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Irish CAP Network publication showcases LEADER project examples

The Irish CAP Network has recently produced and published a booklet featuring a diverse range of good practice cooperation project examples supported under the community-led LEADER Programme 2014-2020 (extended to 2022).

What is LEADER Cooperation?

The aim of LEADER Cooperation is to help local stakeholders improve the potential of their rural areas by working together on joint projects with mutual benefits. LEADER Cooperation enhances the innovative character of local development by combining knowledge, skills and experience in thematic areas common to the strategies of each participating Local Action Group (LAG) area. LAGs in Ireland work within a defined sub-regional geographic area and comprise of public and private local community members. Decisions on LEADER funding applications are made at a local level in Ireland by a network of 29 LAGs.

LEADER Cooperation can take the form of inter-territorial projects (between two or more LAGs within a member state) or transnational projects (between two or more LAGs from different member states). Potential benefits of participating in such a project include: widening local views in order to improve local strategies; accessing information and new ideas; and opportunities to learn from other regions or countries.

Irish CAP Network publication showcases LEADER project examples

Which projects are featured in this new booklet?

Four LEADER Cooperation project examples, which incorporate local actors across Ireland, Northern Ireland and the EU, are included in this new publication.

  • The International Appalachian Trail (IAT) Ulster Ireland is a 449-kilometre coast-to-coast cross-border walking trail. Beginning in County Donegal, the trail traverses four counties and six LAG areas, before finishing in County Antrim.
  • Through the development of an enterprise craft-training programme and creative skills exchange, the Innocrafts Irish Finnish Craft Cooperation provided craftmakers in the Irish counties of Offaly and Westmeath, and a rural area in Finland, with an exciting opportunity to share and develop new skills.
  • The Innovating Communities Project aims to strengthen resilience, local development and community-led action across the Irish counties of Donegal, Leitrim, Sligo, Cavan, Monaghan and Louth, by training community groups, businesses and individuals in ‘Design Thinking’ - a creative problem solving process.
  • The Women Active in Society programme supported and encouraged female leaders in the North, East and West regions of County Kerry in Ireland, and rural Poznan in Poland, to grow and develop their businesses while meeting like-minded entrepreneurs, farmers and producers.

Launching the ‘LEADER Programme 2014-2020 (Extended to 2022) Cooperation Project Examples’ booklet, Daniel Bennett, from the Irish CAP Network, said, “The projects featured in this new booklet are diverse in nature, but each share an underlying sense of collaboration, and an inspiring willingness from those involved to develop and share solutions to common local issues in rural areas.”

Access the booklet here.