Local and Community Development Programme

The Local and Community Development Programme is managed by Pobal on behalf of the Department of Environment, Community and Local Government. It is the successor to the Local Development Social Inclusion Programme and the Community Development Programme and forms part of the National Development Plan 2007-2013.

Westmeath Community Development has been administering the programme in Co Westmeath since the 1990’s. The LCDP in Westmeath also covers the areas and work covered by Athlone Community Taskforce and Harmony CDP, following the integration of the old Local Development Social Inclusion Programme and the Community Development Programme into one new Programme.

Aim
The Local and Community Development Programme aims to tackle poverty and social exclusion through partnership and constructive engagement between Government and its agencies and people in disadvantaged communities.

Target Groups/Areas
The programme prioritises marginalised people and groups within the most disadvantaged communities, which means that it targets those furthest from access to education, training and employment, and those at highest risk of social exclusion. The programme will continue to work with the target groups/areas and issues as prioritised under the previous programmes based on an identification and demonstration of analysis of local need.

Programme Goals

1. Promote awareness, knowledge and uptake of a wide range of statutory, voluntary and community services.
   
   
2. Increase access to formal and informal educational, recreational and cultural activities and resources.
   
   
3. Increase people’s work readiness and employment prospects.
   
   
4. Promote active engagement with policy, practice and decision making processes on matters affecting local communities.

If you are interested in getting a copy of Westmeath Community Development's LCDP Strategic Plan 2011 - 2013 please contact:

Frank Murtagh, Assistant CEO     Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

The current Rural Development (LEADER) Programme runs until 2015 and has a substantial budget. It`s role is to stimulate new innovative ideas and offer practical support to businesses, farm families and community groups in getting their ideas off the ground.

The current programme provides attractive incentives for new micro-enterprise projects to start up and many already have. We provide support for farm-diversification projects into non-agricultural activities, some food enterprises, opportunities in rural recreation and rural-tourism, all of which are important to our rural economy.

For community and voluntary groups, there are opportunities to develop new and existing local facilities and services, as well as pursuing projects in village renewal and development. Environmental projects, including energy conservation and renewable energy, and the conservation of rural heritage are also supported. There are also opportunities to benefit from training projects in many areas of the county.

Businesses, individuals, farm-families and community and voluntary groups who have a project idea should contact:

Bernie Leavy       Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Caroline Moran   Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Conor Carty        Email:  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Under the New Rural Development Programme (LEADER) 2007-2013 the following are the measures which are included in the new programme:-

1. Diversification into non-agricultural activities
2. Support for business creation and development
3. Encouragement of tourism activities
4. Basic services for the economy and rural population
5. Village renewal and development
6. Conservation and upgrading of rural heritage
7. Training  

Below you will find more information on eligible activities, rates of aid etc.

Any businesses, individuals, farm-families and community and voluntary groups who have a project idea should contact:

Bernie Leavy       Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Caroline Moran   Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Conor Carty        Email:  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

In this section we will provide information:-

·         On what's going on in the Rural Development (Leader) Programme at the moment. 

·         We will publicise events and update you with any press releases that we issue. 

·         News on any training that we will be holding will included here also. 

Check back regularly to see what's new!