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
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.
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.
Policy & Strategy
Arts project in South Kerry Gaeltacht reframes debate around housing
Artists who immersed themselves in the South Kerry Gaeltacht to get to know aspiring home-owners, housing activists, community workers and staff in statutory agencies, have proposed novel actions to tackle housing scarcity.
Policy & Strategy
200 gather to celebrate 10th year of Public Participation Networks
The sixth national Public Participation Networks (PPNs) conference was held in Limerick recently on the 10th anniversary of their establishment.
Vincent Lyons, Galway County PPN, said, “There’s no doubt about it, we've come an awful long way in the ten years. I think as a result of the PPNs, groups are better informed and they can use funding opportunities better because there's more widespread delivery of information.”
Policy & Strategy
Members of public invited to join Advisory Group on Racism and Racial Equality
Minister of State for Community Development, Integration, and Charities Joe O’Brien has this week announced the publication of an expression of interest campaign for the Advisory Group on Racism and Racial Equality.
Policy & Strategy
End Child Poverty Week – Call for Budget 2024 to be “Children’s Budget”
End Child Poverty Week takes place this year from September 11 to 15 to highlight key issues relating to child poverty and the impact on those affected.
Policy & Strategy
First Local Action Groups to deliver LEADER 2023-2027 funding announced
Local Action Groups in counties Carlow and Tipperary were announced today as the first two local development strategies (LDS) approved to deliver the 2023-2027 LEADER programme.
Policy & Strategy
Islands policy provides “a good foundation” – Comhar na nOileán
Residents of Ireland’s offshore islands believe that the new national policy for island communities provides a good foundation to help address some of the challenges facing them.
