Current Targeted Calls

Targeted and Rolling Calls

Under the LEADER Programme, an Expression of Interest (EOI) can be accepted on a ‘targeted call’ (competitive) basis or a ‘rolling call’ (‘first-come, first served’) basis.  

Targeted Call

  • Under a ‘targeted call’, an initial deadline is given for the submission of EOIs and a subsequent deadline will be given to eligible projects for submission of full funding applications.
  • Following submission of full applications, eligible projects are evaluated together on a competitive basis and ranked in order of highest to lowest with funding distributed according to this ranking.
  • The purpose of targeted calls is to allow LEADER to target funding at areas where it can deliver the most value, and where a comparative assessment is considered appropriate. 

Rolling Call

  • Under a ‘rolling call’, applicants can submit an EOI at any time.
  • When the EOI has been assessed and deemed eligible, a promoter will then be invited to submit a full application.
  • Funding under a rolling call will be allocated to projects on a ‘first come, first served’ basis.

Current Targeted Calls

Avondhu Blackwater Partnership - Optimising Digital Connectivity

The budget available for this call is €9,573.76 and the maximum level of funding up to €9,573.76 with a maximum capital grant rate of 75% of total project costs.

 
Deadline or Receipt of Expression of Interests: 13th March 2026
Deadline for full complete applications: 29th May 2026
 
Under the Optimising Digital Connectivity theme in LEADER, funding can support projects that strengthen digital infrastructure, skills, and services in rural communities. This can include initiatives to improve access to broadband-enabled facilities, the creation of digital hubs or co-working spaces, and investment in equipment or software that enhances connectivity for community groups and rural enterprises. Training and capacity-building projects aimed at improving digital literacy, e-commerce skills, and online service delivery are also eligible, ensuring that individuals, businesses, and communities can fully participate in the digital economy. Additionally, funding can be used for innovative digital solutions that address rural challenges, such as smart village initiatives, digital tourism promotion, or the development of online platforms that connect communities, support remote working, or provide access to essential services. All projects must demonstrate how they will reduce digital exclusion, enhance participation, and contribute to the long-term social and economic sustainability of rural areas.

If you wish to submit and Expression of Interest please contact Avondhu Blackwater on 

If you would like to submit an Expression of Interest, please 022 46580 or info@avondhublackwater.com

Previous Targeted Calls

SECAD LEADER Targeted Calls 2025 - CLOSED
  1. Economic Development and Job Creation Theme

Under the Economic Development and Job Creation Theme, SECAD Partnership invites Expressions of Interest (EOI) for capital investment projects that align with the call criteria outlined below.

  • This call is part of a time limited, competitive, targeted call with an initial deadline for the submission of EOI forms set for 5.00 pm on Friday, 31st January 2025.
  • Responses will be issued to EOI applicants within 15 working days.
  • The final deadline for full applications (with all supporting paperwork and compliances) will be 5.00 pm on Friday, 7th March 2025. 

Important Economic Development and Job Creation Call Details

  • Projects must align with the call criteria outlined in either Section 1.a) or 1.b) below to be considered eligible under this call.
  • Projects must be of a capital investment nature.
  • Grant amounts will be in the region of €40,000 to a maximum of €75,000, with a maximum capital grant rate of 75% of total project costs.
  • Applicants must be able to demonstrate their potential contribution to the creation or sustaining of employment in rural areas, and their consideration of the broader needs, impacts and sustainability of their local community.
  • Where required, planning permission must be in place, or in progress, at the time of submitting a full application for LEADER funding. Please note that priority will be given to projects where planning permission has already been granted at the time of full funding application.
  • Full funding applications for eligible projects must be submitted no later than Friday, 7th March 2025.

Deadline for Submission of EOIs:

Friday, 31st January 2025

Grant Range (Max. 75% Project Cost):

€40,000 to a maximum of €75,000

Proposed overall budget for this call:

€400,000 – South Cork

Notification of EOI Evaluation Outcome:

Friday, 7th March 2025

The following types of projects will be considered eligible under SECAD’s Economic Development and Job Creation Targeted Call:

1.a) Enterprise Development Projects:

EOIs are being accepted from SMEs or social enterprises implementing capital investment projects which will create or sustain employment in local communities and increase resilience to the impacts of climate change. To be considered eligible, projects must be able to demonstrate their contribution to sustainable economic development and the green economy.

Enterprise Development projects will be considered under this call if they align with one or more of the following criteria:

  • enterprise projects which incorporate positive climate action and mitigation measures
  • investment in the development of sustainable, energy efficient and low-carbon businesses
  • promotion of circular economy practices and waste reduction
  • agri-diversification and artisan food projects which support and improve local supply chains
  • social enterprises with a focus on building resilient communities

1.b) Tourism Projects:

EOIs are being accepted for capital investment in tourism projects which will add significant value to the economies and sustainability of rural areas under the following two themes:

  1. i) Alternative Accommodation

Projects which will deliver cost-effective, alternative accommodation options to support the sustainable growth and development of the region’s tourism sector. Examples of this type of accommodation may include pod parks, camping, glamping, hostels, campervan / caravan parks, etc. Accommodation projects must be able to:

  • demonstrate a gap in existing local tourism accommodation provision
  • have the capacity to make a significant contribution to the local economy through increased visitor numbers and overnight stays
  • support the region’s outdoor recreation offerings (e.g. walking, cycling, angling, etc.) marine tourism, eco-tourism, heritage, culture and food tourism

N.B. Hotels / B&Bs and single-unit self-catering are not eligible under this call.

  1. ii) Tourism Attractions or Experiences

Projects which involve the development of tourism attractions or experiences in the areas of marine tourism, culture and heritage tourism, food tourism, eco-tourism, outdoor recreation and agri-tourism.

If you wish to submit and Expression of Interest please contact SECAD on 

If you would like to submit an Expression of Interest, please (+353) 21 461 3432 or info@secad.ie