Local Development Companies Network

24/06/2026

Announcing the launch of the National Social Enterprise Awards 2026 🎉

Now in its second year, the awards celebrate the social enterprises that are creating positive change in communities across Ireland.

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 awards highlight the breadth and strength of Ireland’s social enterprise sector.

We also acknowledge the valued support of Community Finance Ireland as sponsor of the awards.

🗓 Applications are now open
⏰ Deadline: 11.59pm, Friday 31st July 2026
💡 A range of categories recognise impact across areas such as community development, climate action, wellbeing, and inclusion.

If your organisation is making a difference through enterprise, we encourage you to apply.

👉 Learn more and apply: https://ldcn.ie/awards/

23/06/2026

Marian Harkin TD voiced her strong support for the LEADER programme at the Local Development Companies Network Pre-Budget Submission Launch, recognising how critical it is to the future of rural communities.

Describing LEADER as the “trunk and roots of a tree,” quoting Maura Walsh, CEO - she highlighted how so many local supports and community initiatives depend on its strength. If those roots are weakened, the whole structure of rural development is put at risk.

LEADER must be protected and supported.

LDCN call for the ringfencing of LEADER.



Thanks to for the video.

20/06/2026

South West Mayo Development Company CEO Sabina Trench met with Minster Jack Chambers and Senator Fiona O’Loughlin during their visit to Westport on Friday. Their knowledge of local development companies and the work of South West Mayo Development Company was impressive.

Separately, in Buswells at the Pre-Budget Submission launch, Paul Lawless TD dropped in to show his support. He’s pictured with Thomas Fitzpatrick, chair of South West Mayo Development Company and Local Development Companies Network CEO Máirín Ó Cuireáin.

It’s been a busy week of engaging our elected representatives, but one that’s so worthwhile on behalf of the communities we support.

Jack Chambers Senator Fiona O'Loughlin Paul Lawless TD

19/06/2026

19/06/2026

As the dust settles on the launch of our 𝗣𝗿𝗲-𝗕𝘂𝗱𝗴𝗲𝘁 𝗦𝘂𝗯𝗺𝗶𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟳, we reflect on the incredible show of support from across the aisles in the Houses of the Oireachtas. There is no questioning the value of what Local Development Companies do the length and breadth of the country; the only question is this: 𝘄𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗕𝘂𝗱𝗴𝗲𝘁 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟳 𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗰𝗵 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗮𝗺𝗯𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗼𝗳 𝗽𝗼𝗹𝗶𝗰𝘆 𝘁𝗼 𝗱𝗲𝗹𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝘄𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘄𝗲’𝗿𝗲 𝘂𝗻𝗶𝗾𝘂𝗲𝗹𝘆 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝗰𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝗱𝗼?

Thank you especially to Minister Dara Calleary TD and all the elected representatives that called in to show their support.

Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht

18/06/2026

We are thankful to Deputy for his support of our Pre-Budget Submission.

17/06/2026

Here’s a snap shot of our day at the launch of our Pre-Budget Submission 2027.

Our message to Government is clear: Budget 2027 must match ambition with investment.

We are asking elected representatives and Government to support this submission and to back the local development work that makes a real difference every day in communities across Ireland.

Thank you to all those who attended today’s launch.

16/06/2026

Sligo LEADER: 31 Years of Impact and a Call to Protect the Future

Sligo LEADER Partnership brought together public representatives, community leaders, and key stakeholders to reflect on more than three decades of community-led rural development, and to highlight a growing concern:

👉 The future of the LEADER Programme is not guaranteed.

For 31 years, Sligo LEADER Partnership has been at the heart of rural progress.

✔ Supporting local businesses and social enterprises
✔ Revitalising towns and villages
✔ Creating real opportunities for people across Sligo

This isn’t just a programme, it’s a proven model that puts communities in control of their own future.

A powerful moment came from former EU Commissioner Ray MacSharry, who helped create LEADER 35 years ago:

“The creation of the LEADER Programme was one of my greatest achievements.”

His vision still shapes rural Ireland today.

With strong support in the room from Minister Frank Feighan and Deputy Eamonn Scanlon, one message stood out loud and clear:

✅ LEADER works
✅ It delivers real impact
✅ It must be protected

But here’s the reality.

Decisions being made right now at national and EU level could shape, or limit, what happens next.

As Chairperson Dr. Amanda McCloat put it:

“Rural communities still need LEADER, and LEADER still works.”

10/06/2026

Refugee Week is taking place from the 15 – 21 June, this year’s theme is ‘Courage/Misneach’.

This is a week where we celebrate everyday acts of courage by individuals, families and groups across Ireland, and everyone is welcome. During the week, communities across Ireland will be sharing music, food, conversation and learning, and much more.

We recognise that it takes courage to be welcoming and to seek safety in a new country. Courage can bring people together to bridge divides and stand in solidarity. Inviting someone new to join your group or GAA practice, offering street directions, or simply a friendly smile. These seemingly small acts of courage, often everyday actions, multiplied bring us closer and help us work together to build the Ireland we all deserve.

Let’s show our local pride to make Ireland a welcoming and safe place for everyone who calls it home.

See what's on near you 📌 https://refugeeweek.ie/events/list/

📸 Images below from some of the events happening in Mayo, thanks to South West Mayo Development Company CLG for the posters.

Refugee Week

04/06/2026

Can long-term, integrated approaches help reverse rural depopulation?

An in-depth article looks at the experience of Castilla-La Mancha (Spain), where demographic decline in depopulated rural areas has been reversed through a combination of measures supporting connectivity, services, economic opportunities and territorial development: https://bit.ly/4nRxqjX

👉 Discover a range of resources on demography & rural attractiveness, including publications, news, events, and good practices from across Europe: https://bit.ly/4uBF7xp

👉 Join a dedicated online discussion group: https://bit.ly/4u0GG6L