West Cork Development Partnership is the local development company responsible for the delivery of the Rural Development (LEADER) programme 2007-2013 in the West Cork area (view map of the area of operations).

What is the RDP/LEADER Programme?

The Programme is part funded (55%) by the EU through the European Agriculture Fund for Rural Development and by the Irish national exchequer (45%). The overall objective for the programme is to improve the quality of life in rural areas and encourage diversification of the rural economy. This objective will be achieved by the following funding measures within the programme:

1. Increasing economic activity in the rural economy,
2. Supporting the creation and development of micro-enterprises in the rural economy,
3. Encouraging rural tourism based on the sustainable development of natural resources and the cultural & natural heritage,
4. Improving access to basic services for rural dwellers,
5. Regenerating rural villages by improving economic prospects, community relations and quality of life, and
6. Maintaining, restoring and upgrading the natural and built heritage.

An equally important dimension of the programme is that delivery of the above measures is based on the LEADER approach. In particular the programme is delivered by a Local Action Group in line with an area based local development strategy. The strategy is implemented in a bottom-up fashion, i.e not programmed from the top down at national or EU level but based on local needs, circumstances and consultation. For this reason there will be subtle differences in the approach of local development groups around Ireland.

Who should I talk to?

We recommend that prior to making an application, however, you make an appointment to talk to one of our development officers.

Lisa Cashman - Community, Tourism, Environment – email lisac @ wcdp.ie

Kevin Santry – Food, Agri Diversification – email kevin @ wcdp.ie

Jean O’Sullivan – Tourism and craft – email jean @ wcdp.ie

Ivan McCutcheon – RDP Programme Manager – email ivan @wcdp.ie

What has been funded so far?

Follow this link to view a complete list of projects that have been allocated funding to date.

Other Useful Forms etc.

Grant Claim Form (used for drawing down funding on project or phase completion)

Logos to Acknowledge RDP/LEADER Assistance

Project promoters that have been approved for funding under the Rural Development Programme are required to acknowledge this in all instances. In the case of capital projects of a physical nature, this will take the form of an explanatory plaque the form of which will be agreed with West Cork Development Partnership. In the case of projects that have a written or electronic form, then the following logos must be displayed prominently: