A central focus for the 2023-2027 LEADER programme will be the need to ensure the social cohesion of a sub-regional area i.e. not just to support economic development but also to support social inclusion. Rural Ireland is becoming increasingly diverse and it is important to embrace this diversity ensuring that future community development recognises the needs of all members of society.

People may be excluded and marginalised from participating in activities that are considered the norm for others in society because of inadequate income and resources. In rural areas, in particular, the low density of population, high levels of out-migration and distance from urban centres, can often result in fewer employment options and lower levels of service provision than in urban areas. In rural areas, people’s experience of exclusion is often compounded by physical isolation.

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There are 4 sub-themes associated with this main LEADER Theme.

 

You can see an overview of each sub-theme below, by clicking on the button.