LCDP

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

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