Exploring the Impact of LEADER+ Support
for Women and Young People in
County Wicklow
Written by Kathy Walsh and Helen Fitzgerald
of KW Research & Associates
JANUARY 2007
Wicklow Rural Partnership Ltd. (WRP) is responsible for the delivery of the LEADER Plus programme in Co. Wicklow. LEADER Plus is an EU programme,
aimed at promoting the long-term sustainable development of rural areas.
As part of their role, WRP provides funding support to a wide range of community
and enterprise initiatives in Wicklow. WRP established a number of specific
initiatives aimed at supporting women and youth under LEADER Plus and also
assigned dedicated staff resources to their implementation.
In June 2006, WRP commissioned Kathy Walsh and Helen Fitzgerald of KW
Research Associates to undertake a qualitative research study to capture the
experiences of Wicklow based women’s groups and young people’s groups as
recipients of LEADER Plus grant support. A small sample of the social, cultural,
economic and environmental projects that resulted from the commitments made
by Wicklow Rural Partnership under LEADER Plus in support of women and
young people formed the basis for this evaluation study.
This report details the outcomes of the study and serves to highlight and to
reflect the range and achievements of women’s’ and young peoples’ groups in
Wicklow. We hope that this report will benefit the community groups involved and
any local group investing their resources and their voluntary commitment in
community projects to enhance services to women and young people across
Wicklow. The learning gained from the project, will also help WRP’s community
group members and partners to plan for the new LEADER programme, due to
start in 2007.
WRP would like to thank the D'Caf in Blessington, Kilcoole Women’s Network,
ACORN, the Laura Greaves Bursary, Tinahely Women’s Network and Carnew
Traditional Craft Group for their participation in and contributions to this study.
We would also like to thank Kathy Walsh and Helen Fitzgerald for their
enthusiasm and professionalism in conducting the study on behalf of WRP.
Wicklow Rural Partnership Ltd.
To get an entire copy of this report please download it
from the downloads page
Wicklow
Rural Partnership Ltd., Saville House, Saville's Cross, Rathdrum,
Co. Wicklow, Ireland.
Tel: +353 404 46977, Fax: + 353 404 46978, Email: info@wicklowleader.ie
  
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