Tourism Jobs in County Clare Now at Risk Without LEADER Funding, Warns Local Development Chief

Published on December 28, 2025

A growing funding crisis is putting the future of rural tourism projects and hundreds of jobs in County Clare at risk, with severe under-funding seen in the LEADER programme. This crisis is also compounded by the proposed changes to the 2028-2034 Common Agricultural Policy, which would significantly change funding for community-led rural initiatives across Ireland.

The need to ring-fence a budget for the LEADER programme was also recently underlined by Deputy Joe Cooney, Fine Gael TD for Clare, in his submission to the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Agriculture. The funding model has been crucial in supporting local tourism and rural development projects, and any slash or reconfiguration to this fund could have far-reaching ramifications for rural economies and tourist-dependent communities.

Cooney’s appeal stressed respect for local autonomy at community levels and sufficient financial sustenance so as to give the local development groups the wherewithal to meet special needs peculiar to their areas. The new look that the next CAP may take, rural tourism in Clare and other rural parts of Ireland is facing a risk that is getting graver with each passing day.

The Role of LEADER in Sustaining Rural Tourism

The LEADER programme has been a key driver of sustainable development in rural areas, particularly through the support of local tourism initiatives. For years, LEADER has helped fund small-scale tourism projects that bring economic benefits to underdeveloped regions, creating jobs and improving local infrastructure. The funding has enabled communities to develop eco-friendly tourism initiatives, preserve cultural heritage, and offer unique visitor experiences that might not otherwise be possible due to a lack of resources.

However, according to Deputy Joe Cooney, the future of this vital programme is at a crossroads. He stressed that the current funding model for LEADER is insufficient and that the ongoing crisis could further erode the impact of this programme if changes to the CAP funding model are not addressed.

A Funding Cliff Edge for Rural Tourism

The threat posed by the funding cliff edge for tourism projects in County Clare became especially apparent during a recent session of the Joint Oireachtas Committee. Doirín Graham, the Chief Executive of Clare Local Development Company (CLDC), warned that all LEADER tourism funding in Clare would cease by December 2025, with no replacement scheme in sight for the next three years. This is a situation echoed in other parts of the country, where local development companies are struggling with the reality of drastically reduced funding.

Graham’s comments underscore the desperate situation that many rural communities now face. Without financial support for small tourism projects, employment in rural areas is at risk, particularly in places that rely on tourism as a key economic driver. The LEADER programme has been one of the few sources of funding for smaller-scale tourism projects, and its absence threatens to destabilize the economic fabric of rural Ireland.

The Importance of Tourism in County Clare’s Economy

Tourism plays a central role in County Clare’s economy, with the Cliffs of Moher, Burren National Park, and Loop Head drawing thousands of visitors each year. However, the benefits of tourism extend far beyond these major attractions. Smaller, community-driven projects have enabled rural areas to develop unique experiences for tourists while preserving local culture and heritage.

Graham pointed out that there are currently ten high-quality tourism projects ready for funding in County Clare, but without support from LEADER, these initiatives will not move forward. She argued that tourism is vital for the development of rural economies, as it can bring in money, create jobs, and provide opportunities for communities that would otherwise struggle to attract investment.

Moreover, tourism in rural areas like Clare reaches remote locations, creating opportunities for employment and growth in places where traditional industries may not be as prevalent. Local tourism projects can also help preserve natural landscapes, promote cultural heritage, and encourage sustainable development — all of which are essential for the long-term health of rural communities.

Impact on Employment and Local Communities

The reduction of funding for rural tourism initiatives is not just a blow to tourism development, but also a direct threat to jobs in rural areas. As Ms. Graham explained, the lack of funding will lead to job losses in communities that rely heavily on tourism to provide employment opportunities. For many, these tourism jobs are the only source of income, and the closure of projects would have a devastating impact on livelihoods.

The loss of tourism funding also means that smaller communities will lose out on the chance to build more sustainable, diversified economies. While urban areas may have other sources of economic growth, rural areas often depend on tourism to generate economic activity and provide employment for young people. The closure of tourism projects could lead to greater out-migration, as younger people leave rural areas in search of better job prospects.

The Need for a Ringfenced LEADER Budget

Deputy Cooney’s submission to the committee stressed the need for a ringfenced LEADER budget that would ensure consistent, long-term funding for rural tourism projects. This funding would be protected from any potential changes to the broader CAP framework, allowing local communities to continue developing tourism initiatives that align with their unique needs.

A ringfenced budget would also guarantee that resources are allocated specifically to support sustainable tourism projects in rural areas. By safeguarding funding, Ireland can ensure that communities have the tools they need to grow their local economies while preserving their natural beauty and cultural heritage.

Looking Ahead: Protecting Rural Tourism and Employment

As the debates on the next CAP continue, it is crucial that the government gives significant recognition to rural tourism and the jobs which it supports. This is imperative so as to protect such tourism from further cuts, thereby allowing local communities to continue in their development. The protection of rural economies relies on effective policies which acknowledge the value of tourism as a driver of sustainable growth.

Any proposed changes to the CAP must take into consideration the specific needs of rural Ireland and ensure a financial landscape that supports tourism initiatives benefiting both local communities and the broader economy. By investing in rural tourism, Ireland can continue to nurture these same, strong-structured and resilient communities, thus securing a better future for the next generation of people working in the countryside.