Rural Development Programme 2007-2013

The aim of the Rural Development Programme (RDP) 2007-2013 is to improve the quality of life in rural areas.  A budget of €12,035,118.00 has been approved for the counties of Cavan and Monaghan with the exception of the areas inside the town council boundaries of Cavan Town and Monaghan Town.  

The RDP will support the people of Cavan and Monaghan in two main ways:

1. Development Support – It is recognised that the availability of funding alone will not act as a catalyst for development. The stimulating of activity, the changing of attitudes and the creation of awareness are all pre-requisites to the understanding of development. Therefore in its development role, the Rural Development Programme (LEADER) employs a team of full time Development Officers who will work with the general public, individuals, businesses or community groups to develop their project and support/mentor them in achieving their goals.

2. Grant aid for specific projects – Funding is available under 7 measures for projects that fit the necessary criteria.

The 7 measures are outlined below: 

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      • Diversification into Non Agricultural Activities
      • Support for Business Creation and Development
      • Encouragement of Tourism Activities
      • Basic Services for the Economy and Rural Population
      • Village Renewal and Development
      • Conservation and Upgrading of the Rural Heritage
      • Training and Information

Aid shall not be awarded or paid in respect of the following mainstream categories:

• Agriculture
• Fisheries
• Childcare
• Education
• Greyhound Industry
• Healthcare activities
• Housing
• Race and sport horse industries (with the exception of ancillary activities for the provision of services to those industries)

Aid shall not be awarded in respect of the following activities:

• Conventional motor vehicles, including cars, industrial/farm/construction vehicles, vans, buses, etc.
• Conventional retail operations, excluding community based shops and farmshops selling locally produced produce.
• Courses of instruction or training which form the part of normal education programmes or systems at secondary or higher levels.
• Insurance for project promoters
• Loans
• Mainstream activities of sporting clubs and organisations
• Nursing homes
• Planning application fees
• Purchase of land or buildings
• Race Horses or Sport Horses
• Second-hand equipment (except in micro-enterprises)
• Working capital (including stock)

All potential Project Promoters must complete an Expression of Interest Form and submit it to Cavan-Monaghan LEADER. They will then be contacted by a member of Cavan-Monaghan LEADER staff or an Application Form will be forwarded to them.  To obtain an Expression of Interest Form and/or to arrange to meet with one of the Development Officers who will help and give advice regarding the application process, contact the office of Cavan-Monaghan LEADER, Agricultural College, Ballyhaise, Co Cavan on 049 4338477 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Website: www.cmleader.ie