The Local Enhancement Programme 2026 is being provided by the Government to support community and voluntary groups and consists of €7 million in funding to be allocated across the local authority network. The Local Enhancement Programme 2026 was announced by the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Dara Calleary TD, and Minister of State with responsibility for Community Development and Charities, Jerry Buttimer TD, on 5^th December, 2025. Please see the following link to the Press Release announcing the Local Enhancement Programme 2026 at national level: Press Release

The Local Enhancement Programme 2026 was launched at local level by the Cathaoirleach of Kerry County Council, Cllr. Michael Foley and the Director of Community, Climate Action and Operational Services, Mr. Paul Neary on Tuesday 20th January, 2026.

Kerry County Council and Kerry Local Community Development Committee (LCDC) invite applications for funding under the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht’s Local Enhancement Programme 2026.

Kerry received the below allocation under the Local Enhancement Programme 2026:-

The Local Enhancement Programme 2026 is funded by the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht and administered by the Local Community Development Committee (LCDC) and the final approval of grants will be a matter for the LCDC.  

The Local Enhancement Programme 2026 will provide capital supports that are essential for many small not-for-profit community or voluntary groups and organisations, particularly those who serve disadvantaged communities in rural and urban areas.   

Groups will be able to apply for funding to carry out necessary repairs and improvements to their facilities, or purchase equipment such as tables and chairs, tools and signage, laptops and printers, lawnmowers, canopies and training equipment etc. 

Groups should be aware that the Programme may be oversubscribed.  Therefore, in such circumstances, all applications fulfilling the conditions may not be successful or may be for a lesser amount.

All applications for funding under this programme will be reviewed and assessed to ensure consistency with the Kerry Local Economic and Community Plan (LECP).

In deciding the final allocations of funding to projects, the LCDC may take account of a number of factors including geographical balance, previous funding received by the applicant and the desirability to fund a variety of projects.

How To Apply

The Local Enhancement Programme 2026 application form is required to be completed electronically, via an online portal. The online application form including the Terms & Conditions of Funding are Guidelines are available on the following link: https://consult.kerrycoco.ie/en/content/local-enhancement-programme-2026

The closing date for receipt of applications under the Local Enhancement Programme 2026 has been extended to Friday 27^th February, 2026  Closing date will be strictly adhered to.

• Please review the Scheme Guidelines in full for all information.
• All questions on the form must be answered and supporting documentation uploaded where specified. 
• Queries can be directed by email to [email protected] or by phone to the Community, Climate Action & Operational Services Department at 066-7183680.