LEADER is an EU funded programme aimed at improving the quality of life in rural areas and diversifying the rural community. Westmeath Community Development in partnership with Westmeath County Council will oversee the distribution of a €7.4m budget between projects across Westmeath.

Themes of the programme are:

• Rural economic development / enterprise development and job creation in relation to: (a) rural tourism, (b) enterprise development, (c) broadband and (d) rural towns
• Social inclusion in relation to (a) basic services for hard to reach communities and (b) rural youth
• Rural environment in relation to (a) protection and sustainable use of water resources, (b) protection and improvement of biodiversity and (c) development of renewable energy

An information evening will take place on Thursday 6th October at 8pm in St Patrick’s Hall and interested parties are invited to attend.