Programme Themes and Sub-Themes

The Rural Development Programme 2014 – 2020 is split into three themes that reflect the overarching needs of rural Ireland. They reflect the key challenges facing rural Ireland, with regard to economic recovery, employment creation, tackling social exclusion and reducing the impact of global warming and resource depletion.

Each theme contains a number of sub-themes, which are considered the key areas in need of the greatest support and have the greatest potential to promote the sustainable development of rural communities.

A brief overview of each sub-theme is provided below and explained in more detail in the tab above under LEADER Themes.

Theme 1 – Economic Development, Enterprise Development and Job Creation

Theme One focuses on driving continued local economic development, including diversification of the rural economy and the creation of employment opportunities for the local community, including those from disadvantaged groups.

Theme 2 – Social Inclusion

This theme focuses on promoting the cohesion of the sub-regional area, from both an economic development and social inclusion People may be excluded and marginalised from participating in activities that are considered the norm for others in society because of inadequate income and resources.  In rural areas, in particular, the low density of population, high levels of out-migration and distance from urban centres, can often result in fewer employment options and lower levels of service provision than in urban areas. In rural areas, people’s experience of exclusion is often compounded by physical isolation.

Theme 3 – Rural Environment

This theme seeks to maximise the potential of environmental actions to contribute to the sustainable development of rural communities. It focuses on utilising the landscape within a local area, its features and natural resources, while simultaneously creating a greater environmental awareness and improving environmental protection.

LAGs and project promoters must comply with all national and EU Legislation, as well as any restrictions or obligations imposed by Government Departments or the relevant Local Authority, which may apply to the proposed project. All projects must have the necessary permissions or licences in place before any work commences. Projects funded under the sub-theme must also comply with the relevant Environment and Heritage rules.