Funding to support vital community projects throughout the county
Local Enhancement Programme Awards Funding to 145 Sligo Groups
Sligo County Council welcomes the announcement by Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Dara Calleary TD, and Minister of State with responsibility for Community Development and Charities, Jerry Buttimer TD, of the successful projects under the Local Enhancement Programme (LEP) 2026.
A total of €144,393 has been awarded to 145 community organisations across County Sligo, providing important capital funding to support local groups and organisations in delivering essential services and activities within their communities.
The Local Enhancement Programme assists a wide range of community and voluntary organisations, particularly those serving disadvantaged communities in both rural and urban areas. Funding provided under the programme will help groups to improve facilities, undertake minor renovations, purchase equipment and strengthen their capacity to continue their valuable work.
Welcoming the funding allocation for County Sligo, Cathaoirleach of Sligo County Council, Cllr Dara Mulvey, said:
“I am delighted to see 145 community organisations across County Sligo receiving support through the Local Enhancement Programme 2026. Our community and voluntary groups play a vital role in enhancing the quality of life in towns, villages and rural areas throughout the county.
“This funding will help organisations to improve facilities, purchase equipment and continue delivering valuable services that strengthen community connections and support inclusion. I would like to congratulate all of the successful groups and thank the volunteers whose commitment and dedication make such a positive difference in communities across Sligo every day.”
Announcing the successful projects, Minister Jerry Buttimer TD said:
“The Local Enhancement Programme is all about supporting our local groups and clubs across the country, who are vital to Irish community life.
“Every day as Minister of State in this Department, I have the pleasure of meeting the people and groups that benefit from grants under the LEP.
“The approval of these small grants for over 4,100 projects will go a long way to support the fantastic work that is being done in communities all over Ireland.”
Minister Dara Calleary TD added:
“The impact of the Local Enhancement Programme is considerable, and it allows community groups to carry out the invaluable work they do on behalf of others in local areas throughout the country.
“It helps groups to improve their facilities through small-scale funding for a wide range of projects including minor renovations to buildings and the purchase of essential equipment for the maintenance of public areas. It also allows groups to purchase items such as IT equipment to enable groups to conduct their business.
“The Local Enhancement Programme 2026 builds on the support that has been provided to community groups through the previous iterations of the fund.
“As Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, I am delighted to be able to continue providing any support I can to community groups across the country.”
In conclusion, Minister Buttimer said:
“This Government is committed to supporting local communities to shape their own futures. The funding I am announcing today will ensure that important work can continue to be delivered by communities on the ground and I’m delighted that every single county will benefit.
“I would like to thank each County Council and the Local Community Development Committees for their assistance in administering this fund.”
The Local Enhancement Programme 2026 will support over 4,100 projects nationwide, reflecting the Government's ongoing commitment to strengthening community development and supporting the voluntary sector throughout Ireland.
The full list of the 145 successful County Sligo projects is available to download below:
