Local Enhancement Programme 2026

On 5th December 2025, 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, launched the Local Enhancement Programme (LEP) 2026.  The LEP in Louth will be administered by the Louth Local Community Development Committee (LCDC).

Under the LEP 2026 there will be capital funding available to support community and voluntary groups, particularly in disadvantaged areas, with minor capital works and improvements to their facilities, and the purchase of equipment for community use.

The Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht has allocated €239,207.33 capital funding to Louth LCDC.  The maximum application amount is €5,000 and all works undertaken and/or purchases made must be completed and paid for by 28th August 2026.

Louth LCDC want to encourage new and existing community groups to apply for Local Enhancement Funding in 2026.

Information Sessions

A number of information sessions are being held across Co. Louth to provide the public and community groups with information about the Local Enhancement Programme 2026 funding scheme, help with filling in the application form and assistance with uploading the form onto the Consult Louth portal.

Information Sessions are free and will take place in the following libraries across Co. Louth in January and February 2026. There will also be two online options.

• Dundalk Library:             Tuesday, 27th January 2026                                 11:00pm - 12:30pm
• Dunleer Library:              Thursday 29th January 2026                                 6:15pm - 7:45pm
• Drogheda Library:           Tuesday, 3rd February 2026                                  6:15pm - 7:45pm
• Online:                               Thursday, 5th February 2026                                7:00pm - 8:30 pm                                                                                                                                  Monday 9th February 2026                                  7:00pm - 8:30pm

To book a place, at the information session:

Email: LEP2026@louthcoco.ie | Phone: 042 939 2929

Application Details

The fund opens on 19th January 2026.

Closing date for applications is 5pm on Friday 27th February 2026.

The LCDC is now taking applications from Community and Voluntary groups in Louth. Applications can be made online through our online portal at

Application Forms and Guidelines

Download the relevant documents below:

• Application Form for Local Enhancement Programme 2026 Download
• Local Enhancement Programme 2026 Guidelines Download
• Guide to the Louth LECP High Level Goals & Objectives Download
• Irish Version: Application Form for LEP 2026 Download
• Irish Guidelines for LEP 2026 Download

Further information is available at:

Email: LEP2026@louthcoco.ie | Phone: 042 939 2929