Galway Rural Development launch survey for LEADER programme

A new online survey has been launched for residents in Ballinasloe, Tuam, Loughrea and Athenry to deliver the next LEADER Programme for the municipal districts of east Galway.

The survey has been designed by Galway Rural Development (GRD) to assist the organisation with the planning and development of their strategy to deliver the new LEADER Programme 2023-2027.

Steve Dolan, CEO of GRD, said "We have been really pleased at the level of engagement and the ideas that we received at the different consultation sessions, but there may be people, organisations and businesses that missed the opportunity to attend so we would encourage them to log to it and have their say".

"The key to a good plan is to make sure it reflects the needs, opportunities and aspirations of the community, so getting insights and creating ownership of the plan at community level is important."

GRD’s LEADER Manager, Conor Carty, added: "This time around, the programme has a bigger focus on the environment, on climate change, as well as on rural infrastructure, social inclusion, business, and tourism. We at GRD are keen to encourage developments in these areas over the coming years."

GRD want to make sure that locals understand the priorities, issues, needs and opportunities that are important to the region and its communities. This short questionnaire is to help them gather this essential information.

Anyone who wishes to complete the survey should visit the link here

LEADER is a community-led local development funding approach and European Union initiative to support development projects primarily in rural areas.