Local Enhancement Programme (LEP) 2026

Community and Voluntary Groups in Fingal are invited to apply for funding under the Local Enhancement Programme 2026.

The funding will support groups, particularly in disadvantaged areas to carry out necessary repairs and improvements to their facilities, purchase equipment such as tables and chairs, tools and signage, laptops and printers, lawnmowers, canopies and training equipment etc.

This funding will help communities, community groups and committees, allowing them to continue to provide valuable services to the people in their area, and in the process strengthen the bonds that tie communities together. The fund also aims to support local strategic priorities through linkages with Local Economic Community Plans (LECPs)

Funding Available: €268,827 for Capital Projects Only Deadline: 27 February 2026 at 5:00 PM

For full details and guidelines, click here
 

Key Features of LEP 2026

· Funding is for capital projects only.

· Items must be purchased first/works must be paid for before groups are reimbursed by Fingal County Council.

Who can apply?

· Any not-for-profit community or voluntary group.

· Commercial organisations and individuals are not eligible

What projects are eligible?

Capital works and equipment purchases that enhance community facilities, such as:

· Renovation or development of community centres

· Accessibility improvements

· Community amenities (e.g., parks, playgrounds, town parks, common areas)

· Development of youth clubs or facilities

· Sports and recreation facilities

· Public realm improvements (including street-scaping)

· CCTV equipment

· Development of play/recreation spaces

· Energy efficiency upgrades for community facilities

· Purchase of equipment (e.g., laptops, tablets, tools, furniture)

· Maintenance of premises (painting, repairs)

· Capital works to increase biodiversity or reduce carbon footprint

· Cleaning equipment

· VAT will only be paid where it is included in the application amount. No further requests for VAT payments or repayments will be accepted.

What is not eligible?

· Any project not in keeping with the ethos of the Programme

· Costs incurred prior the Department announcing the list of successful projects

· Any costs that are current in nature e.g. programming, training

· Employment costs

· Legal fees

· Project management fees

· Purchase of lands or buildings

· Feasibility studies

· Private or commercial operations

· Costs which are being paid for by another funder or department

Programme Requirements

· Tax Compliance: Groups registered for tax purposes must provide a Tax Clearance Access Number and Tax Reference Number.

· Statutory Consents: All necessary permissions (e.g., planning) must be obtained before works commence.

· Insurance: Evidence of valid insurance may be requested during review.

· Acknowledgment of Funding: Recognition on websites or social media is acceptable; signage must acknowledge the Department if developed.

· Match-Funding: Not required under this programme.

Information Session
Fingal County Council will be holding an information webinar on the 15th of January 2026, 19:00 – 21:00. To attend, click the following link 10 minutes before start time. LEP Webinar

Apply below by 27 February 2026 at 5:00 PM Capital Funding Scheme Application Form: https://submit.link/4rN

For enquiries, contact [email protected] .

The Local Enhancement Programme 2026 is funded by the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht. Please see the following link to the press release announcing the Local Enhancement Programme 2026 at national level, by the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Dara Calleary TD, and the Minister of State with responsibility for Community Development and Charities, Jerry Buttimer TD: https://www.gov.ie/en/department-of-rural-and-community-development-and-the-gaeltacht/press-releases/ministers-calleary-and-buttimer-announce-new-7-million-local-enhancement-programme-2026/