Waterford Council launches new community enhancement scheme

Waterford City and County Council is inviting members of the public to apply for this year's Local Enhancement Programme (LEP).

Funded by the Department of Rural and Community Development and administered by Waterford LCDC through Waterford City and County Council, the LEP is designed to improve and enhance community facilities.

A spokesperson for the Council said the aim of the programme is to support community groups and clubs, with minor capital works and improvements to their facilities, and the purchase of equipment for community use. Such capital works could include necessary repairs and facility improvements, accessibility improvements, improvement of energy efficiency of community facilities, or the purchase of community equipment.

This year, groups will be able to use the current element of funding to support their non-pay running costs such as energy costs, bills (electricity costs, refuse charges, heating charges), rental and lease costs or insurance bills.

Orla Kelly, Community Administration Officer, Waterford City and County Council said: “The Local Enhancement Programme provides vital support to small community groups and organisations to help them carry out invaluable work improving their facilities and purchasing equipment."

“By administering the 2024 LEP fund, which supported 190 groups, we have seen first-hand how these grants can make a big difference and we would like to thank all our 2024 successful applicants for the vital work they do for their local communities," said Ms Kelly. Encouraging all interested groups to view the Council's website, Ms Kelly said the application process is straight-forward.

The closing date for applications to the LEP is 4pm on January 31.