Businesses based in County Carlow wishing to expand or diversify
  • Farm Families wishing to diversify into non-agricultural activities

What are the areas where Rural Development Programme Support can be sought?

1. Farm Diversification into non-agricultural activities – this includes:

  • All non-agricultural enterprise activities undertaken by farm families, in particular, provision of tourism facilities such as renovation of farm buildings for tourism purposes, walking, cycling, angling, pony trekking,
  • Development of niche tourism and educational services such as arts and crafts, open farms etc.

2. Supports for Business Creation and Development – this includes

  • Provision for a range of assistance types for start-up enterprises
  • Provision for a range of assistance types for and expansion of existing micro enterprises (Less than 10 employees)
  • Development of innovative products and activities.
 
3. Encouragement of Tourism Activities – this includes

  • Development of niche tourism.
  • Support for the development of tourism facilities and amenities.
  • Support for tourism marketing.
  • Support for the provision of tourism accommodation where needed, in conjunction with board policy
 

What elements of my project can I apply for? What can the NRDP support?

  • Mentoring
  • Training
  • Research (Development of Feasibility Study)
  • Construction Costs
  • New Machinery & Equipment
  • Marketing/Promotion
  • Publications
 
Project grant rates:

  • Up to 100% of training costs. 
  • Up to 75% of research costs of a project up to a level of €30,000
  • Up to 50% for individuals/businesses for capital costs of the project up to a level of €150,000

Next Steps:

Application process:
  1. Contact a member of Carlow County Development Partnership (CCDP) to discuss your project confidentially
  2. A CCDP staff member will assess eligibility of your project Idea
  3. If your proposal is deemed eligible you will be assisted to prepare an application along with a business plan
  4. The project will then be present to the CCDP Evaluation Committee for approval
  5. The project will be presented to the Board of CCDP for a final decision
  6. Upon approval the project, you will be issued with a formal letter of offer
  7. The Project may commence on acceptance of a letter of offer