Sligo LEADER marks major milestone

Sligo LEADER Partnership welcomed public representatives, community leaders, and distinguished guests to an event earlier this week reflecting on more than three decades of community-led rural development and highlighting the urgent need to safeguard the future of the LEADER Programme.

Among the invited guests was former EU Commissioner and former Minister for Finance Ray MacSharry, whose leadership at both national and European level has had a lasting impact on Ireland’s economic and rural development landscape. As Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Mr MacSharry played a central role in the creation of the LEADER Programme 35 years ago, a pioneering initiative that transformed how rural communities across Europe could shape their own futures.

Speaking at the event, Mr MacSharry reflected on the significance of that achievement, stating: “The creation of the LEADER Programme was one of my greatest achievements during my time as Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development.” 

Also in attendance was Michael Quigley, former CEO of Sligo LEADER Partnership, whose leadership helped guide the organisation through key phases of growth. His contribution was acknowledged as foundational to the organisation’s continued success.

The event was further supported by the presence of Minister of State Frank Feighan and Deputy Eamonn Scanlon, demonstrating strong cross-party recognition of the importance of sustained investment in rural communities.

This year marks 31 years since the establishment of Sligo LEADER Partnership, a milestone that reflects the organisation’s evolution from a new rural development initiative into a trusted driver of social, economic, and community progress.

Over three decades, Sligo LEADER has supported thousands of individuals, community groups, and enterprises. Projects funded through LEADER have revitalised villages, strengthened local services, supported social enterprises, enhanced tourism, and created new opportunities for people of all ages. The bottom-up, community-led ethos of LEADER has proven itself repeatedly as an effective model for rural development.

Representatives of Sligo LEADER emphasised that this progress has been made possible through the dedication of board members, staff, and strong community partnerships, as well as the belief that rural Ireland deserves sustained investment and attention.

While celebrating past achievements, Sligo LEADER also highlighted growing concerns about the future of the programme. With funding structures and policy priorities under review at both national and EU level, the organisation stressed the need for proactive engagement with government and MEPs.

“We now find ourselves in a position where we must actively encourage members of government and our representatives in Europe to work on our behalf and ensure that LEADER funding continues to support rural communities for years to come,” said Dr Amanda McCloat, Chairperson of Sligo LEADER Partnership. “Our message is clear: 'Rural communities still need LEADER, and LEADER still works.' 

"Sligo LEADER Partnership reaffirmed its commitment to advocating for a programme that remains community led, properly resourced, and accessible to the people it is designed to serve."