Laois petition launched to support agency with multi-million euro entity

Laois are being asked to show their support for a local body that has a budget of nearly €4.3 million to help create local jobs, support communities and mitigate climate change.

Laois Partnership Company, which is headquartered in Portlaoise, has launched a petition calling on EU decision-makers to maintain funding for the LEADER programme to ensure the continued development of the county’s rural infrastructure.

The total amount of LEADER funding for the county is €4,275,000. Of this, €2,221,000 is earmarked for economic development and job creation, with €1,119,000 set aside for rural infrastructure and social inclusion. The remaining €855,000 is designated for sustainable development and climate change mitigation projects.

Laois Partnership, which runs LEADER in Laois, says it has had a significant impact on the rural communities, which is why people across the county are being asked to sign this online petition being run by the international association ELARD.

Caroline Lydon is the CEO of Laois Partnership Company, spoke about the campaign in a statement to the Leinster Express / Laois Live.

“LEADER has had a transformative impact on rural communities throughout the county, and while many people might not even be aware of LEADER they have most certainly benefitted from it. One such beneficiary of the programme here in Laois is Camross Parish Development Association, who used their grant for the fit-out of a community building in the village as a multipurpose hub. Other recipients of LEADER funding are Ballykilcavan Brewery and Glamping Under the Stars, both of which have established themselves as thriving local businesses. MORE BELOW PICTURE.

A Laois County Council biodiversity event at Glamping under the Stars in Cullenagh which is supported by Laois Partnership. Pic: Alf Harvey

“We are asking people to take two minutes to sign the petition by 6th June to help us to secure a strong future for Laois,” said Ms Lydon.

Philip O’Donnell, Research, Policy and Rural Affairs Officer with the Local Development Companies Network, also spoke about the petition.

“The LEADER/CCLD (Community Led Local Development) programme has had a major positive impact on communities in Laois and around Ireland since it was implemented in 1991.

READ ALSO: Laois event aims to empower community, business and organisations

"It funds thousands of rural development projects, supporting jobs, tourism, young people, local infrastructure and more. What sets it apart from other funding mechanisms is that LEADER is much more than a grant-giving mechanism - it helps to build capacity and skills at local level to ensure that rural communities can meet the challenges of the future such as climate change, digital connectivity and how communities in counties like Laois can continue to innovate,” he said.

Laois Partnership says the petition can be signed here: https://elard.eu/petition_en/ and is open until 6th June.