Policy & Strategy
Gov’t urged to boost community funding, Sláintecare, integration, C.E. – and protect LEADER
The Local Development Companies Network (LDCN) presented its pre-budget submission to Ministers and elected representatives today, saying government policies must be matched with investment in communities
Programmes
New research, new podcast series shows value of Youth Diversion Projects
New research findings provide further evidence that Ireland’s Youth Diversion Projects (YDPs), which employ 550 people and support thousands of youngsters, have tangible and valuable impacts. In a world supposedly led by "influencers", the greatest influence can actually come through good relations established between youth workers and young people.
Initiatives
Shocking data led to Dublin 10 Food Alliance
A new group aims to end the isolation of food poverty by creating warm, inclusive spaces, where everyone has a seat at the table. Launched in early February, the new Dublin 10 Food Alliance describes itself as “a coalition dedicated to transforming the local food landscape”. It is a response to research that revealed that 40% of the community in Ballyfermot faces food poverty.
Initiatives
Social Farming Ireland now 10 years old and has just expanded
Social Farming Ireland is this year celebrating 10 years of the national network. Its annual conference will take place on April 24 at The Heritage Hotel, Killenard, Co Laois.
Initiatives
It’s a start! An apprenticeship for non-profit administrators
No-one has yet done an apprenticeship in non-profit administration in Ireland, because it’s an option that simply does not exist at present, but that could soon be rectified.
Policy & Strategy
Comprehensive OECD report all about rural Ireland published
After an extensive two-year exercise the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) has published a comprehensive rural policy review of Ireland.
The Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht had contracted the OECD to undertake the review to aid the development of future policy.
Programmes
Erris should be part of the Family Resource Centre Programme
If all accept Erris should be part of the National Family Resource Centre Programme, then why are they waiting so long?
Initiatives
Hundreds attended inaugural Local Development Conference
The inaugural Local Development Conference held recently in Ballina, Co. Mayo, marked a major milestone for the community-led local development sector, celebrating the essential role Local Development Companies play in social inclusion, rural development, enterprise support, and community services nationwide. Hosted by the Local Development Companies Network (LDCN), the two-day event brought together leaders and changemakers from various sectors to explore “how to build stronger communities, inclusive societies, and resilient local economies”.
Policy & Strategy
Minister and officials hear ideas and concerns from communities nationwide
Cork today hosted the fourth annual National Civic Forum, marking the first time it was hosted outside Dublin. Opened by Corkonian and Minister of State, Jerry Buttimer, it brought together representatives from community organisations, agencies and local and central government to discuss how to tackle social exclusion and improve civic engagement and true collaboration.
Policy & Strategy
Social Inclusion Forum – Dismay at 300% increase in children going into care
The theme of this year’s SIF was ‘Reflecting on the Past and Informing the Future of the Roadmap for Social Inclusion.’
Lorraine Lally from Galway works nationally with the Community Law and Mediation Centre and she gave voice to workshop observations relating to families and children. She said they are “suffering more than I've ever seen before in my life”.
Policy & Strategy
Encouraging data means nothing when you’re struggling – John McKeon
The Social Inclusion Forum 2025 was held on May 8 in Croke Park, Dublin. This was the 20th edition of the forum and you might wonder what's the point in talking, year after year for 20 years. Actually things have changed for the better as John McKeon, secretary general of the Department of Social Protection, pointed out.
