Local Development Companies Network

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Local Development Companies Network Supporting Ireland's Local Development Companies who in turn support over 6,000 community groups and social enterprises. Employing over 3,000 full time staff.

Investing almost €230 million worth of supports each year in local communities. The Local Development Companies Network CLG (formerly ILDN) is the representative body for Ireland’s Local Development Companies (LDCs). These not-for-profit groups are building inclusive, vibrant communities and better life chances for people in every part of Ireland. They assist communities and disadvantaged persons/groups with personal development and well-being, social inclusion, employment training and placement, enterprise and social enterprise, community development, environment and climate action. With 2,100 employees on the ground, supporting 15,000 community groups and 170,000 individuals through €300+ million of programmes, each year, the LDCN membership is the largest Community Development/Anti-Poverty Network in the state. Programmes include LEADER, Social Inclusion Community Activation Programme, Local Employment Service, Jobs Clubs, Back to Work Enterprise Allowance,Tús, Rural Social Scheme, social enterprise, Rural Recreation, Walks Scheme, health, mental health and social prescribing, environmental management and climate action. Local Development Companies Network (LDCN) supports Local Development Companies through policy development and research; HR supports; training; representation to funders and policymakers; internal and external communications; widespread networking fora; membership of government and civil society committees, consultative bodies or working groups; group procurement, Garda Vetting etc. LDCN is governed by a 14-person voluntary Board comprising Chairpersons and CEOs of Local Development Companies from six regions across the country. The Company also meets in Council comprising all Chairpersons and CEOs several times annually.

09/10/2026

A snap shot of the day at the National Social Enterprise Awards 2026 award-giving ceremony today!







09/10/2026

Listen to Celine Nic Oireachtaigh from , our sponsor for the National Social Enterprise Awards 2026.

Community Finance Ireland is an all-island social finance provider offering flexible, ethical loans to community groups, charities, social enterprises and sports clubs. All of its profits are reinvested for the benefit of the sector.

We would like to thank them for their contribution.




08/10/2026

Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Dara Calleary TD, and Minister of State, Jerry Buttimer, today announced a Budget package worth €628 million for 2027.

This funding ensures continued investment across the wide range of current and capital schemes operated by the Department, which support rural areas and communities throughout the country, including our Gaeltacht and island communities.

https://loom.ly/ntaGD6Y

This year's National Social Enterprise Awards 2026 feature five primary categories, three secondary categories, two indi...
08/10/2026

This year's National Social Enterprise Awards 2026 feature five primary categories, three secondary categories, two individual categories, and the overall Social Enterprise of the Year award.

We're pleased to announce this year's finalists!
Congratulations to everyone who made the shortlist, and a massive thank you to all who entered. 👏

The winners will be announced this Friday at Dance Limerick. 🏆

We would like to thank Community Finance Ireland for their valued support as sponsors of this year's awards.

The Awards are delivered on behalf of the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht by the Local Development Companies Network, Irish Social Enterprise Network, The Wheel, and Social Enterprise Republic of Ireland.

The National Social Enterprise Awards 2026 take place this Friday! 🏆Now in its second year, the Awards celebrate the soc...
08/10/2026

The National Social Enterprise Awards 2026 take place this Friday! 🏆

Now in its second year, the Awards celebrate the social enterprises and individuals creating positive change in communities across Ireland. 💚

We would like to thank everyone who entered in the Awards, and congratulations to all the finalists! We would also like to acknowledge the valued support of Community Finance Ireland, sponsors of this year's awards. 👏

The Awards are delivered on behalf of the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht by the Local Development Companies Network, Irish Social Enterprise Network, The Wheel, and Social Enterprise Republic of Ireland.

08/10/2026
08/10/2026
05/10/2026

As the Local Development Companies Network National Conference came to a close, An Taoiseach Micheál Martin recognised the unique role of Local Development Companies as the bridge between national ambition and local delivery.

Reflecting on the work of the sector, he acknowledged that Local Development Companies put the "flesh on the bones of policy", turning national commitments into meaningful action in communities across Ireland.

He also recognised the importance of sustained investment in community development, saying "we need to resource you" to continue supporting communities, strengthening resilience and responding to local needs.

From rural development and social inclusion to helping communities navigate challenges and change, the message was clear: strong, connected communities remain one of Ireland's greatest strengths, and Local Development Companies have a central role to play in building Ireland's future.

Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht
Government of Ireland

02/10/2026

An Taoiseach closed the conference, underlining the importance of strong communities, local leadership and collective action.

The challenges are complex, but the knowledge, commitment and solutions already exist within communities across Ireland.

Thank you to our speakers, delegates, Local Development Companies, partners and supporters for two days of meaningful discussion, learning and collaboration. 🙌

The conversations may be ending, but the work continues.

Local Action. Lasting Impact.




Address

42 Dawson Street
Dublin
D02NX79

Telephone

+35361404923

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